Chris Gilbert
Senior Associate Landscape Architect
Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute (CMLI) 2003
Landscape Architecture MA, University of Sheffield 1998
Plant Science BSc. (Honours), Manchester University 1996
Chris brings over 26 years of experience working with design‑led practices across England and mainland Europe.
His work spans a broad range of sectors, scale and budgets with a strong focus on public realm projects where community needs relating to health, wellbeing and nature-based solutions provide a focus for urban renewal
Chris’ design interests lie in unlocking the potential of complex sites through creative problem solving, based on a deep interest in place, people and process. He is committed to creating inclusive and sustainable environments that endure.
Chris leads projects with clarity and continuity from inception to completion. Working closely with clients and design teams he makes informed design decisions early, developing proposals that respond to design standards, within cost parameters, physical and technical constraints. This hands-on involvement, including technical support during construction either directly or as part of the Client Monitoring Team (CMT), helps ensure that design intent is fully realised on site, on brief and to programme.
A specialist in SUDs solutions, Chris is a strong advocate for the ‘sponge city’ approach having authored pragmatic guidance for housebuilders Lovells and developed cross-disciplinary solutions integrating drainage, ecology with social value in the Liverpool John Moores University ‘Roadmap to Biodiversity’.
Committed to developing talent within Colour’s York studio, Chris mentors young designers to help build their skills, confidence and experience as creative and technically adept professionals.
I love exploring natural and human-made environments, but have a particular affinity for the wilds of upland Britain and the mountains of mainland Greece.