Landscape and Gardening Awards 2017

7 2017 Landscaping & Gardening Awards Build “While our aspirations may be high, our approach is simple. Our success comes from our ability to listen to our clients, understand their needs and provide commercially viable project support. We put client communication at the forefront of everything we do, and are dedicated to working in an open and honest manner.” Client service is of vital importance, but RPS also acknowledge that this vast service offering would be impossible without a dedicated and professional workforce. “Fundamentally, our people are what make us, we are passionate about what we do and employ talented individuals who embody our professional standards, including: Chartered Landscape Architects; Chartered Environmentalists; Registered EIA Practitioners and Urban Designers as well as a wide range of associated environmental professionals in the fields of Arboriculture, Ecology, Archaeology and Engineering to name but a few.” “Our Landscape Architects bring a considerable breadth and depth of experience to ensure our clients benefit from innovative and high quality design solutions that can be delivered effectively within project programme and budget requirements. Above all we are team players, adaptable and well placed to adjust to changing market forces, regularly working with multi- disciplinary project teams or as lead consultants and project managers. Thanks to this skilled and committed team we have the resources and expertise to assist with any project regardless of scale, location or complexity and have thorough understanding and experience of the issues relating to the sustainable development of the urban, rural, coastal and seascape environments and the interface between them.” Ultimately, RPS is committed to conducting its business in a collaborative, responsible and sustainable way, and as such the firm takes pride in delivering commercially aware, creative solutions that reflect and enhance the environment. Its teams have a unique understanding of the collaborative approach required to successfully meet the challenges of today and the future, as Douglas proudly concludes. “Looking ahead at RPS we remain optimistic, although measured, about the changes the landscape profession is set to face. Sharing the concerns of the Landscape Institute, RPS is paying close attention to plant health and invasive plant species; Ash dieback (Chalara fraxinea) is one of a number of pests and diseases threatening the landscape of the UK. To monitor this, we continue to follow updates and advice of the LI Biosecurity Group and stakeholder members on the DEFRA Tree Health Policy Group.” “Further ahead, the long-term impact of Brexit on Environmental Policy, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations and protected species has the potential to change the way in which the UK approaches development in the future.” “In the shorter term, the demands for increased housing, associated social and energy infrastructure and accessible public open space is, and will continue to, present significant challenges to balance the needs of sustainable growth whilst protecting the natural environment. All of these developments provide us with opportunities to adapt and develop, working with our clients to ensure that we continue to succeed and grow even further as we look towards a bright and exciting future.”