We recruit the best in field to enable us to deliver premium services and Ben Croot joined us as Associate Director (Landscape) at the start of the year. Chartered Landscape Architect, Building with Nature Assessor, Design West Panel Review member and now a member of the Management Team at CSA Environmental. Ben chats to us about his plans for the role considering his extensive experience including Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, strategic urban extensions, Green Infrastructure strategies and estate regeneration, and what’s inspiring him about the future of landscape architecture:
You’ve joined CSA Environmental with a strong background in landscape architecture across the built environment and renewables—can you tell us a bit about your career journey so far and what attracted you to this role?
I started my career in landscape architecture in a multi-disciplinary consultancy and have had the opportunity to work with a variety of professionals. One of my first projects was on the designation of the South Downs National Park for the then Countryside Agency which, looking back was an incredible privilege to start your career. From there, I’ve worked on numerous development projects from a Strategic Urban Extension for Homes England to High Buildings Studies for Oxford City to Green Infrastructure Strategies at Thamesmead, all within private consultancy. More recently I’ve worked on utility scale solar projects whilst also keeping a hand in on the development side having appeared as an expert witness at Development Consent Order (DCO) examination and public inquiry. I’ve learnt that collaborative and creative design and problem solving is critical and something I try to foster within all projects.
These are really exciting times for CSA with the new management structure helping to deliver impressive growth … and also for the industry as a whole as it grapples with the need to build much needed homes and infrastructure whilst delivering nature recovery and adapting to climate change.
What areas of our work do you see the most opportunity to grow or evolve, and where are you keen to make an impact?
Despite recent National Grid connection queue reordering, renewables will continue to perform strongly driven by the need to meet Net Zero targets for energy generation by 2035. We are already seeing as a result of the need to build 1.5million homes in this parliament a large upturn in the residential sector, with a particular focus on potential grey belt sites. The scale of change that is needed is phenomenal and CSA is expertly placed to take advantage of this. I hope I can contribute positively in whatever ways are helpful across the business and for our clients and projects.
From your perspective, what are the key challenges and opportunities currently facing the landscape sector—particularly in relation to climate resilience and renewables?
We’ve seen recently the importance of building resilience to climate change across housing, infrastructure and everyday life. In my view, we are currently in a disruptive period…the new world that emerges out the other side will be shaped by our actions today. What is apparent is that the old ‘business as usual’ way of doing things is quickly becoming obsolete.
Looking ahead, how do you see the role of landscape architecture changing within the built environment? Are there emerging trends or innovations you’re particularly excited about?
I think A.I. represents a massive opportunity, not just in landscape architecture but across the built environment. For A.I. in particular content generation and creativity will become infinite. However, the importance of nature and human connection gives me some comfort that the essence of what makes us human will always be there.
And finally—when you’re not thinking about site plans or strategies, what’s your ideal way to unwind or spend a weekend?
My weekends, like many others, are kept busy by the various clubs my children attend but it’s great to see them try new things and grow. I am always inspired by the ebullience and optimism of youth!
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