MBLA Design Ltd.
Matt is a Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute with 20 years experience in private practice.
When establishing MBLA in 2015 my aim was to design projects which respond to the uniqueness of the setting, whilst meeting the clients and end users aspirations. I am keen to oversee the delivery of projects from inception to completion, lavishing in the finished detail, whilst drawing upon my 20 years experience in the profession.
Completed projects vary in size and complexity and include, private and social housing, parks, health and wellbeing, landscape appraisal, education, historic and designed landscapes, masterplans, green infrastructure, commercial and private gardens.
I am an enthusiastic practitioner, with an eye for detail.
My approach to landscape design seeks to understand man’s influence on the landscape, before adding a new design layer to reveal or complement the existing situation.
I have been interested in the natural environment, art and architecture for as long as I can remember. My career has often involved transformation of an overlooked or neglected space, into somewhere special, where people want to be.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
2015 to date MBLA Design Ltd.
2007 to 2015 TGP
2005 to 2007 Gillespies
1998 to 2005 LUC
MEMBERSHIPS
Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute CMLI
INTERESTS
Civic Trust Awards Assessor, GIA Awards judge, SGLH Trustee, West Dunbartonshire Council design panel member. Friends of the River Kelvin FORK volunteer and RHS Grow-wild mentor. Founding member of Sco.Mo established to reveal and celebrate modernist landscape architecture in Scotland.
CLIENT REFERENCES
Testimonials from clients confirm a personal, professional and enthusiastic approach.
'I came back from my holiday to this. . .my garden in full flower. Please if you're in the area, do come by to see how your work has turned out. I am filled with delight'
Catherine Cowie, private client
‘Matthew produced a Masterplan providing reference, evidence and a vision for the future of Plean Country Park. Matthew's attention to detail, creative knowledge and ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders has grown our confidence in implementing the plan in association with the park owners Stirling Council. He is now considered a part of our Park Community’
Fran Barr, Chair of Friends of Plean Country Park Stirling
‘Mast architects have worked together on a number of varied projects and found Matt great to work with. He is enthusiastic, knowledgeable and practical about design at every level. I have no hesitation in recommending Matt for landscape architecture services’
David Denholm, Director, MAST architects
'Matt's approach is friendly, enthusiastic and trustworthy. His commitment to all aspects of his work is obvious from the outset. From the project proposal stage to design and contract administration, Matt is thorough and knowledgeable and works with the client and end-user in mind at all times'
Lynn Hollands, Planner Renfrewshire Council
'Matt’s knowledge of landscaping and planting were invaluable to our project, his professionalism, keenness and design work are matched only by his friendly and swift customer service. His eye for design in terms of planting and positioning in particular added a great deal to the desired look and feel of the project and saved us money. We would recommend Matt’s work without hesitation to anyone looking for a top class landscape architect'
Caroline and Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp, private client
'The designs provided by Matt were detailed, high quality and innovative in setting strategies. I would have no hesitation in considering Matt for further work with River Clyde Homes'
Stuart Johnstone, Manager: Neighbourhood Planning and Development, River Clyde Homes
'Matt has been easy to work with as he is very approachable, also flexible. He has demonstrated a clear understanding of our requirements which meant that we were happy to sign off on his first proposal. Matt's attention to detail, particularly when compared to some other landscape consultants we have worked with is impressive, and we are delighted to have a colourful planting scheme providing visual interest all year round'
Gillian Lennox, Development Manager, Almond Housing Association
