Business Details
42 Years
experience
Expert Landscape Architecture in Cirencester
Portus & Whitton have been dedicated to landscape and garden design since 1984, operating from our base in Gloucestershire. Our team comprises four Directors and skilled Landscape Architects, each bringing expertise in landscape research, design, CAD, contract administration, and the conservation of historic landscapes. We prioritise understanding the unique character of each site, collaborating closely with clients and consultants to develop imaginative, practical solutions within defined parameters. Our extensive experience spans masterplanning for care villages and residential projects, landscape character assessments, planning inquiries, and the restoration of historic landscapes. We have successfully delivered projects for prestigious clients including the National Trust and Cabinet Office, demonstrating our commitment to excellence in both contemporary and heritage contexts. Our work on Cirencester town centres 1.5M public realm project highlights our ability to balance modern needs with historical sensitivity.With decades of combined experience, our team remains passionate about creating landscapes that harmonise with their surroundings while meeting functional and aesthetic requirements. We maintain active involvement in community projects and professional organisations, ensuring our practice remains at the forefront of industry standards. Our approach combines technical expertise with creative vision, delivering solutions that enhance both natural and built environments. This dedication to quality has established us as trusted specialists in landscape architecture across the UK.
Services
Landscape Design
Historic Conservation
Masterplanning
Garden Design
Urban Regeneration
Landscape Assessment
Planning Inquiries
CAD Services
Contract Administration
Tourism Projects
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in landscape architecture and historic conservation.
- Our team includes qualified Landscape Architects with specialist expertise in sensitive sites.
- We offer comprehensive services from research and design to project implementation.
- We maintain strong relationships with heritage organisations like Historic England.
- Our practice combines technical excellence with creative vision for exceptional results.
Services
Historic Landscape Conservation
We specialise in preserving and restoring historic landscapes while balancing modern requirements. Our expertise includes working with Listed Buildings, Registered Parklands, and protected sites. Projects involve detailed research, consultation with heritage bodies, and implementation of sensitive design solutions that maintain historical integrity while ensuring practical usability for contemporary users.
Garden Design
Our garden design service creates bespoke outdoor spaces tailored to site characteristics and client needs. We integrate ecological considerations with aesthetic and functional elements, from small private gardens to large-scale estate projects. Our approach combines traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainability principles to deliver enduring, beautiful landscapes.
Masterplanning
We develop comprehensive masterplans for residential, commercial, and public sector developments. Our process considers environmental context, community needs, and long-term viability. Recent projects include care villages, educational campuses, and mixed-use developments requiring careful integration with surrounding landscapes and infrastructure.
Urban Regeneration
Our urban regeneration projects revitalise town centres and public spaces while respecting historical context. We recently completed Cirencester's 1.5M town centre transformation, creating accessible, functional spaces that enhance local heritage. Our work addresses traffic management, pedestrian areas, and sustainable urban environments.
Landscape Assessment
We conduct detailed landscape and visual impact assessments for planning applications. Our methodology evaluates existing character, sensitivity, and potential impacts of proposed developments. This evidence-based approach supports informed decision-making for both private and public sector clients across diverse landscape types.
People
Martin Portus
Consultant Director
With over 35 years' experience, Martin specialises in historic landscapes and National Trust projects. He led the restoration of Croome Landscape Park and designed Cirencester's public realm transformation. He previously chaired the Cirencester Civic Society.
Ruth Sears
Associate Director
Ruth brings 15+ years' expertise in heritage projects, public parks, and healthcare landscapes. She has won multiple design awards including for the 'Bird Box' public space. She joined Portus & Whitton in 2024 after leading landscape teams at multidisciplinary firms.
Adrian Hazelwood
Director
Adrian has extensive experience in urban design and HLF park restorations. He has worked on library, museum, and law court landscapes, as well as large-scale care village developments. His career spans two decades in private practice.
Steve Wilson
Director
Steve specialises in sensitive landscape projects and planning inquiries. He has worked on university campuses, healthcare facilities, and hotel developments. With a background in international commerce, he brings commercial awareness to landscape architecture.
John Whitton
Consultant Director
Co-founder of the practice, John has designed gardens ranging from small private spaces to complex estates with lakes and sculpture. He encourages drawing skills within the team and has worked for diverse clients including universities and historic estates.
Questions
What services do Portus & Whitton offer?
We provide landscape architecture services including historic conservation, garden design, masterplanning, urban regeneration, and landscape assessments for both public and private sector clients.
How long has the company been in business?
Portus & Whitton has operated from Cirencester since 1984, with our founding directors establishing the practice over four decades ago.
Do you work on historic sites?
Yes, we specialise in historic landscape conservation, having completed projects for the National Trust and other heritage organisations across sensitive and listed sites.
What areas do you cover?
While based in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, we work across the UK on projects ranging from Cotswold estates to urban developments nationwide.
How do you approach new projects?
We begin by analysing the site's character, then collaborate closely with clients and consultants to develop practical, imaginative designs tailored to each location's unique requirements.
