about DOS
The studio name ‘DOS landscapes’ is wordplay for things that matter to us. Set up by two landscape architects, from two regions of Europe, DOS is Spanish for two… but in Portuguese, it means ‘of the,’ symbolising that we are of the land.
But our name goes deeper still. In our studies of the natural world, we have observed incredible plant combinations in healthy ecosystems, naturally ‘designed’ by the exquisite intelligence of this Earth. So DOS also stands for designs of soil, representing that innate intelligence in the soil beneath us. Our name represents the importance of being led by site specifics, choosing plants and layouts that lend themselves to the locality.
In other words, DOS is about knowing where we come from, and looking for opportunities that shape a better future.
Our passion for soil sees us take a naturalistic and chemical-free approach to landscape architecture, with the long-term health of our ecosystems at the heart of everything we do. Combining site specific restoration opportunities with ornamental planting schemes we work towards continuous renewal of biodiversity through context appropriate landscape design.
Originally meeting whilst working at Urquhart & Hunt back in 2016, we created a bond that lead us to set up our own studio in 2023. Our time at U&H has granted us the chance to work on some of Europe’s most prestigious projects, including the historically accurate Roman Villa Garden design at the Newt in Somerset, a xylella resistant garden scheme for Giardini Pistola in Puglia, and their 2022 ‘Best in Show’ prize winning garden at Chelsea Flower Show.
When we’re not working on site, you’ll find us exploring Europe’s most ancient and captivating natural landscapes; from the breath-taking wilderness of the Carpathian Mountains to the lush wildflower meadows of Portugal. These landscapes continue to inspire the intricate harmony and tonality that we seek to create for our clients.
Petra Ulrik
Since my early days I’ve considered myself a guardian of the nature around me; first studying landscape architecture in Cheltenham, and then furthering my knowledge in Sweden, Italy, Germany and beyond. My passion lies in combining a forward-thinking approach to climate restoration and preserving the traditional practices and wisdom of our elders.
For seven years I honed my design skills in Somerset working as an associate at the award-winning landscape design and ecological restoration consultancy Urquhart & Hunt. My most treasured career moments include project managing the gold medal & Best in Show Rewilding Britain landscape build at the Chelsea Flower Show 2022, and working alongside plant historian Maggie Campbell for the plant selections of an authentic Roman era garden at the Newt’s Roman Villa in Somerset.
Outside of the studio you’ll most likely find me on wildness inspired adventures, such as the time I took a 20-hour train journey to the edge of Transylvania to stay with a local family of hay makers, immersing myself in the methods of traditional meadow management. I’m continuously intrigued and fascinated by regenerative agriculture and soil restoration, all with the intention of cross pollinating these principles into small scale garden sized land management. improving plant health and increased carbon locking ability within the landscape.
Specialisms:
Concept layouts & plant selections
Creative problem solving
Project management
Miguel Ogando
MLA, MLI
I’ve been fascinated by nature from a very early age; from the moment I could walk, I went around collecting seeds, filling my pockets with flowers, picking leaves, branches and berries. My curiosity to stretch the limits of edible landscapes ended up in a few spontaneous hospital visits, but they were never enough to extinguish my appetite for the natural world!
My curiosity eventually became my career, when I graduated from Lisbon University with a masters in Landscape Architecture and for PROAP design studio. Here I developed my core landscape architectural principles, working on design-led projects in historical downtown Lisbon and an award-winning competition in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
My passion for sustainable and carbon-sequestering initiatives led me to move to the UK and join Urquhart & Hunt, work alongside renowned regenerative horticulturalist Josh Sparks at the Woolsery Estate’s Michelin Star ‘soil to table’ Garden Farm, and lead a series of projects with strong historical and ecological identity. I’m also an Associate Member of the Landscape Institute.
Often found close to the ocean I take great joy in experimenting with drought tolerant and seaside species. Away from work, my journey has taken me full circle to become the proud steward of my grandparent’s old garden for the last ten years, gradually restoring it into a climate-resilient edible and ornamental oasis.
Specialisms:
Technical design and detailing
3D terrain modeling and landscape analysis
Team management
press cuttings
What Gardeners Grow draws on the experience and passion of the world’s most interesting and respected plants-people to create a glossary of plants to inspire the everyday gardener.
A diverse range of some 250 gardeners have contributed their plant choices, each selecting one or more of their most treasured favourites. Discover plants chosen by horticulturalists such as Piet Oudolf, Noel Kingsbury & Sarah Raven.
Among recognisable names are the nurserymen, head gardeners, designers, edibles experts, biodynamic practitioners, Chelsea medal-winners and more that excel in their field, each presenting a unique story about their favourite plants. You can discover our choices on page 118 & 208.
Dip in for insider secrets, surprising and inspiring tales, and to discover a whole new world of plants.
Niwaki is a Japanese-inspired gardening brand with exquisitely crafted gardening implements, almost entirely made by Japanese artisans. From secateurs to tripod ladders and tool boxes, workwear and flower arranging kits, their products are made to last a lifetime.
We spent a fun afternoon trialling out their latest gardening tools at Moonacre Farm, an organic & biodynamic grower in Somerset, photographed by Alex from team Niwaki.
The tools that stole the show for us were the Hori Hori, which is brilliantly diverse in use and the mini sickle that made cutting foliage seriously exciting with its fine sharp blade. The Kantan waterproof canvas bag comes with us on seed collecting and foraging ventures, just as much as to the beach. © Niwaki
House & Garden’s annual Rising Stars serie selects ‘young and super talented, exceptional emerging creatives that the design industry offer.’ A very proud moment for us to be recognised this way, feeling honored and grateful for the trust placed upon us by this prestigious magazine.
