Dan Pearson Studio, the London-based environment design practice founded by designer Dan Pearson OBE in 1987, will close permanently on Friday, September 11, 2026, after 23 years of operation. The move marks a significant change for Pearson, who has spent decades shaping gardens and public spaces with a focus on naturalistic planting and ecological sensitivity. The studio’s nine-person team, led by Pearson and his partner Huw Morgan, will dissolve as Pearson transitions to new creative and professional directions.
Pearson’s decision follows years of reflection, including an extended sabbatical that included a trip to Mexico. During this period, he reassessed his approach to design. “I never set out to be running a busy practice… that kind of happened by default,” he told Gardens Illustrated. “We’ve been trying to maintain perspective on what is the right work to be doing.” The sabbatical led to a clear realization: his expertise could be applied more directly to ecology and conservation.
This shift is not a withdrawal but a redirection. Over the next two years, Pearson plans to refine his work, focusing on initiatives that align with his belief in positive agency over our environment. His home and garden in Somerset, Hillside, will become the central hub for this new phase. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pearson and Morgan moved there full-time, opening the property to public groups and hosting workshops.
The garden’s role in his future work is central. “It’s a sideways move, but not an end, at all,” Pearson stated. “I took the big leap after two years of working out whether it is the right thing to do and decided that this was the bravest and most definite thing to do: to take another pause, to give myself some breathing space, to think about what the next move might be.”
New Focus on Ecology and Conservation
Pearson’s departure from the studio does not mean an end to his involvement in major projects. He will continue advising on the Maggie’s Centre in Bristol, which remains in the planning stages, and has committed to a pro bono role in the greening project at the Garden Museum in London. His mentorship at Sissinghurst Castle Gardens will now extend to Beth Chatto Gardens in Essex, where he unveiled a seven-acre woodland and meadow expansion in August 2026. These roles reflect his intention to work on a smaller scale but with greater depth of impact.
The studio’s legacy includes high-profile commissions such as the Lowther Castle grounds, the Goodwood Art Foundation, and the Tokachi Millennium Forest in Japan. The closure does not signal abandonment of these projects. At Lowther Castle, head gardener Andrea Brunsendorf will take the lead, ensuring continuity over the long-term masterplan Pearson developed over 16 years. Pearson will maintain his involvement with the Play Earth Park in Japan, a project he is creating with gardener Midori Shintani, ensuring its progression into the next stage.
Legacy Projects Ensure Lasting Design Impact
The transition has required careful consideration. Pearson acknowledged the challenge of disbanding a team of nine employees, many of whom have been instrumental to the studio’s success. The closure reflects Pearson’s desire to move away from garden design and more into ecology and conservation of environment.
Pearson’s ongoing work with Gardens Illustrated—where he has written columns, produced videos, and launched the paid newsletter DigDelve—will continue. The newsletter’s future includes plans for short films and limited-edition publications, shifting from digital to physical formats. Hillside may also open to select groups for workshops, blending education with hands-on gardening.
Final Projects Prioritize Healing Environments
Pearson’s final active commission before the studio’s closure is the Maggie’s Centre in Bristol, a cancer support charity project that entered planning stages. The design, centered on creating a healing environment through naturalistic planting and biophilic principles, will be finalized by September 2026. All technical documentation will be handed over to the client, with Pearson committed to a pro bono advisory role during the center’s fundraising phase. This project reflects his broader shift toward work prioritizing ecological and social impact. A similar approach will inform his involvement with the Garden Museum’s greening initiative in Lambeth, where he will support planning and fundraising efforts on a voluntary basis.
Recognition and Notable Projects in Environment and Garden Design
The designer has received several honors beyond his Order of the British Empire, including a Gold medal and Best in Show at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2015 for his work at Chatsworth Garden. He also earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Garden and Landscape Designers.
