Business Details
16 Years
experience
Your Trusted Garden Design Partner in Essex
Authentic Designs has been delivering tailored garden and landscape solutions since 2010, combining over 15 years of hands-on experience with formal qualifications from Writtle University College and the RHS. Our approach prioritises client needs, blending architectural elements with sustainable planting schemes to create functional, aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces. As a sole practitioner, I oversee every project personally, offering services from initial concept sketches to full project management.My background in commercial interior design for the leisure industry informs a meticulous attention to proportion, balance, and detail. We work closely with clients to develop mood boards, 3D visuals, and precise technical drawings, ensuring seamless execution by contractors. Transparency in budgeting and a commitment to ecological principles underpin all our work, with a focus on creating spaces that support both human well-being and local biodiversity.
Services
Garden Design
Project Management
Landscape Consultancy
Design Drawings
Site Surveys
3D Visuals
Mood Boards
Budget Planning
Plant Selection
Contractor Coordination
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- 15+ years of dedicated garden design experience
- No charge for initial site visits
- Comprehensive project management from concept to completion
- RHS Level 3 qualified horticulturist on staff
- Proven track record with residential and commercial clients
Associations and certifications
- Royal Horticultural Society
What people say
Professional yet personal service
Quality of work first class
Ideas on design helpful
Trust 100%
Results each time
Services
Garden Design
We create bespoke garden designs tailored to your property and lifestyle. Our process begins with a free initial consultation to understand your vision, followed by detailed sketches and technical drawings. With expertise in both hard and soft landscaping, we ensure functional, aesthetically pleasing results that enhance biodiversity.
Project Management
Our full management service handles every construction phase. We coordinate contractors, monitor budgets, and adapt designs to site conditions. This ensures seamless implementation of your vision while protecting your investment through rigorous quality control and transparent reporting.
Landscape Consultancy
Hourly rate consultations provide expert guidance for DIY projects. We offer plant selection advice, material recommendations, and budget planning. Sessions can evolve into detailed design work if required, with clear pricing structures agreed upfront.
Technical Drawings
We produce precise scaled drawings for contractors, including setting-out plans and elevations. Our documentation ensures accurate implementation of design intent, with optional 3D visuals to clarify complex elements before construction begins.
Mood Board Creation
Custom mood boards combine material samples and reference images to define your garden's aesthetic. This tool helps visualize the finished space, ensuring alignment between client expectations and the final design outcome.
People
Peter Blackburn
Garden Designer
With 15+ years in garden design and RHS Level 3 qualifications, Peter combines technical expertise with creative vision. Formerly a commercial interior designer, he brings meticulous attention to detail and a passion for ecological sustainability to every project.
Questions
What garden design services do you offer?
We provide full design packages, from concept sketches to technical drawings, plus project management and hourly rate consultancy services for DIY projects.
How much does garden design cost?
Initial consultations are free. Our consultancy rate is £45/hour. Full project fees depend on complexity but we agree fixed prices where possible.
Do you manage construction work?
Yes, we offer full project management including contractor coordination, budget monitoring, and on-site adjustments to ensure your vision becomes reality.
What areas do you cover?
We primarily serve Essex and surrounding counties, working on both residential and commercial properties.
What qualifications do you hold?
I hold RHS Level 3 in Practical Horticulture and a garden design qualification from Writtle University College, with 15+ years industry experience.
How do you involve clients in the design process?
We use mood boards, 3D visuals, and collaborative meetings to ensure your preferences shape every design decision, from material selection to planting schemes.
