“We work collaboratively with architects, ecologists, surveyors, planning consultants and a wide range of other professionals, craftspeople and consultants to ensure you receive an expert service.”
ABOUT
From biodiverse landscapes to tiny urban courtyards, all our work is approached with imagination and creativity, and a passion for connecting people to nature and wildlife. Our gardens and landscapes are defined by an understated style drawing on both modern and traditional forms and practices. We use a subtle and refined palette of materials to give our schemes an elegant simplicity that allows the landscape to speak for itself. Ecologically informed planting is key to creating beautiful and long-lasting gardens that give back to nature.
We are always improving our knowledge & training to continue to convey insightful design solutions, and we pride ourselves on our attention to detail throughout every stage of your project. Lucy Conochie Design draws on over 13 years of experience in the industry to deliver an eclectic range of landscapes throughout East Anglia and across the UK.
PROFILES
Lucy Conochie
Director
Lucy combines innovation with practicality and horticultural knowledge when working with landscapes and gardens.
Having spent many years as an artist in Norwich and London, she graduated with an MA from the Slade School of Fine Art in 2007. Lucy turned to her other skill and passion – gardens – to fund her studio practice. This quiet and fulfilling tradition of creating beauty in people’s homes whilst fostering a connection with nature gradually became her sole focus.
After studying Horticulture and Garden Design at Capel Manor College she established Lucy Conochie Design in 2015. Lucy now works with a variety of private and commercial clients in London and across the UK, and in 2018 she returned to the county of her childhood - Cambridgeshire - where the practice is now based.
Ray Dixon
Technical Design
Ray joined the team in 2025 and specialises in 2D technical design, 3D modelling & visual presentation.
Coming from a fast paced career in Menswear Design, she has transferred her love of form, texture, pattern, colour and detail to gardens, with experience that blends design, visual communication, technical detailing, and a deep appreciation for planting, space and materials.
A childhood spent in the countryside and latterly a tiny London plot brought Ray to the realisation that gardens are not only transformative, calming spaces, but a canvas upon which to be creative alongside nature. Ray has been supporting a range of established designers since 2020 after she retrained in Horticulture at Capel Manor College.
Alexa Ryan-Mills
Planting Design
Alexa started working with Lucy in 2024 and focusses on Planting Design.
She believes great planting design is key to the success of a garden or landscape, and loves to create beautiful schemes that promote wellbeing and support biodiversity. Alexa approaches each project with fresh eyes, ensuring each scheme is specific to the location, context and client.
Alexa trained in garden design and horticulture at Capel Manor College, and graduated with a Distinction in Planting Design from the London College of Garden Design where she also teaches.
Before her career change in 2018, Alexa worked in public relations and communications. Alongside her work for Lucy, she works for a range of architects and garden designers across the UK.
Ben Doherty
Horticulture
Ben has been gardening with Lucy since 2010 and focusses on horticulture, border preparation, implementation of planting schemes and aftercare.
Ben is also an artist who trained at the Slade School of Fine Art and the Royal Academy of Arts, graduating in 2018. Working alongside Lucy he found the self-directed and thoughtful physical pursuit of gardening to be perfectly aligned with his artistic practice.
Ben specialises in garden maintenance and aftercare that focusses on biodiversity and supports ecology through sustainable methods and practices. He loves working outside, whatever the weather, and takes care of everything that needs to happen once the landscape contractors have left to ensure the newly-established garden can thrive.
DESIGN ETHOS
Creative
Our artistic grounding means our designs are always approached from a creative angle. We love to collaborate with inventive designers and craftspeople to enhance our unique approach to problem-solving. We always look for opportunities to incorporate a personal touch informed by discussions with the client along the way.
Environmentally Responsible
There is an environmental consequence to every action we take. Within our work we strive to maximise positive effects and minimise negative ones. We prioritise environmentally responsible design and practices at every opportunity to boost benefits for nature and for humans.
Ethical
We believe people should be fairly paid for the work they do with us and alongside us. This is why we will never charge you a percentage on a contractor’s work. We aim to ensure all our materials are responsibly sourced, reducing the social impact of what we do. We are inclusive – we believe differences are to be celebrated and that diversity drives creation.
Beautiful
We find if we get the first three principles right, the fourth comes easily. Creating landscapes that are approached with consideration for people, the earth, and future generations does not mean you have to compromise on beauty. Our thoughtful and selective approach will result in a stylish design solution for your project, full of colour and interest.