One of a family of design writers, James Blake is founder and principal of James Blake Associates, a medium-sized practice of landscape architects. He has over 20 years' experience in landscape design in both urban and rural schemes and has managed a wide variety of commissions for both.

Reviews of the first edition: ’...an easily digestible book with a lot of interesting content...I recommend it.’ Desmond Sivell, Sheffield University, UK ’A very informative read...I am most impressed by this wonderful book...The well thought out and up-to-date theories on design make this a truly ground breaking book. I look forward to visiting some of the author's schemes to see just how he has put some of this excellent theory into practice. A sharp, well illustrated and often very witty insight into front garden design, well done James Blake!’ Giles Hill ’This book is a must for any student or young designer because it actually deals with the absolute basics of how to draw and what to use...James Blake's approach is thorough and honest - tackle and master the rudiments before going on to the more sophisticated...Overall, James Blake has produced a very useful book in its category and it will go a long way to help students and young designers.’ Landscape Design

• Contents: Preface; Introduction; A brief history of landscape and garden design; The role of the landscape designer; Design philosophy and aesthetic principles; The design process; Client liaison, questionnaires and site appraisal; Land survey; Landscape character; Hard landscape design; Soft landscape design; Evaluating and using the site information; Children’s play; Progressing concepts to final drawings; Cost estimating and tender documentation; Tendering the contract documents; Contracts and contract preparation; Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015; Contract administration; Graphic presentation, drafting equipment and plan printing; Drawing principles; Drawing arrangement; Drawing for different purposes; General design practice management; The cost effectiveness of a guiding philosophy and other useful points of reference; Further reading; Appendices; Index.

One of a family of design writers, James Blake is founder and principal of James Blake Associates, a medium-sized practice of landscape architects. He has over 20 years' experience in landscape design in both urban and rural schemes and has managed a wide variety of commissions for both.

Reviews of the first edition: ’...an easily digestible book with a lot of interesting content...I recommend it.’ Desmond Sivell, Sheffield University, UK ’A very informative read...I am most impressed by this wonderful book...The well thought out and up-to-date theories on design make this a truly ground breaking book. I look forward to visiting some of the author's schemes to see just how he has put some of this excellent theory into practice. A sharp, well illustrated and often very witty insight into front garden design, well done James Blake!’ Giles Hill ’This book is a must for any student or young designer because it actually deals with the absolute basics of how to draw and what to use...James Blake's approach is thorough and honest - tackle and master the rudiments before going on to the more sophisticated...Overall, James Blake has produced a very useful book in its category and it will go a long way to help students and young designers.’ Landscape Design

• Contents: Preface; Introduction; A brief history of landscape and garden design; The role of the landscape designer; Design philosophy and aesthetic principles; The design process; Client liaison, questionnaires and site appraisal; Land survey; Landscape character; Hard landscape design; Soft landscape design; Evaluating and using the site information; Children’s play; Progressing concepts to final drawings; Cost estimating and tender documentation; Tendering the contract documents; Contracts and contract preparation; Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015; Contract administration; Graphic presentation, drafting equipment and plan printing; Drawing principles; Drawing arrangement; Drawing for different purposes; General design practice management; The cost effectiveness of a guiding philosophy and other useful points of reference; Further reading; Appendices; Index.

One of a family of design writers, James Blake is founder and principal of James Blake Associates, a medium-sized practice of landscape architects. He has over 20 years' experience in landscape design in both urban and rural schemes and has managed a wide variety of commissions for both.

Reviews of the first edition: ’...an easily digestible book with a lot of interesting content...I recommend it.’ Desmond Sivell, Sheffield University, UK ’A very informative read...I am most impressed by this wonderful book...The well thought out and up-to-date theories on design make this a truly ground breaking book. I look forward to visiting some of the author's schemes to see just how he has put some of this excellent theory into practice. A sharp, well illustrated and often very witty insight into front garden design, well done James Blake!’ Giles Hill ’This book is a must for any student or young designer because it actually deals with the absolute basics of how to draw and what to use...James Blake's approach is thorough and honest - tackle and master the rudiments before going on to the more sophisticated...Overall, James Blake has produced a very useful book in its category and it will go a long way to help students and young designers.’ Landscape Design

• Contents: Preface; Introduction; A brief history of landscape and garden design; The role of the landscape designer; Design philosophy and aesthetic principles; The design process; Client liaison, questionnaires and site appraisal; Land survey; Landscape character; Hard landscape design; Soft landscape design; Evaluating and using the site information; Children’s play; Progressing concepts to final drawings; Cost estimating and tender documentation; Tendering the contract documents; Contracts and contract preparation; Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015; Contract administration; Graphic presentation, drafting equipment and plan printing; Drawing principles; Drawing arrangement; Drawing for different purposes; General design practice management; The cost effectiveness of a guiding philosophy and other useful points of reference; Further reading; Appendices; Index.