Philip Nash

Brentford-based Philip Nash is an award-wining designer of contemporary gardens. This month he presents his ‘Elevations’ garden at the Chelsea Flower Show

WestSide magazine: Tell us a little about what you do 
Philip Nash: I am a contemporary garden designer with clientele both in the private residential and corporate sectors. My client list is formed of major company directors, a Saudi prince, developers and top-end private residential clients. My current work includes major roof gardens, a business park and a contemporary new build architect-designed private residence.

WestSide magazine: Did you always want to be a garden designer?
Philip Nash: An art and design background led me into garden design through my love of contemporary architecture and sculpture. This combined with more than just an interest in exotic and architectural plants led me to design modern gardens.

WestSide magazine: What are the signature features of a Philip Nash garden?
Philip Nash: Contemporary design; architectural plants, sculpture, lighting and water features, contemporary materials, glass, metal and now, Corian [a material that transform under different lighting].

WestSide magazine: What do you love to design?
Philip Nash: Elevated gardens with liberating sky views and cityscapes. Just add beautiful plants, water, music and a glass of wine!

WestSide magazine: What works well for Londoners with small outdoor spaces?
Philip Nash: Giving a sense of space and architectural planting. Low-maintenance water is an alluring element – such as waterwalls and pools. Also, lighting – it totallly transforms a daylight oasis.

WestSide magazine: Tell us about your garden at the 2008 Chelsea Flower Show
Philip Nash: It is entitled ‘Elevations’ and its major focus is on the innovative use of contemporary materials and progressive design. The contemporary material Corian is used in its major elements in a progressive and unexpected way. An elevated walkway is set above planting and water. Cantilevered furniture emerges from the terrace and at its opposite end the walkway transforms into a satellite seating area. Architectural plants combined with beautiful water features will create a lush, exuberant oasis and a stimulating outdoor area.

WestSide magazine: Who inspired it?
Philip Nash: I have always been inspired by the architect Zaha Hadid.
What kind of response do you hope to provoke in visitors?
I hope people will be inspired and uplifted.

WestSide magazine: How long have you been based in Brentford?
Philip Nash: Almost 2 years.

WestSide magazine: Why did you locate there?
Philip Nash: I moved to contemporary split-level apartment overlooking Grand Union Canal. Love the views.  

WestSide magazine: Which green spaces inspire you?
Philip Nash: The Royal Parks and open spaces. Our parks are part of what makes London, London. They provide an escape from the urban bustle where we can recharge, relax and reconnect with nature and appreciate its beauty.

WestSide magazine: What are your favourite local restaurants?
Philip Nash: La Rosetta and The Weir in Brentford; Monty’s Indian in South Ealing; La Trompette and High Road House in Chiswick.

Philip Nash Design Ltd, Suite 67, The Market Building, High Street Brentford, TW8 8LB 020 8560 5046