SGLD announces new head judge, expanded judging panel and new media partnership for the SGLD Awards 2027

Garden by Kawauchi Rowe. Winner of the 'Garden of the Year' Award 2026

Building on more than a decade of celebrating excellence in garden and landscape design, the SGLD Awards continue to bring together some of the industry's most respected voices. This year's panel features an inspiring mix of designers, academics, journalists and horticultural experts who will select the shortlisted and winning schemes across the Awards programme.

James Scott FSGLD Named Head Judge

Leading the 2027 panel is James Scott FSGLD MLI, who steps into the role of Head Judge after several years as Chair of the SGLD Awards and most recently a member of the judging panel. James succeeds Richard Sneesby, who has served as Founding Head Judge since the Awards were established in 2012.

A respected garden designer, James set up The Garden Company in 1991 and has built an award-winning practice recognised for both garden and landscape design and build. He is also a committed accreditor for the SGLD and has served on the judging panel for both SGLD and Pro Landscaper Awards.

Lynne Marcus FSGLD, Chair of the SGLD Awards, said: 

"We are immensely grateful to Richard Sneesby for his dedication and leadership over the past 14 years. His contribution to the Awards has been invaluable and he has been a steadfast guide to new judges over the years. We are equally delighted to welcome James as Head Judge. His experience, insight and commitment to the Society make him ideally placed to lead the panel as the Awards continue to grow and evolve."

New Media Partner
The SGLD also welcomes Gardens Illustrated as the official media partner for the 2027 Awards. As one of the UK's leading gardening publications, Gardens Illustrated brings a wealth of expertise and editorial excellence to the Awards. The magazine's Editor, Stephanie Mahon, will also join the judging panel, adding her extensive knowledge of gardens, design and horticulture. 

Stephanie Mahon said: 

"Having previously edited the Garden Design Journal, I know how important the SGLD is for landscape and garden designers, and the influence it has across the industry. A large proportion of Gardens Illustrated readers are professional garden designers, so there is a natural synergy between the brand and the Society's members.  I'm delighted we will be the new media partner for the SGLD Awards. At Garden Illustrated, best practice in garden design is front and centre of everything we do, and we're looking forward to highlighting the fantastic work of the Society's members and cheering on the champions."

The SGLD Awards 2027 Judging Panel

The 2027 judging panel brings together twelve highly respected professionals from across the garden and landscape sector, combining expertise in design, landscape architecture, horticulture, placemaking, publishing and education. Together, they will assess entries from across the profession and identify the projects that best exemplify creativity, innovation and excellence in garden and landscape design.

New Judges

James Scott FSGLD MLI – Head Judge
Stephanie Mahon – Editor, Gardens Illustrated
Sue Townsend MSGLD – Garden Designer
Rae Wilkinson MSGLD – Garden & Landscape Designer
Tom Hoblyn FSGLD – Landscape designer, horticulturist and gardener 
Anne Jennings – Chartered Landscape Architect

Returning Judges

Chris Young – Gardens Consultant and Publisher
Dr Phil Askew CMLI – Director of Landscape & Placemaking, Peabody
Dan Lobb FSGLD – Landscape designer and sculptor
Dan Riddleston – Managing Director, Bowles & Wyer
Jane Findlay FLI – Landscape Architect
Adrian Wickham – National Chair of the British Association of Landscape Industries
 

Speaking about his role as head judge, James Scott FSGLD said: 

"I'm honoured to take on this role. Having overseen the Awards during my time on the SGLD Council, I'm committed to upholding the high standards that have earned them such respect within our industry. For me, this is about more than judging — it is about stewardship: supporting, guiding and celebrating the true craft of garden and landscape design."