Ali Baxter

PRINCIPAL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

As a Principal Landscape Architect I’ve helped lead on a diverse selection of national and international projects. My work areas include strategic planning, major infrastructure, urban regeneration, mixed use residential and play design. I have a passion for leaving an urban space better than when I arrived.

Working previously as a horticulturalist, digitally producing, and recording extensive planting plans for Chester Zoo and its grounds, I lead on planting design for numerous typologies across continents within my role at Gillespies. I’ve also worked in earthquake zones in New Zealand, helping to restore indigenous landscapes.

My key skills include inclusive play design, community engagement, social justice in designing spaces, and technical and construction implementation.

In this industry, here is still an unconscious bias towards women’s experience and it not being valued or respected to the same level as men’s. Our opinions can often be drowned out. There is also a confidence hurdle; women tend not to promote themselves enough and we often get overlooked for promotions. There is still the expectancy for women to take leave for childcare and therefore fall behind on opportunities and senior management positions.

However, my advice would be to do your research. Understand where you want to progress to and what role you want based on your passions. Trust your own knowledge and experience, stand up for your values and principles and put yourself out there. Make room for yourself and don’t try to make yourself smaller. Take up space!