To celebrate International Women’s Day, we asked a range of women in landscape, ‘’What inspired you to join the landscape profession, and what are your hopes for the future?’
Carolin Göhler FLI, Landscape Architect and Horticulturist, Acting President/President Elect Landscape Institute.
“Nature inspires me but also my dad, who designed and built little buildings, drainage and ponds himself, his desk covered with rulers, compass, special paper and coloured pencils. Also, my ambitious mother with books and tenacity – both were ever encouraging.
“Inspirational still now are my former fellow apprentices (90% women) including horticultural entrepreneur and designer Gertrude Jekyll, innovative horticulturalist Beth Chatto, local practicing landscape mentor Liz Lake and boundary breaking designer Martha Schwartz – all and more supported me to go far and become a wholesome professional. My ambitions are that I and other female landscape specialists will do the same to our emerging new female talents.”
Emma Hayes CMLI, Associate and Co-Owner at Tir Collective, LI Advisory Council Branch Representative for Wales.
“Growing up, I spent a lot of my time outdoors. When I was 17-18, my graphics teacher recommended that I look into landscape architecture to study at university. I had never heard of landscape architecture before, but after doing some research, visiting a few universities, and talking with students and tutors, I knew landscape architecture was for me – I have never looked back.
“My hope is that more young people discover and recognise the career potential of landscape architecture. It’s challenging and constantly evolving, offers a great diversity of work, and no day or site is the same.”
Dr Anastasia Nikologianni AMLI, Consultant/Research Fellow CATiD BCU, Chair International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) Working Group Emerging Professionals Advocate, Policy & Communications Committee Representative on LI Advisory Council.
“Landscape is our future! The landscape is everything we depend on, and therefore we need to appreciate it, to understand it and recognize its importance. Understanding its processes and how these impact on our daily lives is what has intrigued me to deal with climate emergency and spatial strategies. If we want to have a future, we need to put the landscape at the forefront of any development for infrastructural, social, cultural, and environmental considerations.
“I do believe that landscape architecture is the go-to profession of the future and I truly hope that we can give solutions to various issues.”
Nicola Phillips CMLI, Director and Principal Landscape Architect, Nicola Jayne Landscape Design, LI Advisory Council Member
“My love for nature and landscape came from my Grandad and his garden…his sanctuary, and mine. To this day, I go there as often as I can, whether it’s to simply reflect, enjoy the space, or to get stuck into a task together.
“Seeing my young boys interact with nature makes me more passionate than ever to create beautiful green spaces and educate the younger generation on the magic of the landscape profession. I hope that for the future the younger generation see how they can change the world with a bit of help from the creative landscape industry.”
Neelam Sheemar, Head of Marketing, Communications, & Events, Landscape Institute
“Nature has always been my sanctuary since childhood, going on long walks and just listening, and seeing the colourful landscape around me.
“Having worked in different sectors within the industry, I’ve always been fascinated by the different elements and stakeholders that shape and are involved within a project cycle, and how landscape plays a crucial role in connecting elements together but also brings immense benefits. Cognitive diversity is important, and I have felt inspired by the contribution and success stories of women in the profession, despite the challenges they may have faced. It’s encouraging to see the different role models and support networks available, sharing experiences and guidance.”
Naomi Taylor, Head of Membership Services & Acting Commercial Director, Landscape Institute
“It is an honour to be a relatively new “woman in landscape” and I am honoured to be considered as such. It is a true pleasure to cheer on the fantastic women who do so much for this wonderful profession, and I am proud to lead the team which helps them gain their professional recognition they deserve, such as Technician status (TMLI), Chartership (CMLI) and Fellowship of the Landscape Institute. I feel lucky to work with and for such inspiring women in the sector.”
Jinming Wei, LI Student Member, LI Awards 2023 Student Portfolio Winner
“I am an individual with an insatiable curiosity about the world, and I aspire to contribute to its betterment. Landscape architecture, as a multidisciplinary field, encompasses environmental care and integrates knowledge from art, ecology, engineering, culture, science, and technology. This fusion of disciplines has not only satisfied my curiosity but has also become an intrinsic desire within me.
“Looking ahead, I hope that the landscape profession will prioritize sustainable practices. This includes developing resilient systems and implementing green infrastructure to effectively combat climate change and other environmental challenges.”
