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DESIGN|CREATE|LIVE
WHO
WHO
MATTHEW JAMES
FOUNDER & DESIGN DIRECTOR
Having completed his Masters degree in Landscape Architecture at the University of Gloucestershire UK, Matthew immediately relocated to Dubai to pursue exciting work opportunities in the Middle East.
Since his arrival in 2016, he has been involved in a number of high profile projects in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Africa and Central Asia. These included parks, high end residential towers, luxury villas, commercial plazas, hotels and resorts, international airports, business parks, waterfronts, shopping malls, transport and infrastructure, to name a few.
In 2022, Matthew along with his former design team were awarded ‘Landscape Project of the Year’ at the Architecture Leader’s Awards for his contribution to the design of the UAE Pavilion Landscape at Dubai EXPO.
After several years working in the UAE and having contributed to hundreds of both national and international projects, Matthew decided to establish VDS to focus his passions and take Landscape Architecture to new, exciting heights.
COPYRIGHT 2025 VDS
WHAT
WHAT
VDS is a creative landscape architecture practice determined to explore new and exciting ways to enhance our ever changing design industry.
We innovate smart and cutting edge landscape designs for projects of varying scale and complexity; from small private gardens to large urban districts.
We believe that landscape has the ability to shape our lives, the way we think and ultimately create places that people love to be in. This is driven by our desire to be sustainable, forward thinking and re-establish that connection with the natural world.
What makes us unique is our holistic approach to delivering projects. Whilst our core passion and experience is grounded in landscape, we believe design is much bigger than just this component. Therefore we seek to provide creative design solutions which blend landscape, architecture, interior and art into one.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
WHERE
After 10 years in one of the most advanced, fast paced and busiest cities in the world, VDS decided to expand its presence beyond Dubai and establish its head office in the heart of the UK.
Our home is nestled in the Mendip Hills of Northern Somerset. An area of outstanding national beauty enriched in wildflower meadows, barley fields and ancient woodlands.
With a growing international clientele, we continue to undertake major projects in the UAE, Middle East and across the globe.
MENDIP HILLS|UK
WHY
SO WHY VDS?
VDS was set up with one purpose in mind; to become the best new landscape firm in town.
This is an extraordinary design firm with a very unique clientele who really want to push the boundaries of design. If you’re looking to create something remarkable, whether its a cosy, minimalist garden or city wide urban developments; we might just be the firm for you.
We’re looking to work with the select few who want make their vision a reality. If that’s you; then get in touch below and let’s see what we can bring to life.
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Kilmersdon, Northern Somerset, United Kingdom
© 2025 VDS. All rights reserved.
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