NIGEL STATON

Nigel Staton is the founder of Land by Design and the visionary behind Ready-Made Plans. Ready-Made Plans was the culmination of his love of providing delightful, multi-use outdoor rooms and spaces for urban backyards and his desire to make them more affordable and widely available. Over the years, Nigel has combined his hands-on design expertise with a commitment to accessible pricing, helping homeowners transform their yards into versatile, beautiful retreats.

Nigel is an English and American award-winning Landscape Architect. After working as an international lawyer in London until age 35, he taught business law in Aix-en-Provence and Paris for nine years. He then moved to the US, earning a master's in landscape architecture from UC Denver and graduating top of his class. In 2004, he founded Land by Design, a successful practice in urban design, public art, and landscape architecture, partnering with urban conservationist Dana Crawford. His high-end residential projects span California to the East Coast. 

At six, Nigel designed his first garden with guidance from his father and grandfather. Over the next decade, he developed it, later building a pond with a self-sustaining ecosystem while his father was away. Today, over 40 years later, the pond and garden are cherished features of Woodhall Manor, Nigel’s family home built in 1146 and the only remaining house in the county listed in the Domesday Book commissioned by King William the Conqueror.

He has since developed a growing selection of loyal and discerning residential clients among those that appreciate pushing the limits of art, luxury and detail.

As an avid traveler, he finds inspiration in his diverse background and love for nature and design. He excels in both regional systems and fine details, blending disciplined and creative thinking while understanding client needs. 

Nigel says “Every garden design must not just look beautiful, it must unfold, entice and intrigue, allowing for infinite and magical memories. It has to work well contextually and systemically, feel good, flow right and be appreciated by all 6 senses and from all perspectives.”