Introducing, Tom
My name is Tom Stephenson; I am from Whitley Bay in northeast England and have recently become a landscape architect. I graduated in Fine Art at Duncan Of Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee in 2016, working predominantly in contemporary sculpture. Shortly after graduation, I moved to the North-West Highlands of Scotland after a lifetime of family holidays there. I worked as a gardener and estate manager for a luxury hotel. Following my time in the highlands, I decided to join the Master of Landscape Architecture at Edinburgh College of Art.
We’re excited to introduce Tom Stephenson, who has just graduated from Edinburgh College of Art with (MLA) Landscape Architecture. After working with us part-time while he studied, he has come to work full-time with us! Tom’s unique combination of Fine Art, Estate Management and Gardening background and in-depth knowledge of biodiversity and planting positions him to build innovative and creative solutions with us!
Tom has introduced himself and answered some questions on his career before HS and during his study/work with us below:
My name is Tom Stephenson; I am from Whitley Bay in northeast England and have recently become a landscape architect. I graduated in Fine Art at Duncan Of Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee in 2016, working predominantly in contemporary sculpture. Shortly after graduation, I moved to the North-West Highlands of Scotland after a lifetime of family holidays there. I worked as a gardener and estate manager for a luxury hotel. Following my time in the highlands, I decided to join the Master of Landscape Architecture at Edinburgh College of Art.
1. How do your gardening experience and horticultural knowledge aid in your work in Landscape Architecture?
Working as a gardener in the highlands has given me first-hand experience working with plants and allowed me to recognise how certain species tolerate local climatic conditions. I could express my creativity by experimenting with different planting mixes, designing garden spaces, and propagating certain species.
2. How did you find balancing work and university during your master’s?
I really enjoyed working a day a week during the final year of my master’s. It was a welcome break from the uni work and allowed me to work and have a taste of the projects which I am now continuing to work on.
3. What opportunities will you have to advance and develop your skill set while working for HS?
I want to hone in on my planting design as my own niche within the practice. I am looking forward to improving my CAD drafting skills and technical drawing. In the not-so-distant future, I wish to begin my CMLI pathway.
4. What aspect of working for HS do you enjoy most?
I enjoy the team spirit, working collaboratively in the studio, and really getting excited about the projects we are working on.
