Garden Design Journal

How do we learn to design well? Is there a simple set of design principles that will guarantee an inspiring result every time? Sadly, no - we respond as individual designers to unique sites and clients.

So if we can't design by rules, how do we learn to design? The shelves are heaving with books on design and they are certainly a great start to developing your skills. You can always learn from others' experience. However, you will learn most from involvement in your own projects. It is only by doing design that you will learn an essential skill - to critically judge your work. This is one of the designer's most important tools - and one of the hardest to develop.

The first step to developing your own powers of judgement is to learn from the opinions, or feedback, of others. Tutors will offer feedback on your design throughout its development and when it is assessed. It is natural to feel defensive about your work, but unless you can listen with an open mind you will waste a crucial learning opportunity. Listen carefully, take notes and absorb both the positive and negative points. Ask questions if you don't understand - ask the tutor to be specific. Listen to feedback that other students receive for their work. Most importantly, be prepared to learn from all the feedback so that you can improve and develop.

Regard all feedback as valuable and ask for comments from your fellow students, who will be developing their own powers of judgement by evaluating your work. Get in the habit of thanking people for their feedback so they feel encouraged to continue helping you. Remember, good design is often the result of evaluating several successive versions. If you can become your own sternest critic, you are well on the way to becoming a good designer.

Michelle Wake September 2007