Anca Panait is a Landscape Architect with a diverse portfolio that includes educational , residential and public labor .
She was a Finalist for the Royal Horticultural Society ’s Young Designer of the Year Award in 2017 and has since showcased her work at a number of salient flower show .
Leading her own studio , Anca Panait Studio , Anca offers excogitation services in the UK and abroad .
She is also currently the Head of Studio at Bowles & Wyer .
What is your earliest memory of gardening & how did this lead to a career in design?
“ My early years were pass in the countryside , ” Anca start .
“ I was raised by my grandparents until the age of 5 because my parent had to mold , so I would expend most of the time in nature or in their garden . I was fortunate because I was capable to pick up about originate and nurturing the land , which believably unconsciously led to me prefer a calling in landscape painting and garden designing .
“ I commend make love the fresh taste of ripened tomatoes and eagerly awaiting the corn whiskey on the black-backed gull season . My grandparents from both sides were ego - sufficient so we would never buy vegetable , meat or eggs .
Image credit: Daniel Hopkinson
“ I initially discipline to be an designer but did n’t pop off my entry test and the only opportunity to potentially become an architect was by choosing to start as a landscape and urban room decorator .
“ This was the first fourth dimension I heard about this career and while it started from a failure , I come to fall in love with it after my first year and decided to carry on . In a way , I like to opine it was fortune .
“ As a person and a professional , you develop over time and your orientation change . I always think that after graduating I would terminate up work on large lord - planning projects , but I discovered I enjoy the diversity this profession offering .
Image credit: Daniel Hopkinson
“ Currently , the undertaking range not only in eccentric but also in weighing machine , from lowly urban garden to rooftop terrace , countryside gardens or residential development , in the UK and abroad . ”
What inspired you to establish Anca Panait Studio?
“ I ’ve always been a competitive person and wanted to test my limitation and learn , ” she deal .
“ Throughout university and during the first eld of work , I would be involved in 2 - 3 competition which started afford doorway after I won a couple . Slowly , this started turn into collaborations with other designers and a admixture of projects spread around the UK , which gave me the courage to bulge out on my own . ”
Can you share a project or piece of work from Anca Panait Studio that you’re particularly proud of?
“ The studio is centre on special projects , inquiry and educational activity . I ’m very selective with the work I do and I like to experiment . I still do competitions which keeps my creative juices flow .
“ One of the projects I was involved with a couple of years ago was a residential area garden in Scotland for refugees . It was for a genial wellness support charity for black and minority ethnic charwoman and girls aged 12–25 that have fled their homes because of various types of vilification .
“ We transformed what once was an empty car park into a place that gave them the opportunity to grow vegetables and plant that cue them of home and also gave them a space to come across and socialise .
Image credit: Daniel Hopkinson
“ It was a project done with RHS funding where we had to be creative with material , but the upshot was life - transforming as it improved their lives and ego - esteem . It is now a garden that they enjoy spending clip in . ”
How do you stay inspired and keep your ideas fresh?
“ I draw inspiration from personal travels , books and exhibitions , ” she share .
“ Sometimes it can be from day - to - day thing like walks or conversations with masses . Whenever I start a Modern design , some of the first ideas add up from the feel of the place and walking the blank space .
“ Also , hand sketching is how I first screen and visualise some of the first concepts . I do n’t imagine there is an exact formula . It change from labor to externalise . ”
What is your favourite thing about your job, and what is the part you find the most difficult?
“ The early conception stages when devise the construct is probably my favourite part of the caper because it reach me the chance to be originative and inquiry , ” explain Anca .
“ At the other end is a client who does n’t partake the same vision about the hypothesis of what a garden can be and wants a blue - sustentation garden which does n’t exist .
“ I do think there are time when is best to part ways to avoid frustration and disappointment on both sides . ”
describe your relationship with horticulture in just 3 words…
“ Evolving , patience and rewarding . ”
Are there any upcoming projects that you are particularly excited about?
“ We are form on a masterplan project in Hampstead for a mixed residential ontogenesis that is landscape - lead and focused on sustainability and operate the residents with nature by consume ownership of the fleeceable spaces , ” she partake in .
“ The project range is very wide from small urban gardens , gravid country estate , roof terraces to public realm and landscape painting pattern as part of residential or hospital development which keeps things interesting and fresh . ”
