Pro Landscaper Project Awards 2025 winner in the Build £100,000 to £250,000 and Supreme Winner Neal Harrington is next in the hot seat for a round of quick fire questions in our Little Interviews series.
Neal Harrington
Director, Formosa Landscapes
What do you hope to see for the industry this year?
I’d like to see more recognition for the value that landscaping brings, not just aesthetically but environmentally and socially too. As an industry we’re creating spaces that people live in, enjoy and connect with, and I think that’s becoming more appreciated than ever.
What is the importance of implementing sustainable techniques within projects?
Sustainability isn’t a trend anymore; it should be a fundamental part of every project. Whether it’s thoughtful planting, improving biodiversity, responsible material choices or water management, sustainable landscapes are better for the environment and ultimately perform better for the client in the long term.
What’s your favourite project you’ve worked on?
That’s a difficult one because there are so many. We recently completed a project with some incredibly fine detailing and lots of sweeping curves. Working out how to execute those details on site was a really enjoyable challenge, and seeing it all come together exactly as envisioned was hugely satisfying.
Would you recommend entering the Pro Landscaper Project Awards?
Absolutely. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the work your team produces and celebrate the effort that goes into delivering great projects. The recognition is brilliant, but the process itself is valuable too.
What did you gain from the Pro Landscaper Project Awards?
The awards are always a calendar highlight for me and the team. They’re a great opportunity to celebrate the hard work that goes into our projects and catch up with others in the industry. Winning gave everyone a massive boost and created a real sense of camaraderie. There was definitely a hunger afterwards to achieve it again.
If you could work anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Ibiza would be high on the list because of its incredible aesthetic and lifestyle. Madeira would be another choice; the lush green landscapes, dramatic scenery and planting are unlike anywhere else and provide endless inspiration.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Accepting the award for Supreme Winner was a massive highlight and a complete surprise. That said, every day can be rewarding in this industry. The final weeks of a project, when everything starts coming together and you can finally see the vision realised, are what we live for as landscaping business owners.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
I don’t think it’s necessarily people that inspire me as much as landscapes themselves. One that really stands out is Pazo de Santa Cruz de Ribadulla in Galicia. It’s an incredible hidden gem, full of ideas and details that make you stop and think about how you could reinterpret them in your own projects.
What would the title of your biography be?
There’s Always Another Level.
Who would play you in a film?
Arnold Schwarzenegger—but the Conan the Barbarian-era Arnold, not today’s version. Although perhaps with a few more clothes.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Three Times a Lady by Lionel Richie. Although I once accidentally sang the extended version at karaoke, so it ended up being Forty-Seven Times a Lady.
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