Claire Thirlwall

After deciding on a career in Landscape Architecture at 14 Claire graduated from Leeds Beckett University in 1994 and qualified as a Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute (CMLI) in 1997.

She worked on the City Challenge regeneration of the Holmewood Estate by Bradford Metropolitan District Council in her Year Out and after graduation worked for the Thames Valley Groundwork Trust.  During her time at Groundwork Claire worked with Slough Borough Council, ICI and the British Airports Authority (BAA) on community landscape projects.

After setting up Thirlwall Associates her public sector experience gained her in-house appointments working for the Environment Agency and the Vale of White Horse District, covering roles such as planning control and project management.

As Director of Thirlwall Associates Claire has been involved in the design, planning and implementation of a wide range of landscape projects for almost 25 years. She has worked as an Expert Adviser to the National Lottery Heritage Fund since 2005 and is Chair of Constructing Excellence Berkshire.

Claire writes extensively on landscape architecture and sustainability. Her book From Idea to Site: a project guide to creating better landscapes was published by RIBA Publishing in 2020.