Award-winning garden designer Jo Thompson will become the new head of garden design studies at the London College of Garden Design (LCGD) this September, the college announced.
Thompson, recognized for her romantic, color-led approach, will lead the flagship Garden Design Diploma program. She will be joined by Duncan Cargill, co-founder of the design studio Cargill Sykes, who will serve as deputy head.
The appointments reflect a push to strengthen teaching by bringing in professionals who actively shape the field. Both designers will continue working with clients while overseeing curriculum development, student learning, and industry engagement at LCGD.
Thompson’s work has appeared at major events, including the Chelsea Flower Show in 2025 and The Archers 75th Anniversary Garden at the RHS Badminton Flower Show this month. Her teaching approach, described as personable, aims to help students understand what makes outdoor spaces successful beyond textbook knowledge.
Cargill, an LCGD graduate, has mentored designers to build creative and technical confidence. His firm has completed projects across the UK, including a well-known garden in Norfolk.
Thompson called the role “a huge honor” in a statement, stressing the value of mentorship in developing new talent. “Together with Duncan, I’m looking forward to working with the next generation of designers,” she said.
Nina Baxter, LCGD’s director, praised the appointments, noting their deep commitment to education. She added that their leadership would ensure students receive a strong learning experience aligned with industry needs.
Cargill shared the enthusiasm, calling it “a privilege” to join the team. “I want to help students connect education with real-world practice,” he said.
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The two will begin their roles in September 2026, marking a new phase for the college’s programs.
The Garden Design Diploma has produced many successful professionals. The college expects this success to continue under the new leadership.
Thompson and Cargill’s dual roles—teaching while maintaining active design work—mirror trends in design education. Architecture and fine arts programs often use similar models, where professionals split time between studios and classrooms.
Their arrival coincides with growing public interest in outdoor spaces following the pandemic. Events like the Chelsea Flower Show have drawn record crowds, and demand for skilled designers has increased in residential and commercial sectors.
Students may see a curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning and industry ties. The college has not yet shared details on program changes, but Baxter indicated the focus would remain on balancing creativity with practical skills.
LCGD’s approach aligns with broader shifts in education.
Professionals who teach bring current industry insights.
This model benefits students entering a competitive field.
