So you reached this momentous decision to re-train as a garden designer over a bowl of home-made rice pudding! Why garden design?

I had always been interested in design generally and, when I moved to a house with a large garden in 2001, I realised how absorbing and satisfying it was to alter and improve the outdoor space; to make it more useful and enjoyable.

But it’s a fairly drastic change – energy expert to garden designer. It must have been a difficult decision?

Yes, but I needed to do something new and creative, something I felt I had an aptitude for and could really get my teeth into. Plus, I wanted to be my own boss and spend more time at home with my family. The decision was actually made a lot easier for me because I didn’t have to turn my back on the management consultancy work – my employer was very understanding and agreed to let me work part-time. It enabled me to do my garden design training while earning a regular income. I still do some consultancy work and, for me, it’s the perfect scenario while I build up the garden design business.

So why did you choose the GDS Diploma Course?

I liked the emphasis on learning practical skills so that I could ‘hit the ground running’. Whenever I meet contractors they are always impressed with the quality of my plans, especially the construction elements. I found the college taster day really helpful, particularly getting to see the work that students had produced. And meeting Moira and Robin was important. They have developed a very good course.

And what were the highlights?

Learning a lot of new skills – especially drawing, which I never felt I could do that well. It’s amazing: all of the techniques and tips passed on by Moira and Robin meant that, pretty soon, we were all turning out professional looking plans. The guest lecturers were also good, providing a useful insight into how the industry really works. Team spirit amongst the students on the course was great – I’m sure we’ll stay in touch in the future.

What aspect of the course did you find most challenging?

The time commitment and workload are significant, especially towards the end of the course when the major project and hard and soft landscaping portfolios are due. Overall, though, I’d recommend the course to anyone who is serious about becoming a garden designer. The learning curve is steep and some of the assignments are tough but there is lots of encouragement and support from Moira and Robin and it was very enjoyable and rewarding.

And what does the future hold for you?

Immediately after graduating from GDS last year I set up my own garden design business and have been pretty busy ever since. The work has been varied and interesting; from a meditative garden and a courtyard garden to a front playground for a local primary school. I still work part-time as a management consultant – a couple of days a week – but my aim in the next few years is to make garden design my sole occupation.

I don’t regret for a second choosing garden design as a career. I’d say that my work/life balance now is just about right and I’m certainly a lot happier!

More information: www.johnwilliamsgardens.co.uk

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