As part of our World Landscape Architecture Month 2026 series, we’re continuing to share perspectives from across our landscape team at FPCR.
In this feature, we speak to Ellie Furness, Landscape Architect at FPCR’s Sheffield office, about her route into landscape architecture, her experience transitioning from study to practice, and the role collaboration, sustainability, and creativity play in shaping her approach to design.
How did you get started in landscape architecture?
My favourite A-levels were Geography and Textiles, which sparked my interest in landscape architecture as they combined my enthusiasm for people, design, and the environment. I first discovered the subject when a teacher at college introduced it to me while I was exploring course options. I then went on to study Landscape Architecture at the University of Sheffield, completing an MLA, which included an integrated year working in practice.
How did you come to join FPCR, and what were you doing before?
I joined FPCR in January 2025 after I graduated from university in June 2024 and spent three months travelling across Australia and New Zealand. After returning home, I secured a role at FPCR Sheffield office. At the time, there were no advertised vacancies, but I chose to apply as the company stood out to me – the location was ideal, and the nature of the projects strongly aligned with my interests.
What do you like most about your role and working for FPCR?
The variety every day! There’s so many different software and projects you work on each day and that’s something that keeps me interested and engaged. The team as well, the Sheffield team is a great set of people to work with.
The benefits FPCR offer are great, particularly the compressed hours and hybrid working. We do lots of social events too which is nice to be able to get to know everyone more, the Alton Towers 2 day away trip is a great example of that!
What does a typical day look like for you?
Typically, I work in Vectorworks alongside other design software. If I am working on a planning related project, then I attend site to take photos and writing a report. A typical day involves developing plans in Vectorworks, ranging from strategic layouts (Green Infrastructure) to more detailed designs such as planting plans. Once a drawing is complete, it is reviewed by a senior member of staff, and I will make any recommended amendments before delivering the work to the client for their feedback.
What are your main design inspirations?
I often draw inspiration from my colleagues and the wider team. We sometimes run design workshops that allow us to discuss potential approaches collaboratively at the early stages of a project. These sessions are a great way to explore different ideas, combine perspectives, and develop creative solutions that I might not have considered on my own.
What are your favourite landscapes?
Some of my favourite landscapes can be found across Europe, particularly where experimental housing schemes successfully integrate landscape benefits into liveable communities. A good example of this is Bo01 in Malmö, Sweden, which combines sustainable design, green infrastructure, and biodiversity to create a vibrant and environmentally responsible neighbourhood.
How would you describe your approach to landscape architecture?
My approach to landscape architecture is collaborative, strategic, and biodiversity-focused. I like understanding the site thoroughly, its ecology, context, and how people will use it so that design decisions are informed and meaningful. I aim to balance aesthetics, functionality, and biodiversity, whether that’s in a detailed planting plan or a larger strategic layout. I also value teamwork and feedback, often drawing inspiration from colleagues in workshops feedback, which helps refine ideas and ensure the design works in practice as well as on paper.
What key landscape architecture trends are you seeing at the moment?
Landscape architecture is constantly evolving, particularly in areas such as sustainable and climate-resilient design, as well as the integration of AI and advanced software tools that are shaping how projects are planned and visualised.
What do you feel are the key challenges facing the industry?
I think one of the key challenges in landscape architecture is designing landscapes that are resilient to climate change, such as managing flooding, drought, and supporting biodiversity, while still meeting client needs and budgets. There’s also the challenge of making the most of limited urban space, ensuring green areas are functional, attractive, and accessible. On top of that, the industry is evolving rapidly with new technology and digital tools, so keeping up with innovations while applying them effectively in projects is an ongoing consideration.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get into architecture?
My approach to landscape architecture is collaborative, strategic, and biodiversity-focused. I like understanding the site thoroughly, its ecology, context, and how people will use it so that design decisions are informed and meaningful. I aim to balance aesthetics, functionality, and biodiversity, whether that’s in a detailed planting plan or a larger strategic layout. I also value teamwork and feedback, often drawing inspiration from colleagues in workshops or written/verbal feedback, which helps refine ideas and ensure the design works in practice as well as on paper.