Luxury Property Industry Leaders In Conversation with Randle Siddeley (Randle Siddeley Ltd)

Priya Rawal, Founder and CEO of The Luxury Property Forum sits down with Industry Leader:

Randle Siddeley, Founder and Chairman of Landscape Design, Construction and Maintenance company, Randle Siddeley Limited

Randle, as always it is such a pleasure, and today it is such a privilege to hear your story! You are someone who has been in the luxury property industry for such a long time. Could you tell us a little bit about your journey in starting Randle Siddeley Limited and where your company is now?

Well, how does one begin to cover the journey that I have been on for the last 48 years! I have been exceptionally lucky in surrounding myself with an amazing team of people right from the early days. Having been a chronic dyslexic, I have always known that I needed the right team to guide me, through the many journeys that I have been on.

Reflecting back over all of the projects that we have been involved in, not only in this country and overseas the best outcomes have always been with some of the most kindest and understanding clients, who have put their trust in me and never doubted my abilities. This naturally always gives one a great deal more confidence in striving for the ultimate.

After the first year of having started up my business, quite a few people asked me for how long I was going to keep a hobby up! Little did anyone realise how big the landscape industry could develop .

What are the biggest changes you have seen in the industry?

No one at that early stage realised how important one’s external space or backyard could turn into being an everyday essential space to relax. The first major change was when suddenly we went from black-and-white newsprint or magazines into the world of colour. This open up everyone's thoughts and ideas, as to their likes and dislikes, whereas before black-and-white was the norm (hence, having the classical Chanel outfit with the white camellia flower was such a strong emblem.) The other major event in my mind is the advent of garden lighting. In the past, we had the par 38 lightbulb, which was fat and ugly and now we have extremely elegant LED lighting to extend ones external outdoor living. Who would ever think of having your outdoor kitchen dining, surrounded by your beautifully landscaped garden? People would have accused me of being a daydreamer, but here we are, living in this permanently evolving wheel of learning and reinventing fresh ideas and also being inspired by other great landscape designers past and present.

That’s amazing that you were such a pioneer in something that is now so integral to garden design. Randle, what do you think sets you personally apart an industry leader and what makes your company unique in the luxury property sector?

Always evolving, challenging what seems the impossible, being creative and never repeating the same design or something similar. No one client is ever the same (likewise for the property), whether it be in this country or overseas. Above all, pursue one's dreams and avoid ever compromising the quality of the design.

Definitely! And for another year you took part in the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Could you tell me a little more about your entry and what inspired you this year?

We took part in our second year collaborating with Blue Forest, who create and build the most amazing treehouses and for this year our concept and exhibit aim was to create a whimsical a magical experience for visitors, blurring the boundaries between nature and architecture. The display showcased an exquisitely crafted tree house and hillside hollow, set into a breath-taking enchanted garden, with floral arrangements, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

This year we had pathways guiding visitors through a captivating journey. Our inspiration was drawn from the natural world, mythical realms and fairy tales. The planting explores native wildflower and delicate planting to create a harmonious blend of colours, shapes and textures.

Overall, our exhibit aimed to create an immersive experience, by combining elements from nature with imaginative and fantastical touches. Visitors were transported to a captivating world, where the lines between reality and imagination blur, allowed them to explore and engage with the space in a way that sparks wonder and curiosity.

Amazing and it looked magical! There is no doubt that so much planning goes into something like the Chelsea Flower Show. What have been the biggest challenges so far?

We were very fortunate to be working with Kelways Plants from Somerset, who are one of a few nurseries able to produce the quality and material required to exhibit as a commercial stand at the Chelsea Flower Show.

With regard to plant availability and timing, the Chelsea Flower Show requires meticulous planning and coordination with plant nurseries and growers to ensure the availability of specific plants and flowers during the event.

And Randle what is your favourite thing about Chelsea Flower Show, what gets you excited?

Seeing the incredible challenges that individuals set themselves, on creating some spectacular gardens. The Chelsea Flower Show sets the scene for the forthcoming summer, and everyone always comes away from Chelsea, not only more knowledgeable but also infused.

It does definitely set the tone for summer! Randle you have had such a long and wonderful career, but if there could be one highlight for you, what would that be?

Being very fortunate to work with some amazing clients, who have placed their trust in me and allowing me a full rein, in order to create some spectacular gardens all over the world. But, if I was to name one highlight, that would be the eight years that I spent working on the Phoenicia Hotel in Beirut and seeing the reconstruction of the new city. I had the privilege of being to walk around excavations of some of the most extraordinary archaeological digs, which will always remain etched into my rich tapestry of life.

Photo Credit: Georgina Viney Photography

That is so incredible and inspirational! So, who inspires you?

I was exceptionally blessed to have been brought up in the world of design. My father, who was world-renowned interior designer, under the name of John Siddeley, was also my best friend. Sadly he died when he was only 58 years old. He has always been my inspiration, as he was the first person who gave me that lucky break, when he had a client who had two projects in central London, which needed the gardens designed. I was working for my father at the time, thinking that I was going to go into the world of architecture and interior design. I said to him, why don't you let me try my hand at this? Growing up, I always had my own garden and also worked for different nurseries during the holiday seasons, so I did have a grounding (but more as a hobby, rather than ever thinking that it could be a profession!)

What advice do you have for people looking to become an industry leader in the luxury property?

Be passionate about all you do, and this will keep you motivated as I have been throughout my career.

Extremely good advice! And in an ideal world, what does the future hold for you and the company?

I wish to make sure that I can pass the mantle on of my what will be 50 years, when I eventually semi-retire and that my amazing team, will step in to take over and rock on the next 50 years.

Well Randle thank you so much for your time today. Finally, what does “luxury” mean to you?

Having amazing dreams and creating these into reality!

GET IN TOUCH

Randle Siddeley Limited

Trafalgar House, Juniper Drive, London, SW18 1GY

+44 (0)207 627 7260

hello@randlesiddeley.co.uk