Business Details
26 Years
experience
Expert Landscape Architecture Solutions
Established in 2000, we are a design-led landscape architecture practice with studios in Newcastle upon Tyne and York. Our 25-year legacy combines technical expertise with creative innovation, delivering transformative public realm projects across the UK and internationally. Our team of chartered professionals specialises in masterplanning, nature recovery, and active placemaking, with a proven track record in complex urban regeneration and educational environments. We maintain a client-centric approach, evidenced by 98.8% of our work coming from referrals and an 8.92/10 client satisfaction rating. Our multidisciplinary capabilities integrate BIM technology, ecological design, and community engagement to create spaces that enhance biodiversity and human wellbeing.Recognised by the Landscape Institute and Royal Society of Arts, our work includes award-winning healthcare facilities, university campuses, and sustainable residential developments. We prioritise collaborative partnerships, as demonstrated through our long-term involvement in projects like Loughborough University's active campus and Durhamgate's green infrastructure. Our technical excellence is highlighted by our team's Autodesk certifications and pioneering use of 3D modelling for large-scale projects. With a focus on restorative landscapes, we address environmental challenges while delivering measurable social value through every project.
Services
Landscape Architecture
Masterplanning
Public Realm
Nature Recovery
Urban Design
BIM Consultancy
Ecological Planning
Play Space Design
Heritage Landscapes
Sustainable Drainage
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- 25 years of award-winning landscape architecture experience
- BIM-certified technical specialists with Autodesk Revit expertise
- 98.8% client retention through collaborative design partnerships
- Pioneers in active design and mental health-focused landscapes
- Recognised leaders in biodiversity net gain implementation
Associations and certifications
- Landscape Institute
- Royal Society of Arts
What people say
Fantastic play provision
Delighted with the finished product
Imaginative approach
Maximum effect for the money
Excellent feedback
Services
Landscape Architecture
Our landscape architecture integrates ecological principles with functional design across urban and rural environments. We create multi-use spaces that enhance biodiversity while meeting community needs. Projects range from university campuses to healthcare facilities, always prioritising sustainable materials and long-term maintenance considerations. Our approach combines technical precision with creative vision to transform challenging sites into thriving environments.
Masterplanning
We develop comprehensive masterplans that balance development with environmental protection. Our process involves stakeholder engagement, movement analysis, and phased implementation strategies. Recent projects include regeneration schemes for historic sites and new town centre developments. We ensure connectivity between built and natural environments while addressing climate resilience requirements.
Public Realm
Specialising in public space design, we create inclusive environments that encourage social interaction and physical activity. Our work includes plazas, parks, and streetscape improvements incorporating artistic elements and sustainable drainage. Each project considers local heritage while meeting modern accessibility standards through participatory design processes.
Nature Recovery
Our biodiversity net gain strategies integrate habitat creation with development needs. We implement green infrastructure networks and species protection measures across all project scales. This includes designing wildlife corridors within urban developments and restoring native plant communities in sensitive landscapes while ensuring compliance with evolving legislation.
BIM Consultancy
We apply Building Information Modelling to landscape projects, enabling precise 3D coordination with architectural and engineering elements. Our BIM specialists deliver data-rich models for complex schemes like hospital campuses and Olympic venues. This technology enhances collaboration, reduces construction risks, and supports long-term asset management through digital twin creation.
People
Peter Owens
Founder & Chief Designer
Chartered Landscape Architect with 30 years' experience, Peter established Colour Urban Design in 2000 to redefine landscape architecture's role in urban development. He pioneered active design principles now used in national guidance, and has led major projects including the Royal Stoke University Hospital landscape and London 2012 Olympic masterplanning.
Emma Fletcher
Studio Director
With over 20 years in landscape architecture, Emma specialises in urban design and biodiversity net gain implementation. As Newcastle studio director, she leads complex regeneration projects like Milburngate and Northgate Hospital, combining technical excellence with ecological innovation to deliver award-winning schemes.
Chris Gilbert
Senior Associate
Chartered Landscape Architect with 20+ years' experience across Europe and the UK. His expertise spans public realm projects, country estates, and healthcare environments including the Mercedes McLaren Headquarters and LIFT Health Centres. He holds a Masters in Landscape Architecture from the University of Sheffield.
Carwyn Thomas
Associate Landscape Architect
Creative landscape architect with 14 years' experience, specialising in active placemaking and public engagement. He leads Gateshead Riverside Park development and has delivered projects including Grey Street Gathering pop-up park and St Albans public realm regeneration.
Adam Hay
Associate Landscape Technologist
Technical specialist with 10 years at Colour Urban Design, Adam combines BIM expertise with landscape design. He models complex projects like the Kaaki Resort in Saudi Arabia and Strawberry Place student housing, ensuring technical precision through Revit coordination with multidisciplinary teams.
Questions
What areas do Colour Urban Design specialise in?
We focus on landscape architecture, masterplanning, and nature recovery projects across education, healthcare, and urban regeneration sectors.
How long has Colour Urban Design been operating?
We've delivered award-winning designs since our founding in 2000, with a 25-year legacy of transformative projects.
What makes Colour Urban Design different?
Our unique blend of BIM technology expertise, ecological innovation, and community-focused design creates spaces that deliver lasting social value.
Do you work internationally?
Yes, while based in the UK, we've completed projects in Oman, Saudi Arabia, and across Europe including London 2012 Olympic sites.
How do you ensure design quality?
Through rigorous technical standards, client collaboration, and our team's professional accreditations including Chartered Landscape Architect status.
