Balancing The Artistic And Practical Aspects Of Garden Design With Kim Wilkie

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Kim Wilkie is a strategic and conceptual Landscape Architect with over 25 years of experience running his own practice.

Currently, working on a range of projects, including the redesign of Wakehurst Place for the Royal Botanic Garden and a sculptural earthform for the Dulwich Picture Gallery, Kim is one of the leading Landscape Designers in the South of England.

I spoke with Kim about his work on environmental committees, his favourite project and what he envisions for the future of landscape design.

Imagery featured in this interview is provided with permission by Kim Wilkie.

Can You Tell Us About Your Journey Into Landscape Architecture And What Inspired You To Choose This Career?

“I hadn’t even heard about the profession until I was in my twenties,” Kim begins.

“I was working as an environmental correspondent in Iran and came across landscape architects for the first time. I was blown away.

“A job that involved land, people, plants and design sounded like a complete dream – and it is. It took a while to raise the courage and funds to go back to university all over again, but eventually, I got a place at UC Berkeley and have been grinning ever since.”

How Do You Balance The Artistic And Practical Aspects Of Your Work?

“I actually think the two are completely interwoven. Landscape architecture is fundamentally about connecting land, water and life – both wild and human.

“It should be beautiful in practical elegance, simplicity and respect for the land and its history.

“We don’t create finished works of art but do need to be artful in stimulating a coherent and living process.”

You’ve Been Involved In Various National Committees On Landscape & Environmental Policy In The UK. What Are Some Key Issues You’re Currently Focused On?

“I am torn between spending time on policy and simply designing good examples to inspire others”.

“I guess my main aim has been to encourage the idea that everything is connected. Farming, housing, water quality and soil health – they all need to be understood as part of the same equation.

“Carbon is the building block of life. Vilifying it in isolation misses the wonderful complexity of living sensitively on the planet.”

Is There A Particular Project That You Are Most Proud Of?

“I have been lucky to work on some amazing projects around the world, but my deepest love is for the smallholding where I grew up in the Hampshire Downs.

“Planting woodland, establishing meadows and tending cows, chickens and vegetables has been the greatest of privileges and pleasures.”

Can You Share Any Memorable Experiences Or Challenges You’ve Faced?

“The challenges make the project,” says Kim.

“Whether it was getting community groups and local authorities to talk to one another along the Thames, finding ways to keep farming viable in Transylvania or extracting tonnes of rubble from the centre of the V&A, each challenge has shaped and determined the design and approach.

“As I said, landscape architecture is as much about the process as the drawing.”

What’s One Piece Of Gardening Advice You Wish You Could Tell Your Younger Self?

“Keep going – you’ll love it.”

How Do You See The Future Of Landscape Architecture Evolving, Particularly In The Context Of Climate Change And Environmental Sustainability?

“How we live on the land and take care of water will be key,” he explains.

“Living well with a sense of perpetual fertility and thriving wildlife should be our mission.

“We must understand how everything affects everything else. Our food, our shelter and our sanity depend on respect for the long-term life on the surface of the earth.”

Do You Have Any Upcoming Projects That You’re Particularly Excited About?

“We have just got planning permission for the Dulwich Picture Gallery Sculpture Meadow and I am working with the Royal Botanic Gardens on plans for Wakehurst Place.

“These are completely amazing projects and I can’t wait to get started.”