Welcome
2B's position on Coronavirus
In a nutshell, we are working and communicating better than ever from our home office(s) and can carry out site or field work. The following explains our position.
We have all been knocked back by the effects of Coronavirus - its implications for society as a whole and for our loved ones. Quite apart from the serious health issues, the economic implications are enormous and will be long-lasting. As well as meeting professional obligations to our clients, we recognise our role in the planning system and in the wider economy. Our attitude is, therefore, in line with UK government thinking. Wherever businesses can safely continue to work, it is important that they should do so.
In our case, landscape architectural work typically requires occasional site- and field-visits, supported by desktop activity. The latter constitutes the greater part of our time and outputs.
Improved Communications
2B has always worked from a home office. We have a small number of staff - four in total. It has been relatively easy for us to adapt to full home working, as three of us, in effect, were already working from home.
In response to Covid-19, we have improved our communications and data sharing abilities so that we can be in touch instantly over the media of chat, audio or video. In fact, the crisis has encouraged us to focus on communication improvements that have been overdue. We are able to host Zoom meetings, so if this would help with you projects, let us know.
Incidentally, we have produced what we hope is a helpful Blog on Video Conferencing, here.
Site visits are possible
Since site work cannot be carried out from home, it is clearly acceptable to travel to site for survey work. There are, however, practical and health issues. Bill, as Vice Chair, with other members of the Landscape Institute's Technical Committee, has been involved in informing the LI's position on this matter. Importantly, site work must be subject to risk assessment, taking into account the particular issues raised by Coronavirus, such as the likely levels of contact with people or objects, for example at shops, filling stations etc.
This indicates that it is more feasible to visit 'local' sites (which can, for example, be accessed in a day) and which allow social distancing rules to be maintained without difficulty. Longer-distance travel would be both contrary to the principles and purposes of the lock-down and likely to necessitate higher levels of contact, for food purchase, accommodation etc.
Local service
What this means in practice is that, with appropriate precautionary measures, we are prepared to travel to sites which we can access within a day - that means most of Yorkshire and neighbouring counties. We can do this without lone working because 2B's directors also share a home - we are the two Blackledges! - and can therefore safely travel together.
If you need landscape assessment or similar site evaluation, or you are a more distant landscape practice that would benefit from experienced landscape architects in this area, please get in touch. We would be happy to review your needs and to help if we can.
Who are we?
Our friendly, talented, and attractive team offer professional consultancy in all aspects of Landscape Design, Landscape Assessment and 3D Visualisation, across the UK.
2B Landscape Consultancy Ltd is an LI Registered Practice of Chartered Landscape Architects, based in Yorkshire.
What do we do?
Established in 1998, our wide variety of high quality projects ranges from large-scale LVIA to detail design, through masterplanning, sustainable drainage, community engagement, and everything in between.
For a quick introduction to what we do, look at the menu above to see the Sectors that we work in and the Services we provide.
What is a landscape architect?
For those who haven't come across Landscape Architecture before, think of it this way: as Architects are to buildings, so Landscape Architects are to the landscape or external environment. We work at all scales - domestic to regional. Our clients range from national and regional utility companies to highway and local authorities, industrial and commercial landowners, developers and community organisations.
What do we stand for?
We believe that everyone has a right to a beautiful, inspiring setting for their life: at home, at work or at play. Our aim is to help to make it so. To sum it up in three words:- People - Place - Planet.
We hope that you enjoy browsing this site, and that you find it to be a reflection of 2B Landscape Consultancy itself: professional, well-informed and easy to deal with.
What do our clients say?
2B responded swiftly to our call for urgent design work and created a range of very high quality graphics and visualisation at short notice. Communication was excellent. They suggested interesting ideas that resulted in an enhanced end product. They know their stuff and are passionate about what they do, which made working with the 2B team a really great experience.
I’ll be happy to praise your work to anyone at any time. The service provided was of the very highest standard, not simply in terms of technical competence but also in the level of collaboration and understanding that was essential to completing a major project within exceptionally demanding schedules.
Thank you! Fantastic turn around and they look really good. Nothing has been too much trouble and your presentation has been extremely professional. I appreciate your creativity. You thought of ideas that exceeded your commission and excited the community.
2B’s technical standards, communications and overall approach were excellent and they delivered all the project requirements to time and budget with consummate professionalism. I would have no hesitation in using 2B again or in recommending 2B for similar work.
2B was very enthusiastic about the project and happy to discuss all the possible restoration options and assist in deciding the best approach. They demonstrated a willingness to listen and to fully understand the complexity of the project. 2B was flexible in finding a sympathetic and responsive approach to the restoration project. We would have no hesitation in using their services again and would recommend them to any other potential clients.
The support we have received throughout the project has been fantastic and I thank you for all your hard work and effort you have contributed to date.
2B Landscape Consultancy has consistently delivered what was required (and more). They have shared their wider knowledge and experience for the benefit of the project and hence added considerable value.
Thanks for your hard work, great ideas and patience for the past few months! It has been challenging to design and execute the landscape area in such short space of time. We have received many positive feedbacks. I will recommend your company for future opportunities on site.
Overall the quality of the work was of a very high standard. Mr Blackledge provided good advice throughout the process. His technical knowledge is first class but he was able to communicate effectively with non-technical people. We were impressed by the way in which he was always readily accessible and the speed of his responses. He kept within budget, clearly explained his fee proposals, gave good value for money and met all our expectations. We would certainly use 2B Landscape Consultancy Ltd again.
You went the extra mile - and it shows in the final result.
This looks totally amazing - we love it, and could not have asked for anything better to fulfil our brief! This is why you need to employ designers.
Thank you so much for all your help. In the nicest possible way, I hope this is it. You’ve been an immense help and support. No doubt more work will be coming your way.
2B provided a well-considered Masterplan, together with supporting visualisations and interpretive explanations of the suggested proposals, which were used for a public consultation exercise.They responded promptly to comments and suggestions from the Committee. Following completion of the project, they have been happy to provide additional verbal advice.
Your standard of presentation is excellent and technical content is exhaustive. You look at things from most angles. You are positive, friendly and optimistic. You set high standards then meet deadlines.
Just want to say thank you again for the fantastic turnaround and product. No doubt we will be working closely in the future.
In addition to the generation of multiple LVIAs, 2B provided considerable assistance to Network Rail in formulating an inclusive stakeholder framework and process to harness the support and expertise of relevant statutory authorities which has proved effective for Network Rail in conflict avoidance.
The job was done with good humour. Decisions requested were packaged with alternatives and advice. Information was supplied by return. Excellent service. I would be delighted at any time to supply a reference, should that be necessary. With renewed thanks and best wishes.
I just wanted to say thank you to you for yesterday’s session. The participants commented that it was great to see what could be done in a school and I think some of them were inspired to start changing their school grounds. I really appreciate the time you spent preparing and delivering the session.
2B provided visualisation for public consultation events, to explain the proposals for a proposed cycleway between Renfrew and Glasgow. They completed the work on time and responded efficiently and promptly to all requests.
