Carmen Garcia del Salto studied MA Landscape Architecture, graduating in July 2018. She now works as a Landscape Architect back in her home country, Spain. In this blog, she explains how her Leeds Beckett course experience has had a positive impact on her career. 

Introduce yourself – tell us who you are and what you do?

My name is Carmen García del Salto and I come from Spain. Despite landscape design not being particularly recognised in Spain, I am the third generation in my family linked to this important profession.

I studied Architecture in Madrid, followed by MA Landscape Architecture at Leeds Beckett. After graduating, I set up a landscape architecture studio and I now design a variety of interesting projects.  

Talk us through your career since graduating?

After a few years working as an architect following my undergraduate degree, I decided to fulfil my dream of becoming a landscape architect. I was sure I wanted to study in the UK and after a few months of research, I realised Leeds Beckett University had all I was looking for.

For personal reasons, I had to go back to Spain after a few years living and working in Leeds and started my own business. Now, I design projects for a remarkable hotel group and other private clients. Projects I’ve designed include a single-family home and garden, the exteriors of a farmhouse and the regeneration of a palm grove in Morocco.

What did you enjoy about your course at Leeds Beckett?

I enjoyed the course very much because it felt like a training workshop where everyday you learned something different. Instead of being a course where you sit and just listen to your lecturer, there were lots of different learning methods – including group activities, lectures from other professionals, visits to gardens and trips.

Also, I remember with great affection my lecturers and classmates. They became great friends. Despite the distance that separates us, I keep strong relations with most of them. 

How did the course equip you for your career?

Firstly, I studied architecture in Madrid. I decided to study architecture because there was no possibility to study Landscape Design in Spain, so I thought that would help me in many ways as a professional in the future. I think I was right. After studying Landscape Architecture, I now understand both professions as a whole. I am now aware of the importance for people to stay connected to nature.

My experience at Leeds Beckett gave me the tools to be able to set up my own business. Not only to know how to design projects, but legal processes and much more.

What opportunities did you have as part of your course?

I met other professionals during my studies, and I was able to find a job with one of the companies that came into the university to give a talk. After coming back to Spain, I have continued this relationship and worked for them from abroad.

What does the future hold for you?

I hope it brings me the perfect excuse to go back to Leeds and continue to learn. I miss having Leeds Beckett University close enough to attend some of the talks and activities which are organised, because they are a rich source of inspiration. Maybe a beautiful project in Yorkshire? We never know... 

In the near future, I will be walking over the sand dunes of our latest project in Morocco and solving the drainage and other landscape issues of a farmhouse in the middle of a natural park. 

What would you say to someone considering studying your course at Leeds Beckett?

Don't miss the opportunity!