Writtle College graduate Rob Dwiar has been awarded a prestigious gold medal by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in this year’s Young Designer of the Year competition.
The competition, which takes place in the summer at RHS Flower Show in Tatton Park, gives aspiring garden designers, aged 28 and under, the opportunity to launch their careers and gain significant exposure at a well-known flower show while competing for the coveted title.
In line with this year’s theme of Health, Happiness and Horticulture, Rob, aged 28, entered his show garden design called ‘A Home from Home’ into the competition. Rob’s design combined elements of country and city living to create an urban oasis ideal for relaxing in and escaping a busy city life. The design takes inspiration from modern urban square design, while also using imagined elements from the ‘client’s’ spiritual home in the countryside to remind them of home and provoke comforting memories in which to lose themselves in.
Rob said: “I am thrilled to be recognised with a gold medal at one of most well-known flower shows on the calendar and in one of the best respected competitions in the country. It has allowed me to exhibit my creativity, knowledge and skills to a broad audience early in my career, which is both a privilege and an honour, and a great boost to my career.
“This recognition reaches further to my lecturers and mentors at Writtle College who over my time there encouraged my development, provided me with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills to pursue my career ambitions.”
Writtle College senior lecturer in landscape architecture and design Steve Terry added: “This is a tremendous achievement and it demonstrates the talent and hard work from Rob over the years. During his studies, Rob always showed great creativity and potential which was displayed in his brilliant design for the competition.
“I would like to congratulate him on what was a stunning display, really embracing the theme whilst putting his signature on it. He is set to have a very successful career and I am proud that we all at Writtle have made a positive contribution towards it.”
Rob completed a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape and Garden Design as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Landscape Architecture, both at Writtle College, and is now a Landscape Architect for International Design Group, a multidisciplinary design practice in Bristol.
