Hal Forbes Adam (HFA) is a Garden Design & Landscape Architecture studio based in London, working on a broad range of projects across the UK, from intimate city gardens to expansive rural landscapes.

Through his formal training as a Landscape Architect, and his extensive experience as a horticulturalist, Hal brings rigor and structure to the studio’s work, which is complemented by a profound appreciation of plants and ecological processes. His background in nature conservation has instilled in him a desire to create landscapes which benefit wildlife as well as people.

Working for both private and commercial clients, we provide a full suite of landscape design services, from site analysis and conceptual design work, through to detailed planting, paving, lighting, furniture and water feature design. We work closely with a network of craftspeople to create beautiful, original landscape features.

As a studio, we pride ourselves on our highly personal and collaborative approach. Listening carefully and understanding our clients wishes is fundamental to how we go about designing gardens and landscapes.

Our gardens have a charm and a romance which sets them apart. We combine plants and materials in a way which is enchanting, immersive and wonderfully atmospheric.

Hal’s approach to garden-making is that each project should be entirely unique, based on the particular wishes and lifestyle of the client, as well as the surrounding landscape and architectural context.

The studio is known for combining generous naturalistic planting schemes with elegant, timeless hard landscape details. Our work is a celebration of the unfolding layers of the seasons, conjuring an ever-evolving sense of anticipation, exploration and delight.

Ecology is central to the studio’s philosophy and our work regularly involves nature restoration and habitat creation, often in the form of richly biodiverse meadows, woodlands and water features.

We are passionate about the rich histories and traditions wrapped up in garden making, and we employ this knowledge in a way which brings depth and authenticity to the gardens we create.

Our focus is not only on the aesthetic, functional and ecological value of landscapes, but on the deep-rooted emotions they can stir within us; the power to take us out of the everyday and transport us to a different spiritual and psychological place.

The depth of our involvement in a project can vary according to the wishes of the client, but usually includes the following:

• An initial client meeting to understand the wishes and requirements for the space.

• A thorough analysis of the site. A topographic survey may also be required.

• Presentation of the design concept in the form of plans, drawings and other illustrations.

• Refinement of the design based on client feedback.

• Detailed design, including in-depth planting and hard landscape proposals.

• Full technical drawings and planting plans for the landscape contractor to implement the design.

• Obtaining quotes and advising on the appointment of a landscape contractor.

• Overseeing the implementaion on site.

• Preparation of ongoing maintanence manuals.

Hal launched the studio in the Summer of 2021, having honed his skills as a designer at two of the most celebrated landscape design studios in the country; Marcus Barnett Studio and del Buono Gazerwitz Landscape Architects (both Chelsea Flower Show gold medalists).

His path to becoming a Landscape Architect and garden designer can be traced back to his childhood in rural North Yorkshire, where birdsong and the hum of insects were the soundtrack to everyday life, and the surrounding countryside was his playground.

After graduating with a degree in History from the University of Manchester, he began cultivating his aspiration to design gardens and landscapes. Moving to London, he worked as an apprentice gardener to Mark Poswillo, a former Head Gardener at the world renowned Chelsea Physic Garden. At the same time, he undertook the RHS Diploma in Horticulture at Capel Manor College.

With a firm foundation in horticulture and ecology, he enrolled at the University of Greenwich to study Landscape Architecture, graduating with a Master’s degree and going on to begin his career as a qualified Landscape Architect. Since then he has been involved in designing gardens and landscapes for contemporary urban homes, boutique hotels, rustic rural retreats and grand stately homes, and has built up a rich understanding of different styles and approaches, as well as best practices for operating within the landscape industry.