Garden design in the Garden Route, shaped around real use
Nu Design is a garden design studio based in George, working across the Garden Route to shape outdoor spaces that feel considered, cohesive, and built around real living. Each project is approached as a spatial response to the site, the architecture, and the way the space is meant to be used day to day.
Rather than applying a fixed style, we develop clear design direction through layout, planting, materials, and light — always guided by proportion, longevity, and how the garden will mature over time.
Our garden design services
Outdoor space layout & spatial planning
We develop concept-led layouts that organise movement, zones, and relationships between spaces. This includes the positioning of patios or stoep areas, transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, and the overall spatial structure of the garden.
Plant palettes & planting structure
We curate plant palettes and planting strategies that support the design intent and the environment. This includes decisions around scale, density, layering, and long-term growth, ensuring the garden matures well over time.
Materials, surfaces & built elements
We specify materials and finishes that complement the architecture and outdoor use of the space. This may include paving, steps, retaining elements, seating, boundary treatments, and integrated features — all considered as part of a cohesive whole.
Outdoor furniture placement & spatial detailing
Furniture is considered as part of the spatial design rather than an afterthought. We guide placement, scale, and relationships to ensure outdoor spaces feel usable, balanced, and comfortable.
Lighting guidance
We develop lighting intent to support atmosphere, safety, and use after dark. This focuses on placement, mood, and spatial emphasis rather than technical lighting design, ensuring the outdoor space remains legible and inviting at night.
Water elements
Where appropriate, we incorporate water as a spatial and atmospheric element. These features are designed to add calm, focus, or reflection within the garden, always aligned with the overall design intent.
How projects are delivered
Design-only
Some clients engage us purely for design. In these cases, we provide a clear, considered design package that can be implemented by others.
Design guardianship
Where required, we remain lightly involved during implementation to ensure the design intent is respected and key decisions remain aligned with the original concept.
Full delivery
For selected projects, we offer full delivery, including coordination of installation, building elements, and planting. This allows for tighter control of detail and a more seamless translation from design to completed space.
Creative spaces
Shaping outdoor spaces with clarity and care
Every project begins with listening. We take time to understand how a space is lived in, how it connects to the home, and how it should feel day to day. From there, we shape outdoor environments that are calm, considered, and purposeful — spaces that support real use, not just visual impact.
Our work balances restraint and detail, allowing materials, planting, and form to work quietly together. The result is outdoor spaces that feel resolved, natural, and enduring.
Contact us, we would love to hear from you.
Timeless design
Who we work with
We work with private homeowners, holiday home owners, and small hospitality projects across the Garden Route. Our clients value thoughtful design, clear decision-making, and outdoor spaces that feel resolved rather than overworked.
We do not offer garden maintenance or ongoing upkeep services.
Innovative design
Start a project
If you’re considering a new garden or outdoor space — or reworking an existing one — we’d be happy to discuss the brief and outline a clear starting point.
If you’d like to explore whether we’re the right fit, visit our FAQ page.
Common questions
Garden design services in the Garden Route
We provide garden design services across George and the wider Garden Route, working primarily with private homeowners, holiday homes, and small hospitality projects. Our role is to develop the concept, structure, and design direction for outdoor spaces so that implementation feels resolved rather than improvised.
Projects typically include spatial planning, planting palettes, materials guidance, and lighting intent. We do not offer garden maintenance or routine landscaping services. Instead, we focus on thoughtful design that can be implemented by your chosen contractor or supported through light design guardianship where required.
If you’re planning a new garden or reworking an existing outdoor space in the Garden Route, we’d be glad to explore whether we’re the right fit.