Life at Refined

At school, my ADHD made it hard to sit still, conform, or learn in the way the system expected. Instead of being nurtured, I was largely written off. Formal education never found a way to engage with how my mind worked, and as a result, I left school without qualifications and without much confidence that there was a place for me to thrive.

What I did have was an instinctive, practical way of thinking. I found my way into bricklaying, where working with my hands, solving problems in real time, and seeing tangible progress suited me far better than classrooms ever had. Over time, I worked my way up into contracts management. On paper, it looked like success, but the reality was different.

The construction environments I moved through were often harsh, crowded, and rigid. There was little space for individuality, reflection, or balance. Despite progression, I never felt settled or fulfilled.

Everything changed when I met Jacob.

What began as a chance conversation at a local gym turned into a three-hour discussion about work, people, mindset, and potential. Jacob immediately saw something in me that others hadn’t, not just what I could do, but how I think. More importantly, he understood that, in the right environment, that way of thinking could become a genuine strength.

In Jacob, I didn’t find a boss in the traditional sense. I found a leader, and, most importantly, a friend.

That distinction matters. Leadership at Refined is not about hierarchy or control; it’s about trust, clarity, and shared purpose. Jacob leads with empathy and intent, creating space for people to grow while holding exceptionally high standards. That balance is rare, and it has shaped not only how I work, but how I see myself within a team.

I joined Refined Landscapes just over a year ago. From the very beginning, the culture was different. There was patience, openness, and a genuine desire to understand the whole person, not just the role they perform. Jacob has built a business rooted in care, clarity, and integrity, without ever compromising on quality or ambition.

Today, I’m responsible for quantity surveying, commercial strategy, operations, and business development across Refined Landscapes. I work closely with Jacob to help implement his vision wherever it’s needed, supporting the business at both a strategic and practical level.

What makes this possible is not just opportunity. It is environment.

Refined’s flexible, nurturing approach to developing its people has allowed me to channel my energy productively, rather than constantly trying to suppress it. One small but powerful example is the company’s wellness scheme, where Refined subsidises cold water therapy equipment for employees. For me, this has been transformative. Cold water therapy plays an important role in regulating dopamine levels, which is a key factor in managing ADHD. That support has had a real, tangible impact on my focus, balance, and overall wellbeing.

Refined Landscapes didn’t try to change who I am. They created the conditions for me to become who I could be.

The journey from being written off by the education system to holding a senior leadership role hasn’t been straightforward, but it’s proof of what can happen when people are truly seen, supported, and trusted. I’m incredibly proud to be part of a business that leads with humanity, believes in its people, and backs that belief with action.

That same care and commitment shape the gardens we create – from our award-winning projects The Fire Terrace and Buckhurst Hill to the personal approach behind our garden design and build services.