WHO WE ARE
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 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.”
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 10 years of experience in the industry to deliver an eclectic range of landscapes throughout East Anglia and across the UK.
PROFILES
Lucy Conochie
Lucy enjoys combining 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. Having established Lucy Conochie Design in 2015, Lucy worked with a variety of clients in London and across the UK. In 2018 she returned to the county of her childhood, Cambridgeshire, where the practice is now based.
In 2013 Lucy was awarded a Commendation in the RHS Level 2 Principles of Horticulture from Capel Manor College where she went on to complete a Diploma in Garden Design. Upon graduating in 2015 she was awarded the Gardener's Company Prize by The Worshipful Company of Gardeners. During her time at Capel she co-designed a show garden at the Ideal Home Show 2014 which won a Gold Medal and the People’s Choice Award. She also co-wrote a book called ‘My Tiny Garden’ published in 2016. In 2025 Lucy was awarded a prestigious Society of Garden Designers Award.
Alexa Ryan-Mills
Alexa is a planting designer who came to Lucy Conochie Design in 2024. 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. As well as working for Lucy Conochie Design, she works with landscape architects, architects and garden designers across the UK.
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. In 2023, she won a silver medal at RHS Chelsea Flower Show with The Sadler’s Wells East Garden. Before her career change in 2018, Alexa worked in public relations and communications after graduating from the University of Nottingham with a degree in English and French.
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.