Business Details
Expert Garden Design in Burton-on-Trent
Authentic Designs has been delivering tailored garden design solutions across Essex and surrounding counties for over 15 years. Founded by Peter Blackburn, a former commercial interiors specialist with distinction in Garden Design from Writtle University College and RHS qualifications in Practical Horticulture, the business combines architectural precision with ecological awareness. Our approach prioritises client needs, creating functional outdoor spaces that reflect individual lifestyles while supporting biodiversity. We offer flexible services from initial concept sketches to full project management, ensuring seamless execution of designs. With experience managing projects exceeding 2m in the leisure industry, we bring professionalism and attention to detail to every garden, whether modern or traditional.Our process begins with a free consultation, followed by mood boards, scaled drawings, and optional 3D visuals to ensure clarity. We specialise in hard and soft landscaping, plant selection, and contractor coordination, maintaining transparency throughout budgeting and implementation. Client testimonials highlight our ability to transform ideas into award-winning spaces, blending aesthetics with practicality. Sustainability and wildlife-friendly practices are integral to our designs, informed by decades of industry expertise. We pride ourselves on providing a trustworthy, end-to-end service that minimises client effort while maximising outdoor living potential.
Services
Garden Design
Project Management
Horticultural Consultancy
CAD Drawings
Mood Board Creation
Plant Selection
Budget Planning
3D Visuals
Contractor Coordination
Wildlife-Friendly Design
Highlights and features
- We have 15+ years of experience in garden design and project management.
- Our team holds RHS Level 3 qualifications in Practical Horticulture.
- We offer a free initial consultation with no obligation.
- We provide detailed mood boards and scaled design drawings.
- Our process includes transparent budgeting and contractor coordination.
What people say
Professional service
Quality workmanship
Transformative designs
Excellent attention to detail
Transparent budgeting
Services
Garden Design
We create bespoke garden designs tailored to client preferences and property characteristics. Our process includes initial consultations, mood boards, and scaled drawings to visualise concepts. With expertise in hard and soft landscaping, we ensure functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces that enhance property value and support biodiversity.
Project Management
Our full-service management oversees every stage of garden construction. We liaise with contractors, monitor budgets, and adapt designs to site conditions. This service minimises client effort while ensuring high-quality execution of plans, from groundwork to final finishes.
Horticultural Consultancy
We provide expert guidance on plant selection, maintenance, and wildlife-friendly gardening. Our RHS-certified knowledge ensures appropriate species choices for local climates and soil types. Consultancy includes site-specific recommendations to create thriving, low-maintenance green spaces.
CAD Drawings
Detailed computer-aided designs translate concepts into buildable specifications. We produce accurate setting-out plans, elevations, and construction details to guide contractors. These drawings ensure precision in implementing complex design elements and material choices.
Mood Board Creation
Mood boards compile material samples, plant selections, and design features into cohesive presentations. This tool helps clients visualise the final outcome and make informed decisions about aesthetics and functionality before construction begins.
People
Peter Blackburn
Garden Designer
Peter Blackburn founded Authentic Designs after a successful 25-year career in commercial interiors. Qualified with distinction in Garden Design from Writtle University College and holding RHS Level 3 horticultural certifications, he specialises in creating functional, wildlife-friendly gardens. His portfolio includes award-winning projects across Essex and Staffordshire.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Essex, Staffordshire, and surrounding counties for garden design projects.
Do you offer full project management?
Yes, we provide end-to-end project management including contractor coordination and budget oversight.
How are consultancy fees structured?
Our consultancy service costs £45 per hour plus expenses, with fixed fees available for specific projects.
What qualifications do you hold?
We hold RHS Level 3 qualifications in Practical Horticulture and a Garden Design diploma from Writtle University College.
Can you work with existing garden features?
Yes, we specialise in integrating existing elements into new designs to create cohesive outdoor spaces.
Do you provide 3D design visuals?
Hand-drawn 3D visuals are available to help clients visualise the final garden design before construction.
