+44 7825394320
The Science and Soul of Place
We hold a passionate conviction: the spaces we inhabit are alive with possibility. They can either drain our energy and focus, or they can become powerful catalysts for well-being, creativity, and human flourishing.
At the intersection of artful design and rigorous science, we pioneer neuro-environments—places intentionally engineered to heal, inspire, and unlock our full potential.
Meet the Founder: A 30-Year Crusade for Transformative Design
My work is the culmination of a lifelong fascination with the soul of a garden and a 30-year career driven by a single, unwavering mission: to craft landscapes that can profoundly heal and inspire.
This crusade began with a deep, immersive journey to learn from the world's most innovative minds in landscape design. My conversations with visionaries like Marta Schwartz and Fernando Caruncho, alongside deep study of masters like Anderton and Delaney, were not just academic; they were a search for the core principles that allow a place to truly nurture the human spirit.
This philosophy was forged in the real world, cemented by the undeniable impact of co-created design on people’s lives. Two pivotal projects, among many, lit the way:
-
The Musical Playspace: Collaborating with the remarkable children of Kids Company, we co-created a vibrant garden inspired by Lewis Carroll's "Frabjous Day." To witness their resilience and unbridled joy in a space designed to empower them was a profound affirmation of design's power to uplift.
The "Promised Land" Garden: Working with Agnes, a survivor of the Rwandan genocide, we crafted a garden to convey messages of hope, resilience, and remembrance. This garden became a testament to the human spirit, and I was deeply humbled when its message resonated so powerfully that it was awarded a Gold Medal and ‘Best in Show’ at a Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) show. This, and the other four RHS gold medals awarded to our work, are cherished acknowledgements of our mission.
The story of this garden and its profound meaning was captured in this short film:
These experiences crystallized my purpose, leading to the founding of The Design Charity and The Design CIC in 2011, built around the core principle of THE: Transformative Healing Environments. The transformative direction of our work during this period is illustrated in the following short video of a healing garden in a leading london hospital:
The Next Evolution: The R&D Engine
This journey of practical application has now evolved into a new chapter of pioneering academic rigor. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Neuro-Environmental Design, which serves as the formal R&D engine for this enterprise.
This isn't research for the sake of theory; it’s about generating actionable, evidence-based solutions. My current case studies, for example, focus on tangible challenges with global relevance, including
the measurable impact of sacred garden design on well-being and how to create climate-resilient community spaces that foster social connection.
This doctoral work transforms a lifelong passion into a data-driven practice. It allows us to weaponize academic insight, translating cutting-edge findings from neuroscience and environmental psychology into powerful results for our clients. Our approach is further informed by connections with leading institutions like
Johns Hopkins University's NeuroArts Initiative and UCL London, ensuring our work is always at the forefront of the field.
Our Approach: The "THE" Philosophy in Action
We apply our core philosophy of Transformative Healing Environments across three integrated verticals. Our process is always collaborative, science-backed, and artfully expressed.
-
Neuro-Environment Design: We collaborate with you to design physical spaces—from corporate campuses and clinics to gardens and homes—that measurably reduce stress, sharpen focus, and promote well-being. We use evidence-based principles like biophilia and sensory-friendly design to create environments that are not just functional, but truly restorative.
-
Neuro-Environment Coaching: For individuals and leaders seeking to optimize their personal and professional environments, our coaching provides a unique, science-backed framework. Grounded in 30 years of award-winning design practice and my ongoing neuro-environmental research, these sessions empower you with the principles to shape your surroundings for peak performance, creativity, and inner peace.
-
Neuro-Environment Courses: We are translating our proprietary frameworks and research findings into structured online courses. These programs are designed for architects, designers, business leaders, and anyone passionate about learning the science and application of creating spaces that actively support mental and emotional health.
Our Legacy & Collaborators: Grounded in Community
This venture stands on the shoulders of more than a decade of mission-driven work through The Design Charity. Its success and impact have only been possible through the dedication and shared vision of a core collaborative team. I want to specifically acknowledge the foundational contributions of my long-time collaborator Sebastian, my wife, and Silas. Their unwavering belief in the power of transformative environments has been instrumental, and the charity's work continues to be a deep source of inspiration and a testament to our shared values.
Join the Journey
The profound link between our minds and our spaces holds the key to a healthier, more productive, and more inspired future. We invite you to explore this exciting frontier with us.
-
Listen to the Podcast: Dive deeper into the science and stories behind Neuro-Environmental Design on the [Podcast Name] podcast.
-
Download the Guide: Get started with our free guide, "The Science of Healing Spaces," to learn actionable principles you can apply today.
-
Work With Us: If you are ready to transform your environment, let's begin a conversation. Schedule a complimentary Neuro-Design Strategy Call to explore what's possible.