Sarah Jones-Morris

I believe landscape architecture should create places that work for people, nature and a changing climate. Through teaching, research and professional practice, I encourage students to think critically, collaborate across disciplines and develop practical responses to the complex challenges facing our built and natural environments.

Biography

I am a multi-award-winning landscape architect and Director of Bristol-based Landsmith Associates, with more than 25 years’ experience across the public, private and third sectors.

My experience and work ranges from landscape planning, masterplanning and design coding to green infrastructure, climate resilience, biodiversity, sustainable drainage through to residential social housing and construction. I have particular expertise in bringing together environmental evidence, community engagement and practical design to create healthier, greener and more resilient places.

Alongside teaching at the University of Gloucestershire, I continue to work in professional practice. This enables me to connect students with live projects, current policy and the realities of working collaboratively across the landscape profession.

I am also a Design Council Expert and a member of the Design West Design Review Panel.

Qualifications

MA in Urban Design at University of the West of England, 2008
PGDip in Landscape Architecture at Leeds Metropolitan University, 2001
BA (Hons) in Landscape Architecture at Manchester Metropolitan University, 1999

Membership of Professional Bodies

Fellow of the Landscape Institute (FLI)
Fellow of the Institute of Place Management (FIPM)
Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute (CMLI)
Design Council Expert
Design West Design Review Panel member
Building with Nature Approved Assessor and Auditor

Teaching & research

Teaching

I teach across the Landscape Architecture programme, with a particular focus on ecology, biodiversity, green infrastructure, urban greening, sustainable drainage, climate resilience and the circular economy.

My teaching draws directly on professional practice and uses live projects, site-based learning and applied research to help students understand how environmental principles influence real design decisions. I encourage students to develop both the technical knowledge and collaborative skills needed to work effectively within contemporary landscape practice.

Modules taught (Thursdays only)

AD5600/A11 Professional Practice

AD4604/A12 Sustainable technology 1 and 2

AD6603/A22 Cultural Context: Philosophy and Creativity

Research

My research explores how landscape architecture can support healthier, more inclusive and climate-resilient places. My particular interests include green infrastructure, urban nature, restorative environments, soundscapes, inclusive spaces, citizen-led research, and community participation.

I was Co-Investigator for the Bristol Quiet Areas Plan, a citizen-led research project that examined how people experience and value quiet places across Bristol. The project brought together soundscape research, green infrastructure, accessibility and public participation to develop practical tools for identifying, assessing and communicating inclusive quiet places.

My wider research and professional interests include nature-positive development, urban tree resilience, sustainable drainage, design coding, digital placemaking and translating research into practical guidance for communities, practitioners and local authorities.

Links

Bristol Quiet Areas Plan Research Page – https://www.glos.ac.uk/research/bristol-quiet-areas-plan/

Bristol Quiet Areas Plan Visit West – https://visitbristol.co.uk/bristol-quiet-areas/

Subject Areas

Helpful Links