Marie Shirley Smith

Marie has practiced for 24 years, the vast majority of which has been with Camlins. She grew up in a farming family in Trough of Bowland AONB, engendering a deep affinity for rural life and community. Her educational journey began at the University of Sussex, with a geography degree. She then discovered the multidisciplinary world of landscape architecture which led her to a Masters degree at Sheffield University. A chance lecture by Robert Camlin started her thinking about landscape narrative as a cultural activity and set the stage for her career with the practice.

Within Camlins, Marie leads in planting design, which is ecologically sensitive and climate change resilient, very much aligned with  current progressive thinking. Her work spans many sectors and scales, from urban public realm in Liverpool, Manchester and London, to residential and later living projects around the UK. Her skill set also includes LVIA and she mentors newer staff around many aspects of Camlins collective experience. She currently manages a team delivering wide ranging projects, including community regeneration, student accommodation, later living and healthcare facilities.

Outside work, Marie is an avid reader, gardener and bee keeper. She is the proud mother of three hockey-loving, welsh-speaking girls and is passionate about supporting her community, having been a school governor and is now the secretary of Clwb Hoci Llanfair Caereinion. In her twenties Marie worked in Ethiopia and is looking forward to another memorable adventure before her next Big Birthday!