Dru Allan Design Ltd

After a strong recommendation from friends, we employed Dru to prepare a landscape plan for our new build contemporary house in an AONB setting. He prepared a plan taking account of a sloping and exposed site, complicated by strict planning requirements and neighbour objections.The plan successfully reflects the surrounding countryside and ensures that, despite its contemporary appearance, the house nestles unobtrusively into the landscape. We are very impressed by the way Dru approached a difficult brief. He listened to us and used our thoughts to influence his proposals. His presentations to us were clear using the latest technology (including 3D Flythroughs) and hard copy plans. He also made an electronic Webex presentation to our neighbours followed by a site visit to clarify the proposals to them. Overall, a very professional, flexible and approachable landscape designer whom we highly recommend.

We engaged Dru Allan Design in 2018 to design a contemporary garden for a new build property. We selected Dru having met with a number of other designers basing our decision on the impressive catalogue of previous work, the quality of plans and video walkthrough, but ultimately because we felt comfortable that he had the appropriate skills and was easy to engage with. During the site visits Dru listened to our list of various requirements and was able to focus on what was important - an achievement given the often-conflicting requirements we provided. Dru skill was demonstrated as we selected his first design unmodified. Separate to the design process, Dru also assisted us with the selection of contractor to implement his design, joining us as we met with the potential candidates. Given the investment we were very grateful for his help and very satisfied with the choice. Throughout the build process Dru was able to answer questions before the build (when we were selecting furniture and need details on measurements), during the build whenever queries were raised or design decisions required, and after completion when we had queries related to subsequent planting. Having now lived with the completed garden for almost a year (trust me - during 2020 we used it a lot) it is very clear to us that Dru nailed the original brief.

Dru was immensely helpful in working with us to prepare a design for the large garden around our new home in Northumberland. We first made contact with him well before the house was completed to give time to develop ideas in advance of implementation. He took time to understand what features we had thought of including then prepared draft plans for discussion before working on final plans which we were able to implement. Without his assistance our garden would not look nearly as good as it does already - even though it is still maturing, being under three years old.

Dru has redesigned our front and back gardens to a very high standard and on budget. His design ideas are creative and organised and it is always a pleasure to work with him. We highly recommend him and his work, Juliet and William.

Dru Allan is an excellent Landscape Architect & easy to do business with. He redesigned our garden for us in 2008 & understood exactly what we wanted. Our garden was broken up into 5 individual sections by the previous homeowner, that we didn't feel really worked together. Dru created a design that makes the garden feel more fluid and connected, making best possible use of the space. The addition of a garden room that we use as a home office, makes the garden an extension of our home. The expansion of the small paved area into a large outdoor patio/BBQ area is perfect for relaxing in the sun & entertaining friends & family.

We met Dru in 2013 when we were looking to redesign our rear garden which was sadly neglected and unloved. Over several consultations were we discussed several design styles we loved his vision of a urban garden with lots of design features including planters over two levels, patios to catch the sun and views of the garden through the day and incorporating our existing deck. He translated this vision into a detaiiled layout drawing with a complete planting list. Hard landscape construction started late September 2014 with the first planting section carried out in September 2015. The second planting section is now complete with the remaining small planting areas, lawn and extended deck to be finish soon. Dru has provided invaluable help and advise throughout the project and enthusiasm Is infectious. Great Job!