Barbara grew up in the South of France where the soil is rocky and red, the sky and sea deep blue and the air is filled with intoxicating fragrances coming from the pines, wild thyme, myrtle and more. She still draws inspiration from her childhood Mediterranean Landscape, which taught her that gardens and landscapes should be immersive, layered, and tactile. They should bring joy and a sense of belonging; “when I design a garden, I’m not looking to create perfection, but a little bit of magic”

Having lived in the UK for more than 20 years, she is also very fond of the wide plant palette and charm that English gardens and the countryside carry hold. Having spent eight years working for an acclaimed international practice where she was involved with high-end residential projects in the UK, France and Spain, Barbara set up her own practice in 2012.

In 2024 Barbara established Moss – with the same team and design ethos but with a name reflective of the collaborative team approach and evolution of the practice. Barbara oversees all designs that leave the studio.

Ella spent a lot of time on the North Norfolk Coast whilst growing up; planning days around the rise and fall of the tide, hiding in flower filled gardens and climbing trees in the pine forest. This instilled in her a sense of discovery, a love for nature and a respect for the bigger picture which underpins her design and thought process.

With a degree in Landscape Architecture and Ecology from The University of Sheffield and master’s from Birmingham City University, she graduated with distinction and was awarded ‘The Project which offers the most Inspiring Vision for the Future’.

Ella joined the practice in 2020 having previously worked for acclaimed BD Landscape Architects, delivering a range of high-profile spaces including ‘The Meadow at Elephant Park,’ which won the Landscape Institute’s award for ‘Excellence in Place Regeneration’.

At Moss Ella leads creative direction and visual communication.

Dean grew up amongst the semi-wild landscapes and stately gardens of North Wales. Here he developed an early appreciation for how generations of custodians have shaped the land, and how our work as designers must be guided by a sense of stewardship. 
 
Studying Landscape Architecture at The University of Sheffield, Dean went on to work for several award-winning Architecture and Landscape Design practices gaining experience on a variety of public schemes, particularly within the education and housing sectors and often involving complex planning applications. His desire to get more involved with practical horticulture was growing during this time. Having completed RHS training, he became resident gardener at Dalston Curve Garden in Hackney in 2020. A role he continues to carry out alongside his work with us. 
 
Dean brings to Moss a very rare blend of technical knowledge, creative design skills and practical horticulture. As well as leading projects from start to finish, he leads horticultural and technical design in the studio.

Kate is from the suburbs of London where, influenced by regular childhood trips to Wisley and a family of keen gardeners, her love for gardening began to develop.
 
Kate is our part-time Studio Manager and plays an integral role in the day-to-day running of the business, where her conscientious approach and can-do attitude is of great support to the design team whilst they focus on the design aspects. Her background is in communications. She spent the first 10 years of her career in the civil service before moving on to become an account director for a media company and then an office manager for a small fashion advertising agency. During a career break to look after her children, Kate studied garden design at Capel Manor and qualified as a bookkeeper. 
 
Kate’s role in the Studio has transformed the efficiency of the practice, improving our client experience throughout the process. Her genuine interest in gardens and nature-based projects also helps with the team cohesion and making things happen.