Planning and Design
Thoughtful planning and design that responds to context and opportunity.
About us
We are Influence.
An independent landscape architecture, planning and design practice based in Newark and working nationally.
History
Practical, sustainable, inspiring and commercially viable solutions.
Founded in 2010 and taken over by Sara Boland in 2018, Influence is a landscape architecture through-service provider based in Newark, Nottinghamshire. We specialise in projects of all scales, offering landscape planning, design and management for clients nationally.
Our dynamic approach fuses intelligence, experience and professional integrity with creative flair and passion. Every project is an opportunity to create lasting value for our clients, our communities and the environment.
Our mission
Shaping the environment®
Our vision & values
Environment and Sustainability
Designing with nature to enhance biodiversity and build climate resilience.
Social and Economic Outcomes
Creating places that deliver value for people, communities and economies.
Innovation and Collaboration
Working creatively and collaboratively to deliver better, lasting places.
Our approach
We listen carefully, think intelligently and deliver with precision.
- We influence the environment and sustainability.
- We influence innovation and collaboration.
- We influence social and economic outcomes.
- We are… Influence.
Our team
Exceptional individuals, one collaborative studio.
Select a portrait to meet the person behind the work.
Sara Boland
Managing Director
Ruth Berry
Business Manager
Shona Hatton
Director
Kathryn Dunk
Principal Landscape Architect
Jake Haywood
Apprentice Urban Designer
Lindsey Arkley
Senior Landscape Architect
Maxine Millard
Senior Landscape Architect
Leonie Brown
Principal Landscape Architect
Sorcha McCay
Design Assistant
Keira Attridge
Graduate Landscape Planner
Jay Charles
Design Assistant
Isabelle Henderson
Design Assistant
Sam Burns
Design Assistant
Our culture
How we learn, connect and contribute.
Influence is shaped by the people in it and the experiences we create together.
Hybrid working
A flexible studio culture built around trust, collaboration and shared core time.
Social & celebrations
Office gardening, decorating, crafting, mindfulness and birthday-buddy moments.
Away days
Team days shaped around making, learning and landscape—from pottery and bread making to Sandilands.
Charitable activity
Fundraising, food-bank support and practical contributions to community projects.
Group lunches
Friday lunches and informal time together keep conversation and ideas moving across the studio.
CPD
Continued learning with professional speakers, community organisations and the wider design sector.
Our value
Value beyond the project boundary.
Social
Batley, IBCC, Skegness, schools, university careers and Sandilands show how our work creates value for people.
Sustainable
Environmental responsibility also shapes studio life through carbon awareness, bird-box initiatives, EV charging and active travel.
Charitable
Naomi’s Garden, Poachers Patch, The King’s School, Bomber County Gateway and John Dawber Gardens reflect our community commitment.
Let’s shape your next landscape together.
Whether you are planning a new development, improving public realm, or creating a more sustainable place, we would be pleased to talk.
Start a conversationView our projects