Midlands landscape architecture practice continues expansion with two hires

Landscape architecture practice Influence Landscape Planning & Design has appointed two new team members as part of its growth strategy.

Georgina Grundy and Libby Bye have joined the Newark-based company as architectural technician and office administrator.

Last year, Influence was accepted into the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses UK programme for high-growth small businesses, and the firm’s ongoing expansion is part of its growth strategy created on the programme.

Georgina studied interior architecture at the University of Lincoln and has been delivering architecture projects at well-known organisations across the East Midlands since.

At Influence, she will work on technical support post planning, the coordination of external works packages, and on public realm, schools and town centre regeneration projects, which Influence is known for.

Georgina said: "I wanted this next step in my career to be for something I was passionate about, so my aim is to blend my architectural knowledge and carefully crafted skills with my love for nature, to create sustainable and visually appealing landscapes.

"I’m excited about working with nature as a canvas, helping to enhance the natural beauty of outdoor spaces, while actively contributing to enriching the biodiversity. I am also looking forward to broadening and deepening my knowledge about plant life and the different natural habitats that contribute to our landscape, both historically and in today’s world.

"Along with my architectural knowledge and experience, I will be bringing my keen eye for detail and excellent drawing standards to Influence.”

As office administrator, Libby will be supporting Influence’s business manager in ensuring the smooth running of the practice and working alongside the wider team on administrative support.

Libby said: “I'm really excited to have joined the Influence family and I am looking forward to using my skills and learning new ones to fully support my new colleagues.”

Managing director of Influence, Sara Boland, said: “Where possible we like to make team-led decisions and following internal conversations and reviewing the requirements of our portfolio, it was a strategic decision to again expand our team.

“Welcoming Georgina and Libby to our practice enables us to build the technical team and increase the administrative support across all our projects and systems, which in turn will enable our business manager to further develop her role as our services continue to be in demand.

"With Georgina’s skills and passion and Libby’s track record of organisation and attention to detail, we are really pleased to be working with them and wish them all the best in their new roles with us.”

Chartered practice Influence provides project management, environmental planning, feasibility and concept development, master planning and urban design, landscape design, visual impact assessment, and expert witness.

The company plans on a further three hires this year.