ABOUT US
-We take our inspiration from the natural world, there is much to draw upon-
THE STUDIO
2023
Rigden Studio is a design studio that prides itself on working collaboratively with its clients to produce bespoke gardens that will be utilised and enjoyed for years to come. With her passion for plants and ecology, Garden Designer Tabitha Rigden works alongside makers, plant nurseries and other design professionals to deliver sustainable landscapes and gardens that benefit the surrounding environment. Clients gain from her knowledge of spatial composition, texture and colour, as well as a highly tuned attention to detail. Rigden Studio takes on a varied portfolio of gardens – large, small, urban and rural – as well as collaborating with architects and developers on commercial and public projects. Tabitha won prestigious Society of Garden Designers awards in both 2020 and 2021.
Our designs are rooted to place: we draw on local landscape and plant ecology, and we consider vernacular materials and architecture. We take a bespoke approach to every site, applying our design knowledge to fulfil the wish-list unique to each client. Sustainability and environmental impact are integral to our work, we consider the longevity and carbon footprint of the materials we use on each project and aim to encourage biodiversity through our naturalistic planting palettes.
TABITHA RIGDEN
Studio Founder and Lead Designer Tabitha Rigden originally trained as a Paintings Conservator, devoting fifteen years to restoring Old Master paintings by the likes of Rembrandt and Titian, and escorting artwork all over the world for exhibition. Alongside this, Tabitha founded niche interiors magazine ‘MidCentury’ and designed home interiors for her friends. After the birth of her children, she decided to combine her love of design and her concern for the environment by fulfilling a long-standing ambition to retrain as a garden designer, gaining her Diploma (with distinction) from the London College of Garden Design, situated in Kew Gardens. Having grown up with a large country garden (and no independent means of getting into town!), Tabitha spent much of her childhood helping her parents maintain their plants, as well as developing areas for wildlife. This formative experience shaped her love of gardening and she has created green spaces – no matter how small – wherever she’s lived ever since. When she’s not in the garden or being Mum, Tabitha spends her time walking her dogs in the Chiltern Hills.
THE HOUNDS
Studio hounds Wilbur and Cyril share a deep enthusiasm for the great outdoors (unless it’s raining). Wilbur, resident hot water bottle and connoisseur of anything buttery, spends his time lying around looking elegant – we’re sure he would have plenty to contribute during meetings were he not asleep 95% of the time. His little sidekick, Cyril, prefers a human lap to any dog bed and devotes his energies to sabotaging studio productivity with his demand for cuddles.
– S. and H. Fishleigh, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex
Our studio is based near Marlow, Buckinghamshire. Most of our projects are located across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and London, however we will willingly travel further afield if required.
Pre-registered member of the Society of Garden Designers
2024 © Copyright Rigden Studio
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