Landscape Architect Anca Panait’s Tips To Stay Inspired And Keep Your Ideas Fresh

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Anca Panait is a Landscape Architect with a diverse portfolio that includes educational, residential and public projects.

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 prominent flower shows.

Leading her own studio, Anca Panait Studio, Anca offers design services in the UK and abroad.

She is also currently the Head of Studio at Bowles & Wyer.

Please note that the imagery in this interview has been provided with permission by Tim Howell and Daniel Hopkinson.

What is your earliest memory of gardening & how did this lead to a career in design?

“My early years were spent in the countryside,” Anca begins.

“I was raised by my grandparents until the age of 5 because my parents had to work, so I would spend most of the time in nature or in their garden. I was fortunate because I was able to learn about growing and nurturing the land, which probably unconsciously led to me choosing a career in landscape and garden design.

“I remember loving the fresh taste of ripened tomatoes and eagerly awaiting the corn on the cob season. My grandparents from both sides were self-sufficient so we would never buy vegetables, meat or eggs.

“I initially trained to be an architect but didn’t pass my entry exam and the only opportunity to potentially become an architect was by choosing to start as a landscape and urban designer.

“This was the first time I heard about this career and while it started from a failure, I came to fall in love with it after my first year and decided to carry on. In a way, I like to think it was destiny.

“As a person and a professional, you evolve over time and your preferences change. I always thought that after graduating I would end up working on large master-planning projects, but I discovered I enjoy the variety this profession offers.

“Currently, the projects range not only in type but also in scale, from small urban gardens to rooftop terraces, countryside gardens or residential developments, 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 limits and learn,” she shares.

“Throughout university and during the first years of work, I would be involved in 2-3 competitions which started opening doors after I won a couple. Slowly, this started turning into collaborations with other designers and a mix of projects spread around the UK, which gave me the courage to start 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 focused on special projects, research and teaching. I’m very selective with the work I do and I like to experiment. I still do competitions which keeps my creative juices flowing.

“One of the projects I was involved with a couple of years ago was a community garden in Scotland for refugees. It was for a mental health support charity for black and minority ethnic women and girls aged 12–25 that have fled their homes because of various types of abuse.

“We transformed what once was an empty car park into a place that gave them the opportunity to grow vegetables and plants that remind them of home and also gave them a space to meet and socialise.

“It was a project done with RHS funding where we had to be creative with materials, but the result was life-transforming as it improved their lives and self-esteem. It is now a garden that they enjoy spending time in.”

How do you stay inspired and keep your ideas fresh?

“I draw inspiration from personal travels, books and exhibitions,” she shares.

“Sometimes it can be from day-to-day things like walks or conversations with people. Whenever I start a new design, some of the first ideas come from the feel of the place and walking the space.

“Also, hand sketching is how I first test and visualise some of the first concepts. I don’t think there is an exact recipe. It varies from project to project.”

What is your favourite thing about your job, and what is the part you find the most difficult?

“The early design stages when preparing the concept is probably my favourite part of the job because it gives me the chance to be creative and research,” explains Anca.

“At the other end is a client who doesn’t share the same vision about the possibilities of what a garden can be and wants a low-maintenance garden which doesn’t exist.

“I do think there are times 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 working on a masterplan project in Hampstead for a mixed residential development that is landscape-led and focused on sustainability and engaging the residents with nature by taking ownership of the green spaces,” she shares.

“The project range is very wide from small urban gardens, large country estate, roof terraces to public realm and landscape design as part of residential or hospital developments which keeps things interesting and fresh.”