Katerina Kantalis Garden Design

 

Originally from Adelaide, Australia, Katerina moved to the UK in the late 1990s, where she began a successful career in fundraising and science, eventually earning a PhD. In 2020, she made a significant career shift by retraining at the British Academy of Garden Design. The following year, she launched her own studio in South East London, where she now creates bespoke gardens. Her upbringing, deeply rooted in her Greek heritage, has profoundly influenced her connection to nature and informs much of her design philosophy.

My garden designs are grounded in ecological sustainability, focusing on thoughtful material choices, permeable surfaces, and planting schemes that support biodiversity and thrive in drought conditions. My signature style combines natural elements with contemporary design, blending textures and geometric patterns to create inviting, timeless spaces. I draw inspiration from both Mediterranean and Australian landscapes, tailoring each garden to harmonise with its setting whilst looking to address the need for climate resilience in the UK.

I’m passionate about encouraging my clients to connect with their outdoor spaces. My aim is to transform initial requests for low-maintenance gardens into spaces where people embrace hands-on care, fostering a deeper relationship with nature.

From concept to completion, I provide a full-service experience – designing right through to project monitoring - collaborating with skilled landscapers and personally selecting plants to ensure each garden reflects the client’s lifestyle. I believe that gardens should be seen as extensions of our homes, where beauty, relaxation, and environmental harmony come together for everyone to enjoy.