Annie Shephard (née Perks) is an award-winning British garden designer, interior specialist, and the founder of The House Editor, currently based in Richmond, London. In 2026, she celebrates 22 years of marriage to This Morning and Tipping Point presenter Ben Shephard, with whom she shares two adult sons, Sam (21) and Jack (19). Annie’s professional profile reached new heights recently following her graduation with distinction from the London College of Garden Design, where she was honored with the prestigious 2023 Judges’ Prize by Jo Thompson. Her design philosophy is noted for its “decidedly English” aesthetic—incorporating layered, complex, and patinated elements—and she has become a leading voice in creating sensory-friendly outdoor spaces, particularly gardens designed for neurodiverse children.
Early Career and Magazine Heritage
Before transitioning into full-time design and motherhood, Annie Shephard built a formidable reputation in the competitive world of British luxury publishing. Her background in high-end aesthetics serves as the foundation for her current design business.
From Vogue House to Advertisement Manager
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Annie worked for major titles including House & Garden, Elle, Red, Glamour, and Elle Decoration. She rose through the ranks to become an Advertisement Manager, an education in style and luxury that she frequently cites as the basis for her “patinated” and “layered” design approach today.
The Influence of 90s British Style
Annie’s tenure at Vogue House coincided with a pivotal era in British fashion and interiors. This experience gave her unique insights into branding and luxury, which she now applies to bespoke residential projects, ensuring that every garden she designs feels like a curated extension of the home’s interior.
The House Editor and Garden Design
In 2026, Annie’s business, The House Editor, is recognized for its holistic approach to property, treating the interior and exterior as a singular, cohesive living space.
Educational Excellence and Awards
Annie recently completed a Diploma with Distinction at the London College of Garden Design. Her graduation was marked by receiving the Judges’ Prize, a significant accolade in the horticultural world that solidified her transition from a gifted amateur to a top-tier professional.
Design for Neurodiversity
A standout aspect of Annie’s 2026 portfolio is her work on large family gardens designed specifically for neurodiverse children. Her schemes often feature “wiggly” dry-stone walls, calming barefoot rills, and structural hedges designed to provide sensory engagement for children on the Autism spectrum or with ADHD.
Marriage to Ben Shephard (2004–2026)
Annie and Ben Shephard are widely considered one of the most stable and enduring couples in the British media landscape, having been together for nearly 30 years in total.
A University Romance
The pair met while students at the University of Birmingham. While Ben studied Drama and Theatre Arts, Annie studied Philosophy and served as the Head of the Philosophy & Epistemology society. They married on March 25, 2004, at a private ceremony on Burgh Island in Devon, a location inspired by Annie’s love for Agatha Christie novels.
“Separate Lives” and Mutual Respect
In 2026, Ben Shephard made headlines by candidly describing their marriage as one where they “live separate lives” in terms of their daily schedules and interests. While Ben is often away filming This Morning or The Summit, Annie flourishes in her solitary work as a designer, preferring art galleries and garden visits to Ben’s high-energy physical hobbies like golf and running.
Parenting and Family Life in Richmond
The Shephard family has been based in Richmond, London, since 2005, where they have raised their two sons in a home extensively remodeled by Annie.
Raising Sam and Jack
As of 2026, their eldest son, Sam (21), is studying Mathematics at university, while Jack (19) has been working as a teaching assistant before embarking on global travel. Annie spent nearly 18 years balancing her design consultancy with raising the boys, a period she describes as “knocking down and remodelling houses” while maintaining a strong family unit.
The Role of the “Encourager”
Ben frequently credits Annie as the “organizer” and “encourager” of the family. He often shares snippets of their home life on social media, highlighting Annie’s “welly-wearing” vegetable growing and her talent for Sunday lunch roasts, painting a picture of a grounded, quintessentially British domestic life despite the pressures of fame.
Practical Information and Design Philosophy
For those looking to understand Annie Shephard’s design aesthetic or seeking to hire her consultancy in 2026, the following details provide a practical overview.
Design Style Characteristics
Style: Decidedly English, colorful, relaxed, and textured.
Specialisms: Georgian wedding venues, large-scale residential gardens, and neuro-inclusive spaces.
Process: Uses a mix of hand-drawn sketches and advanced CAD modeling to create multi-planar schemes.
Consultation Details
Location: Primarily serves Southwest London (Richmond, Kew, Wimbledon) and Surrey (Surrey Hills, Horsham).
Approach: Focuses on discovering the client’s unique style rather than imposing a “signature” look, though her work often includes “repeating motifs” and “structural hedges.”
FAQs
Who is Annie Shephard?
Annie Shephard is a British garden and interior designer and the wife of television presenter Ben Shephard.
What is Annie Shephard’s maiden name?
Her maiden name is Annie Perks.
What did Annie Shephard do before becoming a designer?
She had a successful career in fashion and interiors magazines, working as an Advertisement Manager at Vogue House for titles like House & Garden and Elle.
How long have Annie and Ben Shephard been married?
They married in March 2004, meaning they celebrate their 22nd wedding anniversary in 2026.
Where did Annie Shephard go to university?
She attended the University of Birmingham, where she studied Philosophy.
Does Annie Shephard have any children?
Yes, she has two sons: Sam (21) and Jack (19).
What awards has Annie Shephard won?
She won the 2023 Judges’ Prize from the London College of Garden Design, awarded by Jo Thompson.
Where does Annie Shephard live?
She lives in Richmond, London, and has been based there since 2005.
What is “The House Editor”?
The House Editor is Annie Shephard’s design consultancy, which focuses on the renovation and landscaping of residential properties.
Is Annie Shephard on social media?
She maintains a presence under the handle @mrsannieshephard, where she occasionally shares updates on her garden projects and family life.
Did Annie Shephard design their own home?
Yes, Annie has led several large-scale renovation projects on their family home in Richmond, including extensive landscaping of their garden.
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