UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 16 DECEMBER 2019
Award-winning BA, and MA, Landscape Architecture alumna and visiting lecturer Ula Maria is celebrating after announcing her first book, ‘Green: Simple Ideas for Small Outdoor Spaces’, will be released in April 2020.
In ‘Green: Simple Ideas for Small Outdoor Spaces’, Ula investigates creating a garden in whatever available outdoor space the reader has – be it a roof terrace, balcony, small back yard or patio garden. Written with the first-time gardener in mind, Ula explains the process of creating an inspirational mood board, taking ideas from travelling, interiors and social media as a starting point for an outdoor space that is a true reflection of self.
“My time at Birmingham City University has given me a really wide range of skills that I continue to use every day, everything from the initial stages of the design, graphic skills to client presentations and public speeches” Ula explained. “I believe BCU has really helped me with my book by giving me the literary skills to be able to do it.”
Since graduating from Birmingham City University, Ula has worked for a number of landscape practices prior to winning the RHS Young Designer of the Year competition in 2017. Ula then established her own practice and won Best in Lifestyle Category award for her Style and Design garden at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show. Amongst all of this, Ula returned to BCU to work as a visiting tutor.
“BCU has been incredibly supportive of my career from the very first day and continues to do so” Ula explained. “The atmosphere and communication between the students and the staff is exceptional, so I always felt like I have an important connection to BCU - a reliable support network.”
“I have worked for a number of Landscape Architecture practices prior to entering and winning the RHS Young Designer of the Year competition. Winning the competition has led to a number of private jobs with new opportunities opening up with every step. Setting up on my own at that point seemed like a very natural thing to do. I have done some freelance work to fill in the gaps in between private commissions at the start but soon after became very busy with my own projects. “
“Our current work mostly includes private landscapes and gardens for clients all over the UK. The process spans from initial consultation and concept design right to the completion and aftercare. We have recently been commissioned for a project in China, which will kick start a new and incredibly exciting period of working overseas.”
For anyone considering studying Landscape Architecture at BCU, Ula has some advice. “Do it! - It will be great. It will help you to identify the type of designer you would like to be, the area of the industry you might be most passionate about and how you can get there.”
Photo of Ula by rebekahphotographer.com