About
Alice Crespi Design offers a highly personalised and tailored service to create beautiful outdoor spaces that feel truly individual and unique to the client. They specialise in creating natural, organic gardens with a relaxed and timeless feel. The majority of their projects fall within central and suburban London, so they are well-practised at transforming urban spaces into calm, peaceful gardens to be enjoyed year-round.Designs are grounded in excellent horticultural knowledge, with a strong emphasis on planting as the foundation of the overall look and feel. Thoughtful planting combinations bring texture, movement and colour throughout the seasons - Alice is well known for foliage-led planting designs that offer great interest even in the depths of winter. Their garden and planting schemes are planned with an understanding that every client’s time and confidence in gardening varies, so spaces are manageable and considered, so they can evolve beautifully and naturally over time.Every project begins with understanding the person or people behind the garden — their tastes, style, routines, and what brings them joy — ensuring the final design fits their lifestyle and feels like an extension of home. They also offer design and planting services for the hospitality sector, with restaurant, bar and members’ club gardens amongst their project portfolio.Led by Alice, her process covers everything from the initial design concept through to planting and finishing touches, working closely with reputable contractors throughout the installation.How do you define your signature style?“Organic, timeless and individual.”What is your design ethos? What values are important to you in your work?“Design for longevity and plan for the natural, organic evolution of a garden rather than short-lived trends. Gardens should get better in time and become more beautiful and original as they mature.”In your opinion, what makes a design timeless?“Subtle, well chosen materials that complement planting and get better with time. I don't think the garden is a place for trends - it's about the weathering of yorkstone, the growth of moss and the twisting of trees - the things we can plan for but can't predict.”Why do your clients come to you? What do they value about your work?“Designs are highly personalised to the client, with a consideration for their lifestyles and what is manageable and sustainable for them. Gardens should offer peace and serenity and not be a constant call for time and maintenance.”How do you stay inspired and keep evolving your ideas?“Historic, established gardens always offer the best inspiration. Understanding that you must work with nature and ensure plants are well-placed and set to flourish is crucial. Materials will weather, plants will multiply, trees will change shape - that's the bit to plan for and that's the joy of it all.”
