I am delighted to feature Landscape Designer Richard Miers who has been designing gardens both in the UK and abroad for over 27 years, Social media this summer was dominated, deservedly so, by his incredibly beautiful RHS Chelsea garden which won the People's Choice Award. His wide range of projects also include a dacha in Moscow, a villa in Sardinia, country gardens for Grade 1 listed houses in Norfolk and Buckinghamshire, a 15 acre garden for a new build Palladian mansion in Surrey and countless town gardens and roof terraces in London. Richard’s gardens are clean and classically contemporary in style, with a strong sense of geometry. I loved chatting to Richard about his journey, I hope it leaves you feeling inspired too.
Tell us your story and what inspired you to set up your company?
I’ve been design gardens since my early 20s, I was inspired to set up my own practice as my confidence grew to such a point that I only wanted to design and create my way.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Winning the People’s Choice Award, for a show garden, at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The love and appreciation I felt from everyone who saw the garden, either in the flesh, on television or on social media was extraordinary.
What do you think it takes to build a successful business and brand?
To have a consistent and clear vision of who you are, what you do and what you can create.
Favourite part about your job?
The wonderful creativity, seeing something being built and then watching the garden mature and grow.
What is the best piece of career advice you have been given?
To have a career in something you love to do. The excitement and knowledge you have will shine through to everyone around you and make success easier for you.
What is your life motto?
Be kind and always think about what might be going on in everyone else’s life before you judge them.
What have you learnt over the last two years?
I’ve learnt yoga, which is fantastic for general fitness, strength and flexibly as well as mental relaxation.
What is your favourite possession and why?
I have a ‘Yard-o-lead’ propelling pencil I was given as a christening present. I love using it everyday.
What is your greatest personal achievement?
I’d say how my two teenage daughters are growing up so wonderfully…and I hope I don’t live to regret saying that!
How do you unwind?
By gardening, visiting gardens, doing yoga, playing tennis and spending time with family and friends.
Tell us about your personal style
Relaxed and informal elegance. Never trying too hard and definitely no labels.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration everywhere, walking down the street, in nature, in art, when traveling etc. I’m not sure that as a designer I notice more things around me than most and that makes me successful or because I notice more things I became a designer and was successful!
Image copyright. RHS Chelsea Clive Anderson and Martin Pope. All others Martin Pope and Richard Miers
Follow @richardmiers and www.richardmiers.com - to keep in touch with all his latest news