The Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30: The Next Generation initiative has been running since 2015, and has seen 270 winners of this prestigious award. It has helped to propel them into the landscaping limelight, with most of the winners going on to bigger and better things since collecting their award.

It’s the only industry search for the most impressive young people in landscaping, and it shines a spotlight on the future of landscaping.

As Pro Landscaper looks towards anointing its 10th class of 30 Under 30 award Winners and bring the total number of winners to 300, its alumni reflect on their achievements since their victories.

 

 

Dominic Knower, director at Niche 

I received the award back in 2017 when I was a Regional Community Manager for idverde. I have since started a business called ‘Niche’ which focuses on sustainability and biodiversity. We also design and supply invertebrate habitat structures such as bee posts and sand planters which provide nesting habitat for solitary bees. Recognition through the 30U30 scheme helped me to build a reputation in the industry which has served me well over the years. My advice for anyone applying for 2024 would be to be their authentic selves and present their passion, whatever their Niche is. 

 

 

 

 

 

Rachael Platt, founder of Rachel Platt Garden Design 

I received my award in 2022 and since then have continued to run my own garden design practice for private residential homes in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire. I currently have several large projects being built, including my first natural pool which I designed collaboratively with Ellicar, and I am also public speaking more which I enjoy. The scale and budgets of the projects that I am working on have also grown since winning, which helps with installing trust in clients and therefore you receive more exciting enquiries. Winning 30 under 30 has opened a lot of doors and opportunities with suppliers.  If you’re interested in entering, don’t be afraid to sing your praises! 

 

 

 

Harry Holding, lead designer at Harry Holding Studio 

As lead designer and director of Harry Holding Studio, I received my 30 under 30 award in 2020. My day job as lead designer involves supporting our design team and then just running the overall business! I think we’ve probably doubled in size since 2020 and when I won the award, I didn’t have any anybody working with me on the design side, now we’ve got two designers, or three designers including me. A lot of the work we’re doing is also bigger and more varied. We’ve moved out of London, in terms of the kind of work we’re doing and are working all over, both in commercial and residential projects.   

The award is a great way of celebrating yourself and what you’re about. You get to talk about your passions and the key thing is really combining those passions, because everyone comes at it from different angles. 

 

 

 

 

Noemi Mercurelli, associate landscape designer at PC Landscapes 

I received my 30 Under 30 award in 2016 as one of only five women and four designers and the only self-nominated winner. Back then, I was a freelancer about to join Ann-Marie Powell’s studio and work on the iconic Hilltop Wisley Gardens. Today, I am an Associate and Biodiversity Lead at the multi-award-winning PCL Landscapes, where I specialise in creating high-end, carbon-conscious gardens. My advice: believe in your potential, take initiative, pursue your dreams boldly, and do not be afraid to knock at the doors of those who inspire you to seek mentorship. 

 

 

 

 

Sam Moore, managing director at Consilium Hortus Ltd 

I won my award in 2018, and was working for a reputable design company back then, which taught me a lot but I have been able to make improvements on my own company from where I have seen others lack. Since then, I have become the managing director and lead landscape designer on the majority of the projects that pass through Consilium Hortus Ltd. I also work a lot on bespoke planting schemes and outdoor living elements such as pergolas and outdoor kitchens. My career changed tremendously since the award. To compare where I am today to when I won my 30 under 30 award is incomparable. 22-year-old Sam would have snatched your arm off for the projects and the business I currently have (although when you are in the moment it doesn’t always feel that way!) Everyone should use these awards as a springboard for future success, talk about it to peers and potential clients – nobody knows unless you shout about it! 

  

Sam Cox, director of Landscapeplus 

I received my 30 under 30 award back in 2015 when I was the sales manager and I have since become the director and shareholder of Landscapeplus. My career has definitely changed since the awards and is now much more focus on the business rather than in the business!  To those interested in joining the industry or applying for the award, I would say find something you enjoy doing and don’t discount any opportunities as you might surprise yourself! 

 

 

 

For the tenth class of Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30: The Next Generation winners, in association with Green-tech, there are now only three weeks left to enter.

To enter, nominate yourself or a colleague, as long as the nominee was aged 30 or under on 1 January 2024 and currently works within the horticulture, arboriculture, garden design or landscape sector. Entrants must have worked in the industry for at least one year.

The deadline for entries is 31 July 2024.

Contact ashleigh.brown@eljays44.com for more information and for the entry form.