Planit-IE appoints planting specialist
Pilar Medrano-Dell has joined the company as head of regenerative horticulture and planting, a newly created role that aims to bolster the practice’s ability to create resilient environments.
Medrano-Dell will lead on Planit-IE’s planting strategy for schemes across the country as developers strive to make their projects as sustainable as possible in response to the climate crisis.
Pete Swift, Planit-IE co-founder, said: “In a world where cities and regions are declaring climate emergencies and trying to get to grips with delivering and stewarding softer, more resilient and adaptable environments, the practice has decided that we must learn from the very best, and in turn become the change we need.”
Medrano-Dell’s previous experience includes a stint as a plant profile writer at the Royal Horticultural Society and time as head gardener at both Kensington Roof Gardens and Moggerhanger Park.
She was also the first female horticultural lead at the Commonwealth War Graves commission and has recently completed a master’s degree in landscape management at Sheffield University.
In her new role, one of the key projects Medrano-Dell will work on is MEPC’s Plant NOMA in Manchester, billed as a pioneering approach to urban landscaping.
In addition, she will help to support and develop Planit-IE’s research into regenerative processes on all projects, the company said.
Planit co-founder Ed Lister said: “As the practice works to clearly define its role, reach, and purpose for the years and generations ahead, we are more regularly approached to advise on place governance, stewardship, adaptability and resilience – subjects we are experienced in and passionate about.
“It’s not just about landscape or soil, or management It’s about the regenerative economy, of which all those other things are part. But it’s also about regenerative design in cities, towns, and communities.”
