How Frances Costelloe Studio Works

Frances Costelloe is a bespoke garden design practice based in North London, offering artistic and environmentally conscious landscape design services for private residential gardens. Each commission is treated as a creative collaboration between client, setting, and the designer, resulting in gardens that are distinctive, considered, and deeply personal.

Design Philosophy

Individual Character

A successful garden reflects the lifestyle, values, and personality of its owner. Through close consultation and detailed site analysis, the Frances creates tailored garden designs that feel intuitive and authentic—whether for a compact courtyard, a family garden, or a wilder natural landscape.

Artistic Foundation

Frances Costelloe brings a background in fine art and illustration to every project. Her visual language, often inspired by classical forms, organic motifs, and natural symmetry. This imbues each garden with a sense of character and charm. The result is a garden design approach that balances structure with softness, and a timeless aesthetic with joy.

Layered, Structural Planting

Planting design is at the core of each garden. A carefully selected palette of perennials, grasses, evergreens, and specimen trees ensures seasonal interest and long-term resilience. Emphasis is placed on layered, textural planting that works in harmony with the architecture of the home and the surrounding environment.

Sustainable Design

The practice prioritises sustainable and low-impact garden design, sourcing materials responsibly and specifying planting schemes that support biodiversity and long-term ecological health. Frances Costelloe operates is committed to reducing environmental impact across all stages of a project.

Design Process

1. Initial Enquiry
Prospective clients are invited to get in touch via email. To begin, please include photographs of the garden, a site plan if available, and an overview of your aims, aesthetic preferences, and budget.

2. Consultation and Site Visit
A consultation is arranged to assess the site and discuss the vision in depth. This stage helps determine the scope of the project and ensures alignment on timelines and design direction.

3. Concept and Design Development
A full garden design proposal is developed, which may include layout plans, mood boards, planting schemes, and visualisations. All elements are tailored to the client’s brief and the unique character of the site.

4. Implementation and Oversight
The studio works in collaboration with experienced landscape contractors to bring the design to life. Frances oversees the installation process to ensure that the garden is executed to the highest standard.

5. Aftercare and Long-Term Planning
Guidance is provided on garden maintenance, seasonal updates, and long-term care to support the garden’s evolution over time.

Project Scope and Availability

Frances Costelloe Studio works with private clients across London, North London, and surrounding areas, taking on a limited number of garden design commissions each year to ensure a focused and personal service. Projects range in scale from intimate town gardens to larger family estates.

For all garden design enquiries, please contact info@francescostelloe.co.uk or visit the Contact page.