Business Details
Award-Winning Landscape Architects & Urban Designers
DSA Environment + Design is an award-winning practice specialising in landscape architecture and urban design, with a steadfast commitment to sustainable development. Our work spans scales from intimate courtyards to large-scale masterplans, driven by a philosophy that prioritises the connection between people and their environment. We are recognised leaders in sustainable drainage systems and have pioneered innovative projects such as the world's first sustainable plant masterplan for Toyota in Derbyshire. Our approach combines scientific rigour with artistic vision, ensuring functional, ecologically responsible designs that enhance community well-being.With decades of collective experience, we collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams and end-users to deliver tailored solutions that address specific client challenges. Our reputation for excellence is evidenced by repeat commissions and industry recognition, including our role as co-authors of the nationally significant 'Building for a Healthy Life' design toolkit. We maintain long-term engagement with completed projects to evaluate their evolution and continuously refine our methodologies.
Services
Sustainable Landscape Design
Urban Regeneration
Masterplanning
Sustainable Drainage Systems
Biodiversity Enhancement
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years' experience in sustainable landscape architecture
- Pioneers in water-sensitive urban design and sustainable drainage systems
- Award-winning practice with nationally recognised design expertise
- Client-focused approach combining scientific analysis with creative solutions
- Long-term project monitoring ensures continuous improvement of our designs
What people say
Imaginative solutions
Successful planning consent
Delighted with proposal
Praised by committee
Effective problem-solving
Services
Sustainable Landscape Design
We create functional, environmentally responsible landscapes that enhance biodiversity and community well-being. Our designs integrate water-sensitive urban design principles and sustainable drainage systems to create places that work for both people and nature. Projects range from school grounds with outdoor learning environments to large-scale housing developments.
Urban Regeneration
Our urban regeneration expertise transforms underutilised spaces into vibrant, sustainable communities. We specialise in masterplanning former industrial sites like the Whitwell Village colliery regeneration project, creating mixed-use developments with significant green space allocations while preserving local heritage and character.
Masterplanning
We develop comprehensive masterplans that balance development needs with environmental protection. Our approach considers long-term sustainability, incorporating natural flood management techniques and creating connected green infrastructure networks that support both human activity and ecological systems across entire regions.
Sustainable Drainage Systems
As industry leaders in sustainable drainage, we design systems that manage surface water while enhancing biodiversity. Our innovative approaches combine functional water management with aesthetically pleasing landscape features that provide multiple environmental benefits and reduce flood risk.
Biodiversity Enhancement
We integrate biodiversity enhancement into all our projects through habitat creation and ecological corridor development. Our designs support wildlife while providing therapeutic environments for users, as demonstrated in healthcare facility landscapes and education-focused outdoor spaces that promote nature connection.
People
Matthew Lane
Managing Director
Experienced director with specialist expertise in landscape-led planning applications and complex site regeneration. Led successful planning consents for major housing developments through innovative design solutions that address stakeholder concerns and enhance environmental value.
David
Principal Designer
Recognised expert in water-sensitive urban design who regularly presents at industry forums including CIRIA. Develops innovative approaches to integrate natural flood management and sustainable drainage systems into urban environments across the UK and internationally.
Questions
What areas do you cover for landscape design projects?
We work across the UK with particular expertise in the Midlands region, including Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.
Do you specialise in any particular type of landscape architecture?
We focus on sustainable development with particular expertise in urban regeneration, water-sensitive design and educational landscapes.
How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?
We integrate natural flood management, sustainable drainage systems and biodiversity enhancement into all our projects to create environmentally responsible spaces.
Can you handle large-scale masterplanning projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience with major developments including the 47-hectare Whitwell Village regeneration scheme and Toyota's sustainable plant masterplan.
Are you involved in industry standards development?
We co-authored the nationally significant 'Building for a Healthy Life' design toolkit and contribute to sustainable design guidance.
How do you ensure design quality over time?
We conduct long-term post-occupancy evaluations of our projects to assess performance and inform continuous improvement of our design approaches.
