From the 1st July, Georgina Baines and Kevin Redhead became Directors of Planit-IE. Georgie and Kev have been with us for over 20 years of our 25-year existence — Kev is Planit payroll member no. 5 (that’s really 2 when you take off the founders). They have worked tirelessly and selflessly over the past two decades, not just designing and delivering great projects, but helping us to grow and nurture the ever-expanding Planit family.

Rather than write a pair of testimonials ourselves, we thought we would ask Kev and Georgie what becoming Directors means to them. This is what they had to say:

Georgie

“It will be 20 years this autumn when I first passed over the Planit threshold at Ollerbarrow House in Hale. I think I was the 8th landscape employee, with Kev already in residence. Since that day I’ve been privileged to witness Planit grow from strength to strength — lways with a focus on great design solutions and exceptional client service.

From those early days it was clear that Planit had great potential and a burning ambition to become something different from the established norm, not least a desire to retain the main studio within the Northwest, Planit’s founding home, whilst being able to service the rest of the UK.

The fruits of this early ambition have continued to be realised, driven by a desire by the directors to evolve and strive for continued betterment, as evidenced through the projects and clients we attract, the addition of Standard Practice and Standish, B Corp and the move to employee ownership.

Reflecting back on my days on the first floor of Ollerbarrow House, looking out over the bowling green, the bouncing floorboards every time someone moved, and VP ensconced in the (very hot) loft space, it’s astonishing to realise just how far we have come. I feel very lucky to have been a part of that journey and to have had some influence along the way. I know Kev feels the same and we have been immensely fortunate to be on ‘the bus’ together.

Becoming a Director is not only a reflection on the past but more importantly an opportunity to help guide the future — perhaps at the most momentous point in Planit’s history. The coming years will certainly be a challenge, but I look forward to being part of Planit’s future legacy, if it’s anywhere near its past achievements, we’ll have done OK.”

Kev

“I joined Planit in the first Hale office straight after leaving Uni about 24 years ago following an interview with Ed in the pub over the road. (I think he liked me because I knew CAD). I’d been in the industry as an apprentice, a technician / assistant LA for the decade prior to that, so eight landscape practices later, I knew what I was looking for.

Always moving, always evolving and never a dull moment is why I’m here and will continue to be here. I’ve watched and contributed to the growth of this practice, and it’s been incredible, so I’m going to echo much of what Georgie has written about what this means to me personally, as I also feel incredibly fortunate and delighted to be in this position. Being a Studio Director over the last few years has already given me an important insight into the role of director and it still feels daunting, but having George as a buddy along the way has and will continue to be a godsend.

Over the years, I like to think that I’ve been someone that the Seniors and Principals can always approach and confer with, or indeed that anyone in the practice can seek advice from or share ideas with. I’ve always tried and will continue to dedicate as much of my time as possible to the people that are the engine, creativity, and character of this business. I’ll remain connected to our clients and projects, because like many of you, I love being a Landscape Architect. I love designing and knowing that I’ve made a difference to people’s lives and that will continue throughout the last third of my career. I’m all about People, Planet and Profit that underpin our B-Corp values, but I’m particularly inspired by the social value we bring to our community.”