Kat Fellas
About Me
Kat Fellas is a garden designer based in St Albans, Hertfordshire, serving the local area and surrounding home counties. Kat’s work combines thoughtful design with her expertise in creative storytelling, to craft gardens that are deeply connected to their surroundings and meaningful to those who use them.
Graduating with Distinction from the London College of Garden Design, Kat’s talent has already been recognised with her design for a luxury spa hotel in Hertfordshire, named as a finalist in the SGD Student Awards 2025.
Growing up in a small Lincolnshire village nestled between the coast and countryside, Kat developed a deep appreciation for nature from an early age. Her childhood adventures exploring wild landscapes, combined with a year and a half travelling the world and immersing herself in its most unique environments, strengthened her enduring fascination and connection to the natural world – one that continues to inspire and shape her design approach.
After a decade in London’s PR industry, where she developed global strategies and created compelling narratives for high-profile fashion and lifestyle brands, Kat transitioned into garden design. She now creates spaces that are visually striking, meaningful and deeply rooted in their environment.
Design Philosophy
Designing spaces where stories take root.
Kat believes every garden has a story to tell and her role as a designer is to bring it to life. Together, you will explore the unique character of the site and how it intertwines with your personal narrative to create gardens that are deeply rooted in their surroundings and meaningful to those who use them.
From concept to completion, every detail is thoughtfully considered to craft spaces that balance beauty and functionality. A focus on natural materials, local craftsmanship and layered planting schemes help capture the essence of your garden, while remaining ecologically sensitive.
Whether it’s a quiet sanctuary for reflection or a sleek, modern terrace for entertaining, your story is where every one of her designs begin, grow and thrive for many years to come.
Biography:
Kat has a BA (hons) in Media & Communications and worked in London for a number of leading PR & Communications agencies, with high-profile fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands to develop and implement global communications strategies. With years of expertise on how to create a compelling story, Kat is well equipped to help bring yours to life in your very own outdoor sanctuary.
Instagram: @my_garden_sanctuary
The client wanted to rework the garden to align with the hotel’s commercial operations, luxurious interiors, and tranquil qualities, creating spaces for discovery and relaxation that extend the guest experience. Key considerations also included sustainability, functionality, and the local surroundings.
Once a private estate, the garden has been reimagined to meet the needs of hotel guests while aligning with the hotel’s commercial objectives. The design transforms a flat, featureless site into a vibrant, biodiverse environment that encourages exploration and connection with nature. Inspired by the natural beauty and ecological significance of the neighbouring River Ver, the layout introduces new pathways, destinations, and focal points, guiding guests through multi-use spaces. These design elements not only meet commercial needs and enhance the aesthetic experience but also introduce bursts of scent and wildlife, making the garden a more engaging retreat. The project seamlessly blends sleek, modern finishes with ecological sensitivity, creating spaces for relaxation while ensuring the landscape’s long-term resilience and connection to its natural surroundings.
Materials and construction processes were selected with a clear focus on minimising carbon emissions and maximising resource efficiency. Recycled stone slabs from the site have been repurposed into permeable gravel pathways. The use of rammed earth walls, instead of traditional cement-based structures, reflects the local geologic context (chalk riverbed) and incorporates regionally sourced, recycled or reclaimed aggregates, further reducing embodied carbon. Water conservation is integrated through rainwater harvesting systems that supply water features and support the site’s needs, for example.
The introduction of native flora, the revitalisation of a historic pond and the introduction of a wildflower meadow serve as cornerstone efforts to restore natural habitats and enhance ecological resilience.
The client was keen to improve the flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, aiming to make full use of the entire garden for their family, including early-teen children. A variety of seating options is essential, including a dining area for up to 12, a separate space for the children and their friends away from the adults, and multiple spots to enjoy different times of day, such as the evening sun along the side of the house.
The concept was based around the idea of the garden and those who occupy it, as a “Tapestry of Time” – where the past intertwines with the present to create spaces of relaxation and entertainment for all generations. Contemporary and ancient materials come together in harmony. Modern, clipped topiary is offset with soft wildflower planting for a bold and beautiful finish. The design is ever-evolving and dynamic, with delights around every corner for each family member to enjoy. It features three defined spaces for entertaining, relaxing and escaping.
The client brief was to create a harmonious connection between the Gothic architecture of the house and the garden, reworking the lower terrace to complement the new kitchen extension.
The concept for the new garden was based on the idea of “Moody Romance” – a play on the Gothic architecture. I wanted to create a tranquil, reflective space that evokes a sense of enchantment, with areas for discovery, relaxation and entertainment. The garden is enveloped by lush, moody planting in deep jewel hues, exuding a “romantic” atmosphere.
A cohesive material palette unified the design, with inspiration drawn from the garden designers they admire and materials they love. Soft, elegant evening lighting enhanced the atmosphere, while swathes of lush planting introduced a tranquil element amidst the bustle of the city. Blocks of clipped Yew provided structure to the planting in winter. A charred timber garden room serves as a new focal point, subtly drawing attention away from the neighbouring wall at the very end of the garden.
