What will my design cost?

Professional design typically starts at around £5,000 for a smaller plot. This includes full 3D cad design, around 3 rounds of design development, and leads to a completed pack suitable for construction costing, with general arrangement plans, set out plans and detailed materials and planting schedules, lighting and irrigation designs. Larger and more complex gardens, particularly those working around new builds obviously need a great deal more detailing and input and need to be priced specifically to ensure we capture all the work you want (but no more!)

How long will it take to design?

Most design processes can be tailored to the pace of the client- each review stage usually needs 2-3 weeks for us to do the required work in between, and depending on your availability and clarity of feedback, that means most take at least 6-8 weeks. This can be compressed if there is a specific deadline or it is a simpler project, and some are considerably extended (usually when working on a major new build alongside the architects and team).

Is my garden too big or too small for a design?

Even a small garden will benefit from good design, and in fact smaller gardens are often the ones that need it most as you are often trying to fit a lot into a small space which can be a challenge and takes skill and practice. Sometimes it simply isn’t possible to do everything you want in the space, but having a really good designer on board will help you to make the decisions you need to make as to the priorities and how it will all look once done.

Do I need a garden designer and a landscaper?

Usually yes - some companies such as ourselves can offer both, but while the skills overlap, they are very different specialities. In most cases you don’t want your bricklayer (however talented!) to be making final decisions as to how to finish the edges of your steps or patio, nor do you want your garden designer to make the final decisions as to how to build your retaining walls.

Swimming Pool
Landscape Design

Case Studies

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World Class Poolside Landscape Design

At CGLA, we believe a swimming pool should be far more than a standalone feature. It should feel fully integrated within the wider garden, enhancing the architecture of the house and enriching the way you live outdoors.

Whether you are planning a new pool or transforming an existing one, our award-winning team designs elegant, highly considered poolside landscapes that balance beauty, function and longevity.

A well-designed pool setting does not dominate the garden. It belongs within it.

Integrated Design from the Outset

A pool inevitably shapes how a garden works. Its position, scale and orientation influence views, circulation and the relationship between house and landscape. Getting this right requires more than selecting paving and coping materials. It requires a cohesive design strategy.

We consider:

Key views from inside the house and across the garden
Solar orientation and prevailing winds
Transitions between terraces, lawn and planting
Privacy from neighbouring properties
Practical access, levels and drainage
The balance between open space and enclosure

By resolving these elements early, we ensure the pool enhances the garden rather than competing with it.

Swimming pool terrace designed as a natural extension of the house, with seating, steps and integrated garden planting

Designed for Living and Entertaining

A pool landscape should support how you actually want to use the space.

For some clients, that means relaxed family weekends. For others, it centres around entertaining, exercise or creating a calm retreat. We design generous terraces for lounging, outdoor dining areas, shaded seating spaces and intuitive circulation routes that feel effortless.

Lighting is carefully integrated to extend use into the evening, while material choices are selected for durability, comfort underfoot and visual harmony with the architecture.

Safety is always considered as part of the overall design conversation. Integrated barriers, subtle level changes and compliant solutions are handled in a way that feels intentional and refined.

Rectangular outdoor swimming pool positioned within an open lawned garden, with generous paving and minimal planting

Transforming Existing Pool Environments

Not every pool begins life as part of a coherent garden design.

We are frequently commissioned to rework existing pool areas that feel disconnected, overly hard or visually dominant. Through considered changes to materials, planting structure, lighting and spatial arrangement, we can completely reframe how the space feels and functions.

Often, relatively measured interventions can deliver a transformative result.

Infinity-edge swimming pool at dusk, carefully integrated into a landscaped setting with subtle lighting and distant coastal views

Why Choose CGLA for Pool Landscaping?

Award-winning, design-led approach
Seamless integration between architecture and landscape
In-house technical and construction expertise
Collaborative coordination with pool specialists
Experience across private estates, country homes and refined urban gardens

We design landscapes that feel composed, enduring and effortless.

Our Process for Poolside Landscape Design

Every project follows our structured design methodology, adapted to the specific technical and spatial demands of swimming pools.

1. Initial Consultation and Site Review

We begin by understanding your aspirations, how you intend to use the space and how the pool relates to the house and wider landscape. Where a pool supplier is already appointed, we collaborate closely from the outset.

2. Concept Design

We develop a clear spatial strategy that integrates the pool within the broader garden framework. This includes layout, levels, material direction and planting structure.

3. Detailed Design and Technical Coordination

Pool projects require careful coordination. We work alongside pool engineers and consultants to resolve interfaces, drainage, plant room locations, lighting and finishes. Our detailed drawings ensure clarity before construction begins.

4. Construction and Implementation

Our in-house landscaping team will work alongside specialist pool and pool house experts to deliver the project to an exceptional standard, maintaining continuity between design intent and on-site execution.

5. Aftercare and Ongoing Maintenance

As planting establishes, considered maintenance ensures the landscape matures beautifully around the pool environment.

“I wanted a pool in my garden, but we had no idea how it could work with the existing buildings and levels- I love what the CGLA team have created for us, and the detailed process has helped us to refine how we will use the space and ensure it will be a great investment for the whole family”

Client: Swimming Pool Client, Private Client

FAQs

Do you design the pool itself?Jo Fisher2026-03-03T11:51:33+00:00

Do you design the pool itself?

We design the landscape integration and spatial setting of the pool. We collaborate closely with specialist pool engineers who design and install the pool structure. Our role is to ensure the pool and garden feel architecturally unified.

Can you improve an existing pool area?Jo Fisher2026-03-03T11:52:02+00:00

Can you improve an existing pool area?

Yes. Many clients come to us with a pool that feels exposed or disconnected. Through redesigning terraces, introducing layered planting and refining materials, we can transform how the space functions and feels.

What materials work best around swimming pools?Jo Fisher2026-03-03T11:52:27+00:00

What materials work best around swimming pools?

Materials must be slip resistant, durable and comfortable underfoot. We carefully specify paving and coping that are technically appropriate while complementing the house and wider garden palette.

How do you approach planting around pools?Jo Fisher2026-03-03T11:52:50+00:00

How do you approach planting around pools?

Plant selection is critical. We avoid species prone to excessive leaf drop or invasive roots and instead create structured, elegant planting schemes that provide privacy, softness and seasonal interest.

How is safety handled?Jo Fisher2026-03-03T11:53:12+00:00

How is safety handled?

Safety requirements are integrated into the design from the outset. Whether through discreet barriers, compliant fencing or subtle level management, solutions are carefully considered to maintain aesthetic integrity.

If you have other questions feel free to contact us or see FAQS.

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