About

I'm Sonja Kalkschmidt, the designer behind Silva Vista. My path has taken me from architecture to landscapes and gardens, driven by a love for places that tell stories and evolve with time. I've worked across continents—managing construction projects in India, Macau and Switzerland and now creating gardens that feel grounded, soulful, and alive in the North West of England.

I trained at the London College of Garden Design at KEW, where I graduated as one of the top outstanding students. My first show garden at Belvoir Castle won the Rutland Cup + Best in Show, and I’m proud to be a Gold Medal winner at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Today, I live and work between the Forest of Bowland, the North Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District. These wild, layered landscapes inspire me every day and influence my designs. My approach to garden design is deeply personal—rooted in place, shaped by story, and always aiming to create spaces that connect to nature and feel meaningful for the clients.

'Earth Day Every Day' written signature by landscape designer Sonja Kalkschmidt
A woman in a garden surrounded by plants and flowers, tending to the vegetation.

Silva Vista

Silva (forest) and Vista (view). We design with the land’s natural spirit in mind—framing views, echoing local character, and creating gardens and landscapes that feel both grounded and alive.

Two beige reed grass plumes against a white background.

Awards

Pro Landscaper Award 2025,
Shortlisted “Special Feature” under £50’000, SANCTUM Showgarden

Pro Landscaper Award 2025,
Shortlisted “Temporary Installation” under £50’000, SANCTUM Showgarden

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024,
SANCTUM Garden, Gold Award

Northern Design Awards, 2024
Finalist with the SANCTUM Showgarden

Green Apple Award, House of Parliament, UK, 2022
Awarded as part of the ABM team for the luxury shopping centre Victoria Quarters Leeds, recognised for ecological planting that promotes biodiversity and creates habitats for urban wildlife.

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, 2022
Runner up, professional category, for the forward-thinking biodiversity project “Reed,” supporting rare birdlife and biofuel production.

Belvoir Castle, UK, 2021
Best in Show, Show Garden – Duchess of Rutland Cup.

  • Green and tan gold medal banner for RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024, with a gold tree emblem, and text indicating gold medal winner.
  • Circular badge with green background and white text, reading 'Pro Landscaper Project Awards 2025 Shortlisted, Temporary Installation, Under 50,000'.
  • Green circular badge for Project Awards 2025, indicating shortlist status for a special feature under £50,000, with decorative swirl patterns.
  • An award ribbon with a circular emblem in the center, featuring a green leaf and the words 'Wildlife Friendly Design Competition.' Beneath the emblem, black ribbons read 'Recommended' and 'Landscape.'
  • Award badge for 2024 Northern Design Awards finalist with a purple border and text.

  • Story-Led Design
    Every garden should tell your story—reflecting your values, memories, and dreams.

  • Vistas & Connection to Place & People
    I shape views from inside the home and within the garden—framing the land, responding to the landscape & its people. I have a close look at the native plants around the site and source local materials wherever possible to reduce impact and celebrate regional character.

  • Well-being
    Spaces that invite calm, connection, and breathing room are at the heart of every design.

  • Sustainable & Seasonal
    Designs work with nature, not against it—rooted in rhythm, season, and long-term care.

  • Impact Through Simplicity
    You don’t need much to make a difference. With clarity and care, even the smallest gesture can transform a space.

Design philosophy

Silhouette of a beige tree with intricate branches on a white background.