Business Details
44 Years
experience
Award-Winning Landscape Architects in Felling
Established in 1982, Kemp Glen is a chartered landscape architecture practice renowned for delivering innovative, sustainable design solutions across public and private sectors. Our expertise spans landscape design, urban planning, and environmental assessments, underpinned by a commitment to creating functional spaces that resonate with communities. With a heritage rooted in landscape reclamation and urban design, we prioritise client collaboration, ensuring each project reflects practical needs while maintaining ecological integrity.Our team, led by Director Philip Barker, combines decades of experience with technical excellence, including BIM capabilities and expert witness testimony. We adhere to rigorous quality standards while fostering a personal service that has sustained long-term client relationships. Our ethos centres on transforming spaces into meaningful environments for living, working, and leisure, avoiding design indulgence in favour of user-centric outcomes.
Services
Landscape Design
Urban Design
Landscape Planning
Visual Impact Assessment
Habitat Creation
Historic Landscape Management
Expert Witness Services
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in landscape architecture and planning.
- Our team provides tailored, client-focused design solutions with sustainability at their core.
- We offer expert witness services for planning inquiries and public consultations.
- Our BIM capabilities ensure technical precision in all project phases.
- We maintain a Quality Management System for consistent service excellence.
Associations and certifications
- Landscape Institute
Services
Landscape Design
We create bespoke landscape designs for residential, commercial, and public spaces. Our approach balances aesthetics with functionality, ensuring sustainable solutions that enhance biodiversity and user experience. Projects range from community gardens to large-scale infrastructure schemes.
Urban Design
Our urban design services integrate green infrastructure with built environments. We develop masterplans that improve public realms, connectivity, and accessibility while addressing climate resilience and heritage preservation in townscapes.
Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment
We conduct detailed assessments for planning applications, including EIA chapters and expert evidence for public inquiries. Our work evaluates landscape sensitivity and mitigates visual impacts of developments.
Habitat Creation
Specialising in ecological restoration, we design habitats that support wildlife and improve ecosystem services. Projects include woodland management, wetland creation, and biodiversity net gain strategies aligned with planning policies.
Historic Landscape Management
We develop conservation plans for historic parks and gardens, combining archival research with site analysis. Our services include feasibility studies, restoration strategies, and management frameworks for protected landscapes.
People
Philip Barker
Director
Director and Landscape Institute member since 1992, Philip leads all projects with expertise in masterplanning and impact assessments. He lectures at Newcastle University and specialises in play spaces and habitat design.
Debbie Polkinghorn
Office Manager
Debbie ensures operational efficiency and quality management compliance. Her role supports project delivery while maintaining the practice's administrative excellence and client communication standards.
Quintin Vince
Technical Manager
Technical Manager since 1989, Quintin oversees BIM implementation and site supervision. He combines technical expertise with community engagement through charity bike initiatives in the North East.
Questions
What areas do Glenkemp operate in?
We primarily work across the North East of England, with projects ranging from local community schemes to regional infrastructure developments.
Do you handle both public and private sector projects?
Yes, we deliver solutions for clients in both sectors, including local authorities, developers, and community organisations.
What makes Glenkemp's approach unique?
Our focus on user-centric design ensures spaces are functional and engaging, avoiding purely aesthetic solutions in favour of practical, sustainable outcomes.
Can you assist with planning applications?
We provide Landscape & Visual Impact Assessments, expert witness testimony, and evidence preparation for public inquiries and planning appeals.
How does Glenkemp ensure project quality?
We maintain a rigorous Quality Management System and employ BIM technology to guarantee precision and compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
