Landscape Architecture Portfolio
Ben Southgate
Landscape architecture belongs at the beginning, not the end
Portfolio
Selected Projects
A selection of landscape architecture projects spanning masterplanning, urban design, planting design, and 3D modelling.
Hand Skills
Sketchwork
Freehand sketches and observational drawings created on location and in the studio, using a range of media including fountain pen, fine liner, and watercolour.
Freehand sketch
Observational drawing
Observational drawing
Landscape study
Freehand sketch - mixed media
Design sketch
Observational drawing
Freehand sketch
Observational drawing
Design sketch
Design sketch
Freehand sketch
About
Ben Southgate
I believe landscape architects should be at the heart of development from day one - not brought in as an afterthought.
As a final-year landscape architecture student at the University of Gloucestershire, I am guided by a commitment to biodiversity, green infrastructure, and long-term ecological thinking.
I bring both design and technical depth to projects: I hold a drone licence and use aerial photography for site surveys and documentation, and I am proficient in AutoCAD, Vectorworks and SketchUp, with Blender 3D and Lumion currently in progress.
Education
BA (Hons) Landscape Architecture
University of Gloucestershire · 2023–2026
UAL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice
The Henley College · 2021–2023 · Merit
Student Member, Landscape Institute · Member no. 0000054521
Capabilities
Skills & Expertise
Software & Visualisation
- AutoCAD - technical drawing & documentation
- Vectorworks - landscape design & planning
- SketchUp - 3D modelling & spatial design
- Blender 3D - 3D modelling & rendering
- Lumion - architectural visualisation
- Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)
Drone & Aerial Photography
- CAA Flyer ID & Operator ID holder
- Licensed since 2020 (5+ years experience)
- Drone photography for site surveying
- FPV (First Person View) drone flying
- Aerial site analysis & mapping
Design & Field Skills
- Landscape & site surveying
- Technical & measured drawing
- Freehand design sketching
- Perspective rendering
- Academic research - mixed methods
- Full UK driving licence
Academic Research
Research Project
The Role of Landscape Architects in Designing Sustainable Neighbourhoods
University of Gloucestershire
January 2026
4%
of sustainable neighbourhood projects are led by landscape architects
46%+
Biodiversity Net Gain achievable through landscape-led development
59%
of professionals cited late or absent landscape involvement as the primary barrier
Summary
This research investigated why landscape architects are so rarely involved in sustainable neighbourhood design from the outset, despite possessing the ecological expertise most critical to its success.
Case Study Comparison
Poundbury (architect-led, fragmented green space) vs Tewkesbury Garden Town (landscape-led, 50% green infrastructure)
Methodology
Mixed methods: questionnaire survey (n=29 professionals), literature review, and comparative case study analysis
Aerial Perspective
Drone & Aerial Photography
I hold both the CAA Flyer ID and Operator ID for drone flying, with a licence held since 2020. I use drone photography for site surveying, landscape documentation, and aerial analysis - bringing a unique perspective to landscape architecture projects.
Aerial survey of North Place car park, Cheltenham - used to inform the masterplan design
Drone survey of the Brimscombe community project site
Site overview - Brimscombe community project
Topographic context captured via drone
Aerial photography of Greyfriars, Gloucestershire
Terrain and topography survey - aerial analysis
University of Gloucestershire Library from above
Contact
Let's Work Together
I'm available for graduate roles, internships, and freelance projects. Feel free to get in touch - I'd love to hear about your project.
Based in
Berkshire, England
Available for
Graduate roles, internships & freelance projects