We are Layer.studio

We design places that allow nature and people to thrive. Working with communities, our projects span every layer of placemaking, from big-picture place strategy to nature-led design.

Modern multi-story glass building with greenery inside and outside, surrounded by landscaped gardens and people walking and sitting.

Group of people riding bicycles on a paved pathway between green lawns and tall modern brick buildings.

We are a place strategy and landscape design studio

Our approach to spatial design is grounded in landscape but works across all scales of placemaking.

We balance the big picture with the fine-grained, creating resilient places that are rooted in context and allow nature and people to thrive.

Our work brings together expertise across every layer of placemaking, from high level and early-stage work in place strategy and community engagement, to technical visual impact assessment and landscape architecture to offer an integrated service for developers and public sector bodies.

Landscape Architecture

Whether your space is big or small, urban or rural, we’ll advise on how to make the most of your site to create a quality where people and planet thrive. We create innovative, nature-inspired and people-focused design solutions that enrich communities and the environment. We work across all scales, supporting developers and public bodies with a full landscape design service including masterplanning, city strategies and climate adaptation.

Urbanism

We can support your strategic projects, whether you’re preparing a funding bid, wanting to define your strategic direction or identify housing sites. We provide strategic data-led advice at the earliest stages of urban regeneration, planning and development, supporting public bodies and developers with tools to inform plan-making, secure funding and deliver positive change.

Creative Community Engagement

We offer dynamic engagement and co-design services that empower communities and stakeholders to shape their environments. We listen first and design second. Meaningful engagement facilitation that puts people at the heart of plans and strengthens local identity.

Visual Impact Assessments

Landscape and townscape visual impact assessments that inform development proposals and support planning applications.

Our approach

We’re guided by three core values on all our projects: Nature, people and place.
‍Built on adaptive and resilient principles, our ideas are intelligently designed with communities and the natural environment at the core.

Nature

Nature is at the heart of everything we design, shaping environments that promote harmony between built and natural environments. We embrace the concept of a ‘wild’ future, reconnecting cultures with nature to foster resilience and sustainability. By prioritising green infrastructure and biodiversity, we design adaptive solutions that respond to environmental challenges while enriching lives and landscapes.

People

People are the lifeblood of our work, driving our commitment to creating spaces that inspire and nurture. Through collaboration and co-design, we engage communities to reveal local needs and embed authenticity. Our designs focus on improving life opportunities, fostering connections, and supporting thriving, inclusive neighbourhoods.

Place

Place defines the soul of our projects, anchoring them in their unique contexts. By layering narratives of history, culture, and purpose, we create environments that are engaging and distinctive. Our approach adapts across scales and stages, creating places that reflect local identity while addressing broader challenges, resulting in enduring, people-focused solutions.

Studio life

Group of people walking on a paved path with green landscaping and 'Depot Mayfield' building in the background under clear blue sky.

Two people arranging books on wall-mounted shelves in a cozy room with a chair, floor lamp, and potted plants.

Layer.studio prides itself on our approachable, friendly, and creative culture. As our client, we bring you along on our journey and invite you to join our mission to deliver successful places where people and nature thrive.