Stella Bland
Director
I joined LDA Design as Head of Communications having worked at AECOM where I initiated a successful brand review. Responsibilities there also included external relations, marketing and the creative campaign strategy.
I edited the Landscape Institute’s first iBook, Landscape Architcture – A guide for clients.
Before that, I headed up communications for CABE, the Government’s advisor on architecture, urban design and public space: we helped consumers to demand better design and professionals to create great places. Good times included a Climate Change Festival, and feisty campaigns to improve UK housing design.
I have also worked with Jonathon Porritt, at his sustainability charity Forum for the Future; run the Environment Agency’s national publishing service; and campaigned for social justice with Citizens Advice.
In my spare time, I’m a pro bono adviser to a tenacious anti-corruption charity, Transparency International.
Q&A
There is a fine for eating lunch at your desk in London! To be fair, this does mean that crumbs in the keyboard are replaced with good conversation at our long communal table.
Beachcombing the Thames shoreline. I wish I could think of a profitable use for clay pipe stems.
The Sultan’s Elephant, giant marionettes touring London for four days. Royal de Luxe began the adventure in the Mall with a ‘crashed’ rocket ship. No branding, no merchandising, no tickets. In 2006 it felt a delightful gift but in hindsight, it was more than that. It was the smoke signal in advance of the Olympics that London really could be a joined up city.
