BUSINESS
currently sits on the RHS sustainability panel and has been an RHS judge for the last eight years. But with PC Landscapes its day-to-day work is focusing on residential gardens, working collaboratively with architects, drainage engineers and ecologists, these typical processes can be lengthy and drawn out depending upon the project. “There's lots of planning, lots of toing and froing to ensure you've got everything in place” says Cowell. But collaboration is where Cowell sees the greatest benefits that have allowed the company to thrive. Cowell discovered early on the benefits of interacting within the wider landscape industry. “It's always nice to work with others. Having those external collaborations provides the opportunity for a fresh perspective and new conversations,” notes Cowell. Winning its first British Association of Landscape Industries’ Principal Award in 2005 for a Guildford Garden, reusing existing stone, soil, and incorporating a water harvesting system became PC Landscapes’ first design and build award, but by no means the last. Cowell realised that offering residential clients a complete design and build package for everything outside a building’s footprint worked well when working with architects. This allowed the company to have a greater flexibility on how we deliver a project, it's important for all areas of the design and construction team to be “singing from the same hymn sheet.” And this is just one of the life lessons that Cowell reflects on over his 30 years. “Transferring the knowledge that I’ve acquired back to my team and colleagues, sharing experiences and stories, that’s what makes the projects more enjoyable,” he says. "PC Landscapes are a small professional company of which has grown organically," notes Cowell, who takes great pride in the ways in
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Pro Landscaper | February 2024
which he has always invested in his colleagues by providing encouragement, support and additional training, making the decision to assist his team where possible by upgrading all aspects of machinery, office equipment and software so that they can achieve their best whilst providing a great service. Looking to the future of PC Landscapes, the team is busy working towards a rebrand and relaunch of its website with regards to its look, new logo, and overall presentation. Cowell acknowledges that change is inevitable and “being 30 has allowed a brief moment of reflection” but Cowell is determined to portray the business as being exactly what its achievements would suggest – 30 never looked so good. 4 PC Landscapes sustainability project entry, 2023 5 2005 Guildford garden: PC's first BALI principal award winner
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