Planting the seed

Having completed degrees in both Agronomy & Landscape Architecture in Italy, Stefano Marinaz studied for an MA in Landscape Architecture at the University of Greenwich in London. After a stint as a horticultural intern at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, he joined Arne Maynard’s studio to work on a range of private gardens in Britain, the USA and the Middle East.

Since establishing SMLA in 2012, Stefano and his team have worked on a rich mix of projects, often collaborating closely with architects and engineers.
SMLA creates elegant and secluded outdoor rooms for London clients, and rural gardens designed with exceptional sensitivity to the surrounding landscape. The studio also specialises in the historical restoration and reconstruction of landscapes surrounding listed buildings.
Stefano is a fully registered member of the Society of Garden Designers and is a Chartered Landscape Architect registered with the Landscape Institute.

His determination to realise each client’s vision for their garden means he is personally involved in every project. His knowledge of plants and planting enables him to layer bulbs, perennials, shrubs and trees in rich, naturalistic schemes guaranteed to provide colours, scents and interesting textures throughout the year. His schemes often encompass unusual plants selected to respond well to the particular conditions of a site, or to meet a special request from a client.
Stefano also pays close attention to the detail of hard landscaping, incorporating a contemporary twist in his choice of paving, water features, lighting and feature walls, and always seeking out new, unusual, and bespoke materials.

Christiane oversees projects in the Netherlands, guiding clients through every stage, from concept and design to construction and successful project completion.

She holds a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the Technical University of Munich, Germany. After graduating, Christiane joined a small office in Munich as a Landscape Architect. Seeking adventure and professional development, she subsequently moved to the United States, where she worked as a Landscape Designer for the internationally renowned firm SWA Group in Houston, Texas, and Sausalito, California. Additionally, she served as a Design Planner and Project manager for the City of Baltimore, Maryland.

Throughout her career, Christiane has focused on developing thoughtful and attractive solutions for projects ranging from small residential spaces to corporate headquarters. She is driven by a keen sense of good design—from concept planning to details—that makes spaces liveable, sustainable, and beautiful.

With over 15 years of experience across diverse sectors and cultures, Christiane is passionate about creating environments that reflect each client’s preferences, personality, and vision.

Adél runs our UK office, expertly managing all projects with her keen eye for detail and passion for creative design. Her journey in landscape architecture began in Budapest, where she completed her studies before broadening her horizons with a semester at Tallinn Technical University in 2017. Adél’s passion for diverse experiences led her to Portugal in 2018, where she honed her skills in master planning and public projects during a six-month internship.

Since 2019, she has become an integral part of the SMLA team and has been instrumental in ensuring the seamless execution of our projects. Her role as Project Landscape Architect involves regular site visits, where she meticulously oversees every detail to guarantee project completion to our exacting standards. Adél is deeply committed to guiding clients through every stage of a project, from initial concept discussions to final implementation. Her hands-on approach ensures that clients feel supported and informed throughout the entire process, fostering strong relationships.

Adél’s commitment to Landscape Architecture extends beyond the office. In her free time, she channels her love for green spaces into volunteering at her local community garden, further enriching her understanding of plants and community engagement.

Her expertise, coupled with her international experience, allows Adél to bring a unique perspective to our designs. She works tirelessly to transform our clients’ visions into reality, creating beautiful and innovative landscapes that reflect SMLA’s commitment to excellence.

Tara is a passionate and skilled Landscape Architect based in the UK, working on projects from initial concept to final implementation. Her thorough involvement at every stage ensures that clients receive personalised support and innovative solutions throughout the process.

Tara holds a BSc in Landscape Architecture from the University of Pretoria in South Africa, where her academic excellence earned her an invitation to the prestigious Golden Key International Honour Society, reserved for the top 15% of students in her field of study.

Growing up in South Africa, one of the world’s most biodiverse and ecologically rich countries, Tara developed a deep love for nature and adventure from an early age. This connection to the outdoors, combined with her artistic flair and creative skills, naturally led her to pursue Landscape Architecture as a career.

Tara’s approach to design is driven by a desire to create beautiful, functional spaces that bring people closer to nature while also restoring and preserving the environment. She approaches each project with a fresh perspective, aiming to make a lasting positive impact on both current and future generations through thoughtful and environmentally conscious design.

We work with a solid and extensive network of additional architects, structural engineers, water feature specialists and lighting designers, who help to ensure the smooth delivery of our exceptional bespoke gardens in both Britain and Europe.