Based in LDA Design’s Manchester studio, Jess Postgate is a recent graduate in Architecture and Landscape Architecture from the University of Sheffield, in the UK. During her degree, Jess explored the use of low-carbon and recycled materials for construction. Her interests now include designing to make places more resilient to a changing climate and better connecting people to the spaces around them.
In an environment where most imagery is created digitally, Jess feels it is important to sketch by hand, even at scale. She frequently draws and paints over 3D models to add a richer sense of movement, life, and play.
Outside of work, Jess likes to spend her time in nature, hiking in the Peak District or wild swimming.
WLA | What was your path to becoming a landscape architect?
So far, my path has been winding and it’s not over yet as I would love to complete my master’s in landscape architecture in the next couple of years.
I’m open minded and curious, and this has guided my choices. When I was twelve, I announced that I was going to become an architect. I stuck by this and when I applied to university, this was still my intention. But a wrong turn on an open day took me to the landscape architecture department and opened up a whole new world of design that I didn’t know existed. I then applied for the joint course in architecture and landscape architecture without knowing how unusual an option this is.
The course at Sheffield made me realise the power of landscape design to positively impact people and shape places for the better. And that was it for the life plan I’d come up with aged twelve!
My heart now lies in landscape architecture, but my background in architecture gives me a rounded understanding and informs my design thinking, which I appreciate.
WLA | What is your approach to landscape design?
My approach is evolving as I learn from the team and the world around me. I’ve come to realise the value of developing a rich understanding of the places we shape and the communities we hope will benefit. It’s vital that local people impacted by change are involved at every stage of the design process, so that they feel it is something they are in control of.
I’m also fascinated by ecology and horticulture and experimental planting designs and how we can mitigate the impacts of a warming and more unpredictable climate. I want to create spaces that are more resilient and connect people to nature and help to educate on the ways we need to adapt.
WLA | What is the most rewarding part of being a landscape architect?
Designing new public realm is especially gratifying. It’s exciting to think that the spaces I’m helping to shape will hopefully be well used, loved, and valued by so many different people. If a project I’ve been part of helps people to connect to their surroundings and to have a better quality of life, or simply improves one moment of their day, I think that’s a success!
WLA | How do you see the future of landscape architecture?
I may be biased but I see landscape architecture as vital for a better future. Climate breakdown is accelerating, nature is diminishing and populations in urban areas are growing rapidly. So, creating healthier, cooler, greener, fairer, and more liveable cities is imperative. These touchstones need to be the starting point for every project.
Studying landscape architecture and architecture combined has helped me and I think introducing these disciplines earlier into our schools would be hugely beneficial. Even at a young age, we can learn about our impacts on the environment and the actions we can take, and I would like to see landscape architecture taking more of a role. I would encourage people to push for a stronger sense of nature and what we could lose being taught in our schools. From primary school all the way up to higher education or apprenticeships, better education is how we innovate and prepare for future challenges.
WLA | Thank you to Jess for taking the time to answer our questions
