A full-spectrum landscape, master planning and design group, working globally on development projects that are in harmony with the environment.
latest project case study
Nafsika Golf + Wellness Resort
Set in the Ropa Valley - a verdant agricultural plain in Corfu
project background
Every place is fundamentally made up of layers of stories, memories and associations created over millennia. I look at all these layers – the historical maps, the stories, how people have used the space over time, and these all help build my concept and how I approach my work. It also ensures that everything I do fits the place which is crucially important.
There’s a specific history at this site that ties into the notion of layers. In this case, the developer’s father commissioned the original building and constructed it out of local hand laid stone, it has the only golf course on Corfu and it is set within many stands of mature trees with gently sloping topographical features and extensive lakes which creates a beautiful canvas to work on.
I look at all these layers – the historical maps, the stories, how people have used the space over time, and these all help build my concept and how I approach my work. It also ensures that everything I do fits the place which is crucially important. This is the legacy of the project that we have been asked to preserve, a family story that we are continuing which builds on their emotional connection with this land.
As the association is quite a personal one the client is very hands on with the project. A lot of my time has been dedicated to working directly, listening and collaborating in a way that I could never do when working in a big firm. Up front I also want to be sure we have gone through all the commercial aspects, so we’ve confirmed with the client the financial feasibility is right, that the build cost is acceptable, the development economics are solid — all of this process is as important as the design itself.
As the association is quite a personal one, a lot of my time has been dedicated to working directly with the client, listening and collaborating in a way that I could never do when working in a big firm. This has been really important not just for the client to be heard but for me to fully understand his story. 
approach
Everything is surrounded by hills and forest-covered mountains with the Nafsika River flowing through the valley to Ermones, just over a kilometre away, with the Ionian Sea beyond. It is this flow of water and the richness of the wetland habitat and wildlife that is fundamental to everything we are creating.
New development elements are designed to harness the spirit of this incredible, unique site. By embracing the changing of seasons, capturing seasonal rains before they reach the sea we are creating a network of canals and waterways. This provides the perfect setting for a boutique wellness hotel, a revitalised golf course and a range of residences.
I’m always looking at the nature that is there already and make it a mission to only cut trees or disturb things where absolutely necessary. The standard approach of levelling things to the ground and re-planting is difficult to justify. It has an enormous environmental impact, requiring huge amounts of time, energy and money. People might say my approach is a naïve one — that the contractors will damage things and it'll be difficult to protect what’s there. But, with the right systems in place, it is completely doable.Working with the existing buildings on the site, such as the clubhouse means that we reposition rather than knock everything down. By adding in some undercroft areas and additional wings in the same style a lovely rambling village is created rather than a more modern structure that might look out of place. Everything works together, the trees and the waterways combining to give the feel of a village that has always been there and integrated with the surrounds.
how I work
idea generation
As soon as I get off the plane I immediately start sketching. It’s really important to be drawing and making notes as soon as I arrive to capture as many details, initial impressions as possible. I’m paying attention to everything that will have an impact on what we will do — the sun positioning, wind patterns, landscape, infrastructure. Many of the ideas in those initial sketches carry all the way through to the final project.
Most important is the master plan itself. As an example, if building around trees is part of the story then that has to be fundamental to everything we need to do — and the master plan specifies the tree protection measures, ensures we don’t change the ground level around the trees…. It basically drives all decision making toward making that story a reality.
a holistic, collaborative culture
It’s essential to have the right people on the project at the right time. Each project is different, and so is every team. With the plan in place I can then determine the skills and expertise required. The teams I bring together are comfortable to contribute and brainstorm in each other’s areas, leading to fantastic ideas that cut across disciplines. They are also engaged and driven by the same shared vision around working sustainably.
It goes beyond design, this way of working, of being collaborative and managing all the core project fundamentals. Knowing how finance/feasibility + design + strategy impact one another, along with development economics/cycles and phasing — looking at these core elements holistically and ensuring everything is viable is critical to a successful outcome.
sustainability is at the heart
of Wild Fifteen
We all know the environmental trajectory we’re on. We urgently need to look at every development through a lens of sustainability. Right now within the industry there are huge areas of opportunity to be better, be smarter and more thoughtful. That’s what really drives my approach and the results. I fundamentally believe that a sustainable mindset and approach creates developments that are not only cheaper to operate but are more viable and attractive for people to enjoy and purchase. Conversely, if we don’t take these issues into greater account now then everything we do feels very short term and can carry huge potential risk.