The Society of Garden + Landscape Designers (SGLD) has announced the finalists for the SGLD Student Awards 2026, celebrating the next generation of talent in garden and landscape design.
Demonstrating an exceptionally high standard of creativity, technical skill and thoughtful design, the shortlisted projects - ranging from ambitious masterplans to intimate garden spaces - impressed the judges with their originality, sensitivity to place, and understanding of people, planting and landscape.
The finalists represent colleges from across the UK including The London College of Garden Design, Cornwall College, KLC School of Design and The Yorkshire School of Garden Design, showcasing the breadth and depth of emerging talent within the profession.
Selected by a panel of independent experts — including Tom Massey FSGLD, Sarah Morgan FSGLD, David Stevens FSGLD and Tomoko Kauwachi MSGLD, the finalists reflect a generation of designers deeply engaged with issues of climate, community, wellbeing and sustainability who were praised by the judges for their clarity of thought, confident spatial planning and strong presentation skills.
Lynne Marcus FSGLD, Chair of the SGLD Awards, said: “This year’s Student Awards shortlist reflects an extraordinary level of talent and ambition. The judges were consistently impressed by the design intelligence and professionalism demonstrated across the entries.
"These students are not only designing beautiful spaces, but responding intelligently to issues of ecology, climate and community. It is hugely encouraging to see such confidence, creativity and purpose in the next generation of garden and landscape designers.”
Winners will be announced at the SGLD Awards Ceremony on 6 February 2026, where their achievements will be celebrated alongside the professional categories.
