Designer Oliver Charles at his drawing board creating planting and garden designs.

Oliver Charles, Designer, ACIHort

Oliver grew up in Norfolk and has built a successful career in theatre design and production, which aligns well with his passion for creating landscapes. To share his enthusiasm for creating inspiring outdoor spaces, he founded Oliver Charles Gardens & Associates Limited.

Visits to historic houses and gardens across the country ignited his passion for landscape design. He holds a degree in theatre production and has enjoyed a successful career in stage lighting.

By leveraging his spatial awareness and storytelling skills from his stage lighting experience at the National Theatre, Oliver has successfully transitioned into landscape and planting design. He has built his business by connecting the garden design process with his previous work in production at the BBC in London.

Oliver is an associate designer member of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) and a member of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CHort). Oliver promotes best practices in horticulture. He is also involved with the Norfolk Gardens Trust, a charity dedicated to protecting gardens and designed landscapes in Norfolk.

With over five years of valuable experience in horticulture, landscaping, and plant retail across London and Norfolk, He continues his professional development and formal garden and landscape design training while serving clients and running his practice in Norfolk, England.

Oliver traces his roots to the historic village of Surlingham, located on the Norfolk Broads. By returning to Norwich, he aims to capture his experiences to add value and creativity to his home city. He seeks to expand his business, reconnect with his heritage, and leave a lasting legacy in landscape design.