As we enter 2026 and head towards the next year’s award application window, we took some time to continue our follow-up of recent and past winners of the BALI Chalk National Student of the Year Awards. This time, we spoke to Chloë Webster, KLC Westdean student and winner in the Garden Design category.
Chloë has also been recognised in 2025 as one of the 30 under 30 Pro Landscaper “ones to watch”, another credit to her ever-increasing design prowess, work ethic and commitment to improve, collaborate and push boundaries in every project in which she is involved.
How do you feel about winning the Award?
I feel really proud of myself. I’m not very good at celebrating my own achievements but I’m trying to get better at it! I’m just really honoured that my tutors put me forward for it, (even though I would have loved to share it with my classmates who are all incredible!)
How did it feel to go up on stage and accept the Awards amongst the top performers and supporters of the UK landscape sector?
Amazing but honestly, it was quite surreal too. I couldn’t have pictured it a year ago and I’m just so grateful to have been given this kind of recognition amongst so many talented people (including all of my classmates!). But what I loved the most about going up there was having Humaira (Ikram) by my side to collect the award for KLC. I wouldn’t be where I am without her. I know most of her students and collaborators will agree that she is an absolute force for good in this industry and one of the most supportive, encouraging and impressive people I’ve ever met.
What has been the reaction from family, friends, lecturers, employers?
My friends and family are really proud. A lot of change has happened in the last 3 years, so I think there’s also been a collective sigh of relief that I’ve got to this place and possibly a hint of surprise that I’ve achieved an award like this already! My colleagues have also been very supportive.
What have you planned to do with the award money?
There are definitely some books on planting that I’ve been waiting to get but mostly I’d like to put it towards next year’s Beth Chatto symposium. I went for the first time last year and it absolutely blew my mind. It’s an incredible opportunity to meet lots of like-minded people doing all sorts of different things in the industry. Last year, the talks ranged from panel discussions around the value of gardeners to talks on the queerness of peat bogs. It’s a very special place!
What are you currently working on, in what role?
I’m working for Harry Holding Studio as a designer. My job covers a really wide variety which suits me down to the ground (excuse the pun). But I’ve been putting most of my energy into working with the community in Morecambe (alongside the wonderful Tracey from Eden Project). We are hoping to get some members involved with our Chelsea Garden next year and its relocation to Morecambe Bay so that’s been really rewarding. I’ve also been researching a lot, looking into the history of sites, studying local ecologies and wrapping my head around technologies that can assist us as gardeners and designers.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m not really one for planning ahead because I like to see where life takes me and I’m very much enjoying where I am at the moment. However, I would love to continue using research to inform my practice and develop some specialist skills or knowledge to support this. I’d also love to work in collaboration more with people in other disciplines such as architecture, social design and the arts! I’m intrigued to see what is possible with more connections across various industries.
What would you say to future students who may be considered for the Top Student Award in 2026?
I would say “give this year everything you’ve got but don’t forget to look after yourself in the process! Focus on doing what you love and the rest will follow.”
We will follow Chloe’s career with interest and are sure that she will continue in the same trajectory as an Ambassador for future students and award winners.