Key Team Members

James Blake

MLI

Partner and Principal

James Blake holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with honours (Landscape Architecture) gained in 1983 from Manchester Met University and a Diploma with honours (Landscape Architecture) gained in 1985 after a further course of study at the University of Greenwich. After 2 years working as an Assistant Landscape Architect at the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and taking the Landscape Institute practice exams, James was elected a member of the Landscape Institute in 1988. James Blake is the founder and Principal of James Blake Associates. His experience covers both rural and urban projects of all sizes, working for both public and private sector clients, and he has also given evidence at numerous public inquiries across the country.

He is the author of a book on Landscape Architecture, which has become a standard student text and is endorsed by the Landscape Institute, called "An Introduction to Landscape Design and Construction" published by Ashgate Publishing. James also regularly lectures on the subject of Landscape Design.

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Louise Blake

Partner

Louise graduated from Manchester University in 1982 with a BSc in Sociology and Home Economics and was employed as a teacher in London for 6 years following her PGCE from Liverpool University. Louise now works in the practice as Head of Human Resources and is a Partner.

Rachel Bodiam

Partner / Associate - Landscape Architecture

Rachel holds a BSc Hons in Landscape Design and Plant Science and a Diploma in Landscape Architecture, graduating from the University of Sheffield in 2000. She became a full Member of the Landscape Institute in 2003. Rachel permanently joined JBA in 2000 after previous employment as a year out student and has grown with the Practice to become Partner and Head of Landscape Architecture. Rachel is involved in a wide range of work within Landscape Architecture from assessment through to detailed design and construction. She has a special interest in strategic landscape assessment and assessment led design. She is actively involved in the preparation of landscape and visual appraisals, large scale masterplans and landscape and visual impact assessments for planning applications and as part of the Local Development Framework process.

Robert Tash

Manager - Development Services

Bob has been the Manager of James Blake Development Services since 2004, assisting developers with adoptions of POS areas, eradicating Japanese Knotweed and general management of their completed landscaped amenity areas and open spaces. Bob has over thirty years experience in local government Property Services dealing with all aspects of a large organisation including adoption of Public Open Space Areas and 106 Agreements, Highway & sewer adoptions and Section 38 Agreements. He is a member of the Chartered Institution of Water & Environmental Management; Incorporated Engineer ICE; Technician Engineer T.Eng (CEI).

Angie Mason

Associate - Business Support

Angie has been with JBA since August 2001 and is our Business Support Associate. She works remotely from her home on the Cheshire/Shropshire border, making full use of her Broadband connection! Angie looks after the job list and invoicing for the Landscape Department and as Head of Business Support is involved in all aspects of the Practice.

Stephen Milligan

Head of Arboriculture

Stephen joined JBA in 2008 as an Assistant Arboricultural Consultant having previously worked in the practical side of the industry for 11 years. With his practial knowledge he quickly gained valuable experience and proved his ability as an exceptional consultant and was appointed Head of Arboriculture in March 2009.
Stephen has a broad expertise with the constraints and issues that are encountered with trees and development where Stephen excels is in providing clients with down to earth practical and cost effective solutions. Stephen is widely regarded as possessing excellent communication skills and has developed a reputation for clear concise reports and accurate CAD plans.

Dr Odette Robson

Head of Ecology

BSc(Hons) PhD MIEEM

Odette graduated from the University of Wales with a first class degree in Botany in 1993. She gained a PhD from the University of Leeds, and spent 2 years at the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, studying population dynamics. She is a full member of the Institute of Ecology and Enviromental Management, and now manages the ecology department at James Blake Associates.

Vivienne Jackson

Business Support - Business Support Coordinator

Vivienne having been with JBA for over a decade. She is responsible for the coordination of the work within the practice and manages our Business Support Team ensuring that all daily administration and office duties are carried out. She also works closely with our Arboricultural team by supporting them administratively.