As a fully qualified and experienced architect and a keen amateur gardener it seemed only natural that Catriona would combine her skills with her love, forging a career path that aligns with her long held values - sustainability, biodiversity, wellbeing and accessible beauty. 

Catriona’s architectural experience started where she grew up, in highland Perthshire back in 1991,  where she worked for Gaia Architects Scotland. It was there that she formed an enduring interest in sustainability. Other highlights were her year out in Paris working for Dominique Perrault , where she was inspired by witnessing the build of the beautiful Bibliotheque de France;  being an architectural lead on the team to secure a competition win for 400 housing units on St. Mary’s Island for Buschow Henley and having her own architectural practice’s work shortlisted in NLA/ Elle Decoration’s Don’t Move Improve 2010. 

Witnessing the need for garden design first hand after designing rear extensions for clients, Catriona initially wanted to offer garden design as a side arm to her architectural business, however it soon became clear that she was in her element and that garden design would become the main focus of her business.  

In 2019 Catriona was asked to return to The English Gardening School where she trained, this time as a tutor in spatial design and communication. She now tutors part time for three months of the year on the Essential Garden Design Course. Together with her competition win for a public courtyard for an arts institution it’s clear that others agree that she has a natural talent for Garden Design.  

Her background ensures that her garden designs are sympathetic to the adjoining architecture and her clients appreciate how her experience running large projects means that she approaches the design and construction process calmly, easing their stress. They also love that she is passionate and knowledgeable on planting design and seasonality and are drawn to how she plays with plant forms, colours and scents. They especially love how she works collaboratively with them to hone the brief, working through options to provide a bespoke garden with longevity. 

Find out more about CRGD’s homeowner services and commercial services to see how Catriona could work with you to transform your outdoor space.