Eleanor Vance is a fully Chartered Landscape Architect (CMLI) with 15 years of experience in residential and commercial landscape construction. She specializes in the technical aspects of hardscaping, including drainage systems, retaining walls, and paving specifications. Eleanor currently runs a design consultancy that focuses on sustainable urban infrastructure and legal compliance in garden building.
Eleanor Vance is a seasoned Chartered Landscape Architect with a comprehensive background in civil engineering applied to landscape design. A graduate of the University of Sheffield's Landscape Architecture program, she has worked for several leading UK design firms before establishing her own practice. Eleanor’s expertise lies in the 'hard' side of gardening: the structural integrity of retaining walls, the precise grading required for effective drainage, and the durability of paving materials like porcelain and sandstone. She possesses in-depth knowledge of UK planning permissions, building regulations, and permeable paving laws, ensuring that every project is legally compliant and built to last. Her articles often address the costly mistakes DIY enthusiasts make regarding foundations and water management. Eleanor is a strong advocate for technical precision, teaching homeowners how to distinguish between cosmetic landscaping and structural engineering. She also provides critical advice on managing contractors and understanding quotes to avoid 'cowboy' workmanship. Her goal is to ensure that the backbone of every garden is safe, legal, and permanent.