SGD Student Awards shortlist

SGD Student Awards shortlist: The Society of Garden Designers (SGD) has announced the finalists for the highly anticipated SGD Student Awards 2025.

Chosen earlier this month by a panel of respected industry leaders, including David Stevens FSGD, Sarah Morgan FSGD, Tom Massey MSGD, and Juliet Sargeant FSGD, over 50 entries were reviewed from colleges all over the UK with the 10 most outstanding projects making the shortlist.

 

Celebrating excellence in three categories: Student Design Public Realm, Student Design Domestic, and Student Design Sustainability, the finalists represent some of the UK’s leading institutions, including KLC School of Design, The London College of Garden Design, the Yorkshire School of Garden Design, and the British Academy of Garden Design. Their projects showcase exceptional talent in design, planting, and sustainability, offering an exciting glimpse into the future of garden design.

The students in the running to be crowned SGD Student Award winners in 2025 are: 

STUDENT DESIGN DOMESTIC:

Bronte Seller – London College of Garden Design – Banklands

Lizzie Wheeler – British Academy of Garden Design – Out of the City, into the Woods

John Howlett – London College of Garden Design – A Restoration Project: Breathing Life into a Historical Garden

STUDENT DESIGN PUBLIC REALM: 

Louis Bateman-Champain – London College of Garden Design – Snape Maltings

Kate Hyslop – London College of Garden Design – Kent Hall

Kat Fellas – London College of Garden Design – Restore the Balance

Maria Krichallo – London College of Garden Design – Private Sculpture Garden in Norfolk

STUDENT DESIGN SUSTAINABILITY: 

Rachel Emus – London College of Garden Design – Maine Forest Garden

Holly Knight – KLC School of Design – Saxon Meadows

Clauda Elise Willard – Yorkshire School of Garden Design – Friluftsliv: Open Air Living

Lynne Marcus FSGD, Chair of the SGD Awards, said: “The SGD Student Awards are always a highlight of our calendar, and this year’s competition has once again demonstrated the exceptional talent emerging from garden design schools across the UK. The shortlisted projects are a testament to the creativity, innovation, and dedication of the next generation of designers, who are already making their mark on the profession.

*What’s particularly exciting this year is the range of approaches showcased across the three categories:  From tackling large-scale urban challenges to creating intimate, inspiring domestic spaces, and addressing pressing environmental issues, these students are pushing boundaries and showing a deep understanding of the diverse demands of contemporary garden design.

“It’s clear that this generation of designers is not only passionate about creating beautiful spaces but also committed to solving real-world challenges through thoughtful, sustainable design. Their work is a source of inspiration and a clear indication of the bright future ahead for our profession.”

The winners of all three awards will be revealed at The SGD Awards ceremony on Friday 7th February 2025 alongside winners of the main SGD Award categories.  Details of all the shortlisted projects are available on the SGD website.

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