Kotchakorn Voraakhom

World-renowned Landscape Architect, TED fellow and founder of Design Practise, Landprocess which focuses on 'Environmental and Social Transformations'. Her work centres on Porous Cities, designing places that are adapted to specific climate conditions, cultural identity and setting; featuring floodable parks, water-harvesting etc. Her design for Chulalongkom University Centenary Park, Bangkok won the Award for Excellence, in the Built-Large category of the World Landscape Architecture Awards.

Voraakhom's philosophy is fascinating and is one I can identify completely with. In an interview for New York Times, she talks about creating designs that talk with nature, "accepting the world as it is", not fighting against it. This is the attitude I want to adopt in my design philosophy for Castlemeads, Gloucester. To celebrate the force, strength and constantly changing River Severn and embrace the fluvial processes of the river.

When asked about the challenges of being a female designer, Voraakhom describes the strong connection with nature that women have and also how women are not afraid to fail or lose face and how flexible that makes you as a designer.

I think I have found another Hero, on my path to discover World-enhancing female Landscape Architects.