Following the sad news of the passing of our friend, founding director and former colleague, Christopher (Chris) Stratton, on Monday 19th October, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable career of this landscape architect and planner and the lasting legacy he leaves behind at CSR Land Planning & Design.

Chris was instrumental in establishing and developing Cunnane Stratton Reynolds, building the practice and, in particular, its landscape architecture team from its beginnings over 30 years ago. Alongside fellow founders, the late Joe Cunnane and Sarah Reynolds, he helped shape the values, expertise and collaborative approach that continue to guide CSR today. His vision, enthusiasm, work ethic, curiosity, and unwavering commitment to excellence laid the foundations for the practice's growth and success over the decades.

Chris began his career in England, studying Landscape Architecture at Gloucester College of Art and Design before working with Peter Youngman and later joining Suffolk County Council, where he led significant countryside planning, recreation and landscape management initiatives. In 1986, he co-founded The Landscape Partnership a significant practice in the south-east of England with offices in London, Bedford, Woodbrige and Norwich. In 1995 he co-founded Cunnane Stratton Reynolds in Ireland in 1995 specialising in Town Planning and Landscape Architecture and now with offices in Dublin, Cork and Galway.

Throughout his career, Chris made an exceptional contribution to landscape architecture, planning and environmental management in both Ireland and the UK. His main area of interest was landscape planning at a policy, regional and project level. His work encompassed national landscape and green infrastructure strategies, historic landscape restoration, recreation planning and major public realm projects. Chris was chairman of the Midlands and East England Forestry Commission Regional Advisory Committee for 11 years.

In Ireland, his work included award-winning water corridor studies along the Grand and Royal Canals and River Shannon for the Heritage Council, management strategies for the historic parkland at Belvedere House in Westmeath. He was involved in the landscape and visual impact assessments of numerous major infrastructure projects – wind farms, roads, new housing and industry. His work consistently reflected a deep understanding of landscape character, heritage and the importance of understanding and creating places that respond sensitively to their surroundings. His recurring refrain about the process of landscape assessment and planning was “it’s a great way to get to know your own country”…… as we disappeared down another tiny country lane!

Chris’ expertise was widely recognised, and in 1999 he was awarded an OBE for his services to the UK Forestry Commission. He was also a Fellow of the Landscape Institute (UK) and a member of both the Royal Town Planning Institute and the Irish Landscape Institute, reflecting his significant contribution to the profession across two countries.

Beyond his many professional achievements, Chris will be remembered at CSR for the extraordinary influence he had on the people around him. A mentor to generations of landscape architects and planners, he was always generous with his time, knowledge and advice. His passion for landscape was infectious, and he had a remarkable ability to see the potential of a place and communicate his ideas with enthusiasm, insight and conviction. For many of us, Chris was much more than a founding director or colleague. He was a friend, a mentor and a constant source of encouragement. His warmth, humour, wisdom and engaging personality made him a pleasure to work with, while his genuine interest in people helped create lasting friendships and professional relationships. Whether exploring the countryside, discussing a design or simply sharing a story, time spent with Chris was always memorable and an education.

Although Chris stepped back from his role as Senior Director in 2020, retiring to North Yorkshire, he remained closely connected to CSR as a consultant, continuing to share his experience and support the practice and its people. Chris leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, not only through the landscapes he helped shape and the practices he helped build, but through the many colleagues he mentored, the careers he influenced and the values he instilled. His contribution remains woven into the fabric of CSR and will continue to influence our work for years to come.

While we deeply mourn his loss, we are immensely grateful for the time we shared with Chris, for his friendship and guidance, and for the lasting impact he has had on our practice and the wider profession. Chris will be greatly missed by everyone at CSR. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with his family, friends and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A service of remembrance for Chris will be held at 1130am Thursday 12th November at St Michael’s Coxwold North Yorkshire.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.