Define Study Trip 2025

Seeing Our Efforts Bloom in Kent

The 2025 Define study trip took our team to Kent – the Garden of England – to explore our work in the region, reflect on our progress, look ahead to the future, welcome new colleagues, and celebrate our shared achievements.

Learning & Knowledge Sharing

Across two days, we combined learning with connection – an opportunity not only to exchange ideas and experience, but also to get to know one another beyond the workplace.

We dedicated time to sharing outcomes from our best practice research, covering a wide range of themes explored over the past year. Our own mini-conference proved a brilliant forum for exchanging insights, celebrating progress across projects, and gathering practical takeaways from each other’s experiences.

Exploring Define Developments

We also visited three developments that Define is proud to have helped shape and deliver – Knights Wood, 1887 The Pantiles, and Hawkhurst.

Each site presented its own unique challenges, inspiring a distinctive placemaking response. Experiencing these places first-hand – vibrant, lived-in, and thriving with residents – was both rewarding and motivating; a powerful reminder of the lasting impact that thoughtful design can have on the communities we help to create.

Energising the Team

Our second day began with a burst of energy as those team members brave (and awake!) enough took on an early-morning bootcamp session – a lively and slightly testing way to kickstart the day.

Later, the pace slowed as we traded running shoes for wine glasses at the beautiful Balfour Winery. It would have been impossible to visit Kent – famed for its flourishing viticulture – without sampling some of its finest wines. With fertile soil, a gentle climate, and a deep-rooted passion for quality produce, the county is fast becoming a hub for exceptional English winemaking. Naturally, we couldn’t resist indulging in a few local varieties together – and Balfour did not disappoint.

A Perfect Balance

The trip struck a perfect balance between work and play. It gave new starters the chance to connect with colleagues in a relaxed setting, while long-standing team members enjoyed fresh perspectives and renewed energy. Above all, it reminded us of the value of stepping away from the office, spending time together, and celebrating what we’ve achieved as a team.

Until next time, Kent – you’ve been wonderful!