We are excited to have launched our new landscape planning and design service, further strengthening our multidisciplinary development offer across the UK.
The launch is underpinned by the recent appointments of landscape director Matthew Filer, senior landscape architect Aarti Chamba, and landscape architect Charlene Koo – bringing together expertise in landscape planning, design and environmental assessment across a broad range of sectors.
The new service responds to growing demand for integrated, policy-led landscape input as biodiversity net gain (BNG), the green belt, grey belt policy and wider environmental considerations take on greater weight in planning and development.
Led by Matthew, the team based in Birmingham will support projects from early-stage feasibility and site promotion through to planning, design development and delivery – working closely with our masterplanning and urban design, architecture, planning, heritage, socio economic, and environmental specialists to embed landscape thinking throughout the development lifecycle.
Matthew brings extensive experience in landscape and visual impact assessment, green belt studies and strategic landscape design, including acting as an expert witness at public inquiries and judicial review. His recent work includes leading landscape strategy on a major mixed-use development comprising 1,200 homes, education and healthcare provision, and significant areas of public open space.
Matthew said: “Joining Marrons presents a real opportunity to shape and grow a national landscape offer within an established multidisciplinary environment. Embedding landscape thinking early is critical in responding to policy and creating places that are coherent, resilient and rooted in their context. My focus is on building a team that delivers high-quality, strategic input across the full lifecycle of development.”
Aarti has experience spanning residential, renewable energy and infrastructure schemes. A chartered member of the Landscape Institute, she brings particular expertise in landscape and visual impact assessments (LVIA), environmental statements and BNG strategies.
Her recent work includes a major residential-led scheme in Lichfield, where she led the LVIA as part of the environmental statement and contributed to landscape strategy, design coding and green belt assessment within a highly sensitive setting.
Charlene adds an international and design-led perspective to the team. Having trained and practised in Hong Kong before continuing her studies in the UK, she has contributed to urban biodiversity initiatives and climate resilience strategies, alongside landscape planning work on strategic residential developments.
Her experience includes developing design codes and illustrative landscape masterplans for large-scale residential schemes and supporting successful planning outcomes on complex sites.
The launch of the landscape planning and design service enhances our ability to provide a fully integrated, in-house offer, supporting clients in navigating increasingly complex planning and environmental requirements while delivering high-quality, sustainable development.
Luke Hillson, design partner, said: “Matthew, Aarti and Charlene’s appointments mark a significant step in the evolution of our national design offer. Landscape is playing an increasingly central role in how development is designed and delivered – particularly in the context of planning policy, LVIA, BNG, green belt policy and the need to create more resilient, environmentally responsive places.
“This new team strengthens our ability to bring together planning, design and environmental thinking in a genuinely integrated way. Fully embedded within our wider design team, the landscape offer enhances our national capability – enabling us to deliver more cohesive, considered and deliverable outcomes for our clients across the UK.”
