The Construction Design Certificate

The Construction Design Certificate Programme is delivered in a blended learning format with a mix of in-person and online classroom-based teaching. As well as some lecture and tutorial days at Kew Gardens, students will be able to opt for a completely online experience alongside other students whilst taking advantage of the expertise of all our teaching staff for lectures and tutorials.

The 12-week course is delivered on Thursdays and Fridays between September and December across the Autumn Term with assessments and homework pitched at a level that is attainable for anyone wishing to continue working whilst on the course. Further details are available by requesting a prospectus below.

The course programme is wide-ranging and includes the study of the design process for materials and build, how and why materials are selected and how wider research and analysis can help designers to select options with confidence.

Lectures throughout the programme from specialists, practising designers and landscape contractors will provide input into wider learning but also into a design project. Studio tutorial sessions will help in the refinement and development of ideas and material associations, providing support for your design thinking and helping to develop successful solutions in the production of working design drawings.

You will be encouraged to be imaginative and ambitious as you work towards your detailed solutions and the drawings that will communicate your ideas. Projects will be presented both graphically and verbally to deliver a full explanation of your ideas and full support will be given to develop these skills.

Specialist elements such as water, lighting and structures will be considered and towards the end of the course successful designers will be invited to talk about their use of materials and the qualities they favour in their work.

The Construction Design Certificate programme classes take place in the Orangery conference facilities at the world famous Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. In keeping with our vision to offer the best garden design training available, our teaching facilities are world class and provide a quiet haven for study in the middle of one of the world’s leading botanic gardens. Kew is conveniently located within easy access of transport links and live projects being constructed in the capital.

We welcome students on all our courses from both the UK and overseas. If you are applying for overseas you will need to be eligible to study in the UK. This is a 3 month part time course and so it is possible to take part whilst on a standard tourist visa if you are eligible.