Tutors

For the Garden Design Diploma we are delighted to be joined by established specialists in the garden design world including Peter Thurman for planting design, James Hitchmough on sustainable planting, Steve Reed for surveying, Martin Kelley for designing with water and Nigel Thorne for landscape management and contractual control. Here are profiles of just some of our tutors.

Max Coppoletta
Max is one of the most sought after teachers and lecturers in computer design.  He is the director of Quarr-IT and works as a consultant for a number of high profile design names.  Skilled in diverse teaching subjects and levels, he has a gift for making computer design fun and accessible.

Philip Nixon
Philip runs a landscape and garden design practice based in London and works on projects in the UK and overseas.  He has won 3 gold medals and 1 silver gilt for show gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show.   The ethos of his practice is based on the idea that design is the thread that ties together landscape, ecology, architecture and art.

Peter Thurman
Kew trained, Peter has tackled thousands of design projects in over 30 years as a landscape and garden designer - from small town gardens, to country estates and commercial developments.  Overseas commissions include gardens in Japan and Rome. His plant knowledge is renowned and he also holds chartered status in arboriculture, forestry and the environment. 

Adam Frost
Adam is a garden designer, landscaper and Chairman of the Association of Professional Landscapers. His projects include the Royal National Rose Society in Hertfordshire and awards include RHS gold medals and Chelsea best-in-show small garden in 2008. Adam has collaborated with a range of designers and architects - including Sir Terence Conran, David Stevens, Dan Pearson and Julian Dowle.  His extensive knowledge of landscape and design supports the studio teaching at the college.

Jo Thompson
Jo is one of a new generation of garden designers making an impact in the garden design profession. Her young design practice is based on a firm belief in the power of customer service combined with inspirational design. In 2010 Jo's 'Thrive' Garden won Best Urban Garden in Show at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Some of the world’s leading garden designers also act as guest lecturers to teach workshops and master classes at the College.