Garden Designer Humaira Ikram: ‘We Look At Sustainable Solutions To Planting Problems’

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Humaira Ikram is the founder of Studio Ikram, a professional Garden Design company that has sustainability and pollinator-friendly ideas at its core.

When she’s not busy designing gardens, you can find Humaira running a Garden Design course at the KLC School of Design, working as a Garden Advisor for the RHS, contributing to BBC Gardener’s Question Time or writing for various garden magazines.

I had the pleasure of speaking to Humaira about her busy schedule; working with Cleve West and the unique way in which she collaborates with her clients.

Imagery in this interview has been provided with permission by Humaira Ikram.

How Did You First Get Into Gardening?

“I talk to a lot of people about how they got into gardening when I interview them for the Garden Design course I run, but usually it is to do with their history,” explains Humaira.

“For me, my parents had a garden which was their safe sanctuary for them and us, to hang out in. My parents loved gardening, but who wants to be like their parents? But then I bought a house, we had a garden and everything changed.

“I wanted to know more about how to take care of the garden when I had my own. I used to go to Columbia Road market and come back with huge palms and bamboo sticking out of the windows of my car.

“It just became a bit of an obsession.”

What Steered You Towards A Career In Garden Design?

“At a previous job, the company I worked for was offering redundancy packages and part of the package meant that you could retrain in another area,” she shares.

“I wasn’t up for redundancy, but I asked my boss for it and used the money to retrain and become a garden designer.

“I didn’t know anything when I started. My parents loved gardens, but no one knew botanical names or had any training on how gardens grow, but as I grow older I feel that this way of gardening has real value. You get to know your space and then work with it and don’t just follow the rules.

“I just really wanted to create beautiful and useful spaces for people and nature. I still can’t believe people pay me for my ideas!”

What Does Your Process For Designing Gardens Look Like? What Are You Inspired By?

“I always start off by going to the site and meeting the client. I think it’s really important to have a good connection with the client, to understand what they want, and for them to understand me, so we always start off with a whole presentation about me and my work so we know that we are on the same page.

“We look at sustainable solutions to planting problems. My designs are plant-based, which I think is what brings the magic. I really like to get to know the clients and ask them to think about what they like.

“Often, I ask clients to send me a playlist and I play that whilst designing for them to get a taste for them as people.

“There’s a lot of gathering of information. It is a collaborative effort between me and the clients. It’s mainly about what they want to do in it. I want it to work but also be surprising and something a bit unique.

“I make sure that there’s always some kind of story behind everything, which I find really helps me.”

Do You Have A Particular Favourite Memory Of A Garden You Have Designed?

“What I love is going back to a garden and seeing how it has matured and how people are using it,” Humaira muses.

“One of the very first gardens that I designed I worked on for 10-12 years. They wanted a cricket net in their garden for their children, but just after we added it, the whole garden flooded in a massive weather event and for 2-3 weeks it was underwater!

“It’s a beautiful garden now, so it all worked out in the end, but it goes to show that things can happen that you don’t expect!

“I also designed my clients a space where they could host parties and they’ve had lots of events there since, which is a really beautiful thing. I feel like I’m a small part of the process that has helped make those memories.”

What Does A Typical Working Day In The Life Look Like For You?

“I don’t really have one of those!” she jokes.

“I run a course at a college during term time and I always go in early and do all of my prep and admin stuff then. In the morning, I usually have tutorials with students and then I’m teaching. Because I’m only in college 2-3 days a week, it’s intense.

“On the other days, it’s a mash-up of things. I’ll see clients, do planting plans on my computer and draw up ideas. A lot of time is spent on my computer or iPad to create work and visuals for clients or contractors!

“At other times of the year, I’m doing shows with my team of plant people, where we work 12-hour days. In the summer, I try to slow down, because the rest of the year is so busy.”

Can You Tell Us More About thehub.earth And Why It Was Created?

“I run a Garden Design course and I’ve done so since 2017. Every year, I’d tell students to research and go to garden talks and visits, but they didn’t know where to begin. There wasn’t a single place hub or space where you could do that.

“Myself and my friend, Darryl Moore, decided that because Garden Design is so collaborative, there needed to be a space for people to be able to share and access knowledge.

“It was mainly for the students, but also for me as I love attending courses, talks and visits too. It helps to keep me informed and excited about the industry that we are in. We started it in lockdown. It’s trickier now, as real life has started to get in the way a little, but we are looking for funding to develop it.”

Summarise What Gardening Means To You In 3 Words.

“Fun, vitality and gratitude,” she says.

You’ve Had An Incredible Career To Date. Do You Have Any Standout Career Moments That You’d Like To Share?

“I’ve always worked really hard for everything I’ve achieved,” says Humaira.

“Simply becoming a Garden Designer was impressive to me, as I didn’t know that was a thing growing up! I had so much to learn.

“Working with Cleve West on projects was great as he was an artist I really admired.

“The course I run is so rewarding as I get to see the students go away and start their careers.

“The RHS asked me to be a Garden Advisor which was mind-blowing. I’m really lucky.”

What’s Next For You?

“There’s always things going on!” she laughs.

“I’ve got a few projects going on at the moment. Old clients have come back to me because they’ve moved house, so that’s really exciting.

“What I love is a slightly strange and exciting job. I have a few of those coming up at the moment that I can share once they’re there!”

Do You Have Any Advice For Those Thinking Of Giving Garden Design A Go?

“The thing about Garden Design is that it is quite tough. There’s a lot you’ve got to learn. People sometimes underestimate that, but really – what have you got to lose?

“It is so rewarding and so much fun. Creating spaces for people to live their lives in, that are mindful of nature too. What could be better than that?

“Pick a course that teaches you everything you need to know. For me, it’s important that the students who complete my course leave feeling confident, professional and equipped for a career in garden design. Go on a course that gives you all of that.

“I haven’t looked back and I really enjoy it.”