Ian August was Estates Clerk of the Works for the Northumberland Estates when the Duchess asked for his help with her new project; Ian was awarded an MBE inĀ 2011, for his contribution in making The Alnwick Garden. Ian is still involved in the project and travels with the Duchess, lecturing on its inception and raising money for the completion of future Alnwick Garden projects. He lives in Alnwick, Northumberland.