I’ve worked in the play industry since leaving university, over 20 years ago. I never imagined that playground design would become my career—it’s one of those jobs that people don’t often realise exists! Whenever I tell people what I do, I’m usually met with a surprised, “That’s a real job?” followed closely by, “So, do you get to try all the equipment?”

The truth is, I feel very lucky to have found a career that I’m genuinely passionate about. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on all sorts of play spaces and have seen first-hand just how important play is for children, families and communities.
Having my son has changed the way I see play. Watching him grow, explore and discover the world through play has given me a completely different perspective. I now find myself looking at play spaces through his eyes—thinking about what excites him, what captures his imagination, what makes him want to explore, and most importantly, what makes play fun. It has brought a much more personal side to my design approach and continues to influence the spaces I create.
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work across many different areas of the play industry, developing a wide range of skills including design, budgeting and estimating, tender documentation, site surveying and consultation.
For me, designing play spaces isn’t just about creating somewhere to play. It’s about creating places where children can be curious, adventurous, imaginative and, most importantly, have fun.