Landscape architect and garden designer Nilufer Danis took in July, three graces of Galicia, a silver -born medal for her garden at the Rhs Hampton Court Garden Palace Festival. Danis is next on the hot seat to celebrate a round of faster fire questions in our Little interview series.
Nilufer Danis
Director at Nilifer thanks to studio
Rhs People's Choice Award winner at the Rhs Hampton Court Garden Palace Festival
If you could work anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I am very happy to work in England because London always feels at home, but if I could work anywhere, I think that it would be somewhere that connects nature and city life in an inspiring way – perhaps Singapore, with its incredible vertical gardens.
If you could tell your younger yourself one thing, what would that be?
At the beginning of your career, gain experience in different practices, not just one or two – this offers you a broader overview of the industry. Also take a master's degree in business into account or learn some business skills before starting your own practice. This saves you a lot of headaches later.
What would be the title of your biography?
“A life full of challenges and triumph.”
Who would play you in a film?
I would say Nazanin Boniadi – to conquer my trip from Turkey to London and build a career in the landscape architecture.
One thing that would improve the industry?
A stronger cooperation between designers, customers and contractors would improve the industry. If everyone communicates openly and honestly from the start, the projects are more smooth, designs are realized as intended and the final rooms are more sustainable and more effective. Designers and contractors should have a clear understanding of contracts, their duties and roles. After all, some contractors also have to trust and respect the designers because design is not their specialty.
Who was her greatest inspiration?
I am inspired by the natural world and the impressive art – how colors, textures and shapes come together – and from designers who combine creativity, art and technical skills to create beautiful, sustainable landscapes.
What is your karaoke song?
Summer wine from Lee Hazlewood and Nancy Sinatra. Every time I hear it, it makes me so happy.
All times favorite film?
My favorite film of all time steals the beauty of Bernardo Bertolucci. It is a very artistic film with a breathtaking backdrop, an amazing soundtrack with songs from Portishead and remarkable appearances by Liv Tyler and Jeremy Irons.
What is your favorite RHS garden this year?
God! That is a really difficult question. As you know, I have a garden this year, three graces of Galicia, at the Rhs Hampton Court Garden Festival. However, if I had to choose one in my style – contemporary, modern and slim – it would be a garden of two stories by Daniel March at the same festival. It was incredibly innovative and yet accessible to everyone, and I was really impressed.
Read small interviews in the September edition of Pro Landscaper.