Roger Williams is a chartered Landscape Architect, who studied both BA (Hons) Landscape Architecture and Design and PG Dip Landscape Architecture at Leeds Beckett. In this blog, he shares what he loves about his career and looks back on his positive university experience.

Courses: BA (Hons) Landscape Architecture and Design and PG Dip Landscape Architecture

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m a chartered Landscape Architect with over a decade of experience working for small independent landscape practices as well as large multidisciplinary organisations. I’ve led numerous projects from concept through to implementation across public realm, urban regeneration, residential, education and commercial sectors.

I love nature, being outdoors and creative design. When I first learned about landscape architecture as a career option, it seemed like the perfect fit to draw these passions together. I haven’t looked back since. 

What course did you study at Leeds Beckett and what have you been doing since you graduated? 

I studied Landscape Architecture at Leeds Beckett from 2008-2013, including a year out working in London between my undergraduate degree and Master’s.
My first ‘proper job’ was for Gillespies in Leeds. I was involved in some incredible projects while I worked there and gained my chartership in 2015.

After seven years of studying and chartership, in 2016 I took some time out to go travelling to South America with my wife. It was such an inspirational trip, seeing diverse landscapes, people and cultures. I came back fully refreshed and ready for the next step in my career.

In 2017 I joined Atkins London to experience working for a huge multi-disciplinary company. I learnt so much working alongside architects, planners, ecologists and engineers.

In 2020 I moved back to Leeds as I missed the happy Yorkshire people and the beautiful countryside. I’m now working for a small, friendly, creative a supportive practice - PWP Design.

What have been the highlights and challenges of your career so far? 

The most rewarding aspect of my career is seeing projects being used and enjoyed once they’re built, especially when I’ve been involved from the very first scribbly concept ideas. Witnessing people enjoy the spaces you have designed is very special.

Climate change and biodiversity loss are arguably two of the biggest issues of our current world. Working in a profession where I’m able to positively contribute towards these issues is humbling and helps gives me a sense of purpose.

Landscape architecture is such a broad and varied career that it can be challenging to feel professionally confident. 

Tell us about your experience of taking a year out whilst studying at Leeds Beckett? 

I had a year out working for Macfarlane Wilder in London which was a fantastic experience. I soaked up a massive amount of information which set me up brilliantly for coming back to do my Postgraduate Diploma at Leeds Beckett. Working for real clients on projects with budgets and deadlines helped me improve my skills in so many ways. It was eye opening, exciting and a little daunting to be a professional for the first time. For me, taking a year out in industry is one of the most important parts of the studying process.

How has your course experience helped you in your career so far? 

The landscape architecture course helped develop my creative ability and technical skills, as well as improving my confidence presenting work visually and verbally. It gave me a solid understanding of the history, science, art and influential concepts that have driven the evolution of landscape architecture and urban design.

I met some of my best friends while studying Landscape architecture. There’s a bunch of us who have stayed really close which has inadvertently created a bit of a ‘landscape geek’ support network which is lovely.

University gave me the ability to analyse spaces wherever I go, asking questions about the reasons behind a design, and questioning why things may or may not have gone well. My wife has a whole photo album of me taking photos of pavements… so perhaps I take this a bit far sometimes when on holiday!

What's next for you? 

I’m really happy in my current role with PWP Design. I work with a great team on a varied mix of projects. No two days are the same and that’s why I love it. So for now I’m planning to continue to help grow my skills and expand PWP’s portfolio.

I’m going to continue to advocate sustainable and inclusive design for all projects, doing my small bit to make the world a better place one paving slab at a time.

I’ve been fortunate enough to buy a house recently, so designing and building my personal garden is an ongoing project!