Seen on www.theoutdoorstylist.com

'London based sculptor Cathy Azria has created a niche collection of sculptural outdoor fires (bonfires and pits). Her talent as a sculptor is doubled by a solid expertise in the real life challenges of safely and effectively running outdoor fires. She kindly shares her story, insights and names for your source book.

• How did you come to your current activity?

Pure frustration! When some years ago I wanted a fire for my own home and looked for what choices the market had to offer, there was only a choice of fake logs and fake coals. This market has now improved hugely but at the time the logs and coals were miserably sad and not in harmony even then with contemporary living.As a sculptor I could not choose these options for my own home so set out to create something I could live with, enjoy and never tire of. The surprise came when others loved my fire creation so much that I had no choice but to start making them for others...

Kicking off in California...

My sister-in-law in California was my first customer, then a friend of hers and so on.
I have been creating my fire sculptures ever since and sell them worldwide.

• For readers interested in installing an outdoor fire/ heating such as yours can you help them by explaining the actual issues they will need to consider?

I am happy to answer their questions by email, but basically different countries have different rules to be respected. As far as the gas installation and safety are concerned, my sculpture sits freely above the gas burner. The local builder usually knows what to do best. As well as the UK , other countries where I have outdoor sculptures include America, Italy, Canada, Australia and Hong Kong.

• Can you share a few images, gardens and terraces you have worked on?

Only a few. Many of my fires are for private clients who don't want any publicity and I have to sign strict confidentiality agreements.

(The Outdoor Stylist's note: Cathy modestly does not mention she actually works with the A list of London garden designers.)

• What are your future projects and do they integrate new technologies?

My sculptures compliment projects which themselves can include new technologies. I am an artist to start with and have the upmost respect for all the world technicians who make it possible and improve the designs and performances of outdoors burners. Up to 15 months ago the outdoor fire market was almost a monopoly. I am very grateful to the manufacturers who believed and trusted in me and heard me when I asked them to develop safe outdoor burners. They created a rectangular outdoor gas burner which can stay outside all winter and resist snow and rain.. So far all you could find of truly good quality was a round burner ( you might see it on some of my outdoor pics on my website) , now you can have different set ups  and forget the circle.. unless using a beautiful pot as base of fire.

Because of this new technology, I now have a chance to make really large outdoor fire sculptures - up to 1800 mm in diameter !!! ). At present, both gas and bio ethanol are options for outdoor fireplaces. I'm not sure what the future will bring!

• Can you share the names of the suppliers that helped you innovate in this way?

Yes.

Robert Smith at Prestigious fires : http://www.prestigiousfires.co.uk/

Tony Young at Urban fires: http://www.urbangasfires.co.uk

• Are you sold internationally?

Yes.

CATHY's site: www.bd-designs.co.uk

Solisombra is a new design brand based in Spain.

Their collection is unsual and worth checking out at www.solisombra.net

ADT Home Security Systems

Garden designers portrayed in magazines are increasingly those dealing with the most edgy hospitality projects whilst in fact requests from private clients are quite different and designers hard to find.

We are starting a series on 'real life' garden designs.

Caroline Garland offers a comprehensive range of garden design and project management expertise for London and the South and each of her services can be used individually or as an integral part of the complete design process.

Caroline is a fully accredited garden designer, clever with her ideas and efficient at carrying them out. She has an essential sense of beauty and style and will want to create something stunning, immaculate and original to suit you and your surroundings.

Caroline is a real gardener, she loves her flowers and will not only design a garden specifically for you but will also produce a beautiful planting scheme chosen from a wide palette of plants which will interpret your vision completely. And you will find it reassuring to know that Caroline believes in sourcing the best quality materials. She will listen to you and help you achieve the garden that you want.

• Belgravia's top landscape contracting businesses

Caroline also has the advantage that her husband, Peter Garland, has 30 years' experience running one of Belgravia's top landscape contracting businesses, operating under the name "Townscapes". He is one of the most experienced landscape contractors in London today and if you wish he will build your garden for you.

• "Caroline designed a cracking garden for us - we're delighted"
  Nick Herrtage, Chester Row Property Development

• "Caroline's design was on budget, on time and beyond our expectation"
  John Collard, Director, Robert Holmes Estate Agents, Wimbledon

SEE HER WORK at : http://www.carolinegarland.co.uk

Perfect for homes in Kent with its vast gardens and beautiful scenic beauty.

LOVELY new blog.

Low on blurb. High in dreams!  http://thibaultderesse.blogspot.com