Who We Are

    Our designs always endeavour to put people and the environment first. Our global team of over 350 visionary landscape architects, creatives and engineers is driven by the desire to create a positive difference in people’s lives.

     

    We believe landscape architecture is about place-making as much as design. Our work enables the shaping of communities and cultural expression and celebration, improving the lives and well-being of the people who will use the landscape spaces we design.

     

    Paul Cracknell started the Practice in London in 1987 with the intention to develop the extraordinary power of landscape to shape communities and make a positive social difference. Since then, Cracknell has brought change to millions of people’s lives through an ambitious portfolio of open spaces, waterfronts, plazas, streetscapes and parks in all sectors across the globe.

     

    Originating in the UK and expanding into the Middle East, Asia and Europe, Cracknell has developed into one of today’s most recognised landscape architecture, urban design and masterplanning practices. Our work ranges from world-famous iconic landmarks to sensitive settings for cultural heritage, from sustainable retail and resort destinations to the open spaces of city parks, plazas and green residential communities. We have helped shape the standards of landscape and urban design in the UAE and the Gulf Region and set a benchmark for landscape quality and excellence.  We have contributed significantly to the creation of liveable external spaces in challenging climates and to the interconnectivity of BIM best practice and collaborative 3D design within the landscape profession. Constantly innovating, we are leaders in our profession seeking to find solutions to the global issues of city resilience and healthy living.

     

    At Cracknell we recognise our responsibility as custodians of the landscape, including urban and natural environments. Through our manifesto we set out our frame of reference for working within three pillars of Social Wellbeing and Health, Economic Prosperity and Designing with Nature. We look to ensure that open space is accessible to all, that added value is brought to every project through landscape-led design and that the natural environment is protected for future generations.

    Paul Cracknell started the Practice in London in 1987 with the intention to develop the extraordinary power of landscape to shape communities and make a positive social difference. Since then, Cracknell has brought change to millions of people’s lives through an ambitious portfolio of open spaces, waterfronts, plazas, streetscapes and parks in all sectors across the globe.

     

    Originating in the UK and expanding into the Middle East, Asia and Europe, Cracknell has developed into one of today’s most recognised landscape architecture, urban design and masterplanning practices. Our work ranges from world-famous iconic landmarks to sensitive settings for cultural heritage, from sustainable retail and resort destinations to the open spaces of city parks, plazas and green residential communities. We have helped shape the standards of landscape and urban design in the UAE and the Gulf Region and set a benchmark for landscape quality and excellence.  We have contributed significantly to the creation of liveable external spaces in challenging climates and to the interconnectivity of BIM best practice and collaborative 3D design within the landscape profession. Constantly innovating, we are leaders in our profession seeking to find solutions to the global issues of city resilience and healthy living.

     

    At Cracknell we recognise our responsibility as custodians of the landscape, including urban and natural environments. Through our manifesto we set out our frame of reference for working within three pillars of Social Wellbeing and Health, Economic Prosperity and Designing with Nature. We look to ensure that open space is accessible to all, that added value is brought to every project through landscape-led design and that the natural environment is protected for future generations.

    Video Holding Image 2
    Play Video
    Play Video

    Our Clients

    Over the years, we have collaborated with a diverse and dynamic variety of leading developers, architects, contractors, governing bodies and authorities across the globe. Some of our clients include:
    • Al Futtaim
    • Allied London
    • Aphrodite Hills Resort
    • Aramco
    • Arup
    • Bvlgari
    • Diriyah Gate Development Authority
    • Diyar Bahrain
    • Dubai International Financial Centre
    • Dubai Future Foundation
    • Dubai World Trade Centre
    • Al Futtaim
    • Allied London
    • Aphrodite Hills Resort
    • Aramco
    • Arup
    • Bvlgari
    • Diriyah Gate Development Authority
    • Diyar Bahrain
    • Dubai International Financial Centre
    • Dubai Future Foundation
    • Dubai World Trade Centre
    • Eagle Hills
    • Emaar
    • Godwin Austen Johnson
    • Jeddah Economic Company
    • Jeddah Municipality
    • KEC Developers Company
    • Killa Design
    • Legoland
    • Luštica Bay
    • Madinah Development Authority
    • Majid Al Futtaim
    • Meraas
    • Msheireb Properties
    • Nordic Construction Company
    • Shamayel
    • Sharjah Directorate of Town Planning & Survey
    • Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq)
    • Sofia Municipality
    • Tamdeen
    • Tashgiprogor & Poytakht Kurilish va Khizmat
    • The Engineers Office
    • Versace

    Working With Us

    Collaboration is woven into every part of our design journey, from working closely with the client to achieve their ambitions to seamless interactions between in-house disciplines.

    Our established global presence means we have experience navigating a wide variety of design and project challenges, whilst ensuring that the project stays true to its vision. Whether as the lead, or in partnership with others, our commitment to carrying out the creative vision remains paramount. Our service delivery is marked by design vision, exceptional technical capability and project management that ensure projects progress smoothly from concept to completion.

     

    A keen understanding of open space, building massing, social patterns, commercial matters, development regulations and infrastructure networks helps set us apart. Working at many scales, we can coordinate or extend the design of individual buildings, the public spaces they occupy and the communities of which they are a part.

     

    We are masters at the art of listening. Fully identifying our client’s objectives, challenges, and concerns is the first step of every new project. This comes from strong, collaborative working relationships with our clients and their development teams, consultants and contractors. Whether creating a new design benchmark, extending and expanding an established landscape theme, or creating a signature look, we maintain the same focus on collaboration.

     

    Our reputation is underpinned by our commitment to the highest quality, demonstrated by our distinctiveness, responsiveness and uncompromising professionalism. Over 35 years on, we are very much still a family business, and we seek to make our clients and partners feel part of the family.

    Our Global Team

    The strength of our global team is found in their combined and unmatched creative passion and professionalism.

    Our unique mix of skills and infectious energy is what helps us create award-winning spaces. Passion, expertise, experience, and strong creative and technical prowess unite a global team of more than 350 people and 35 nationalities. The collaborative style we’re known for emanates from our emphasis on teamwork, and from trust and respect for diverse backgrounds and viewpoints. Cracknell is committed to sustaining a culture of inclusion and diversity and we value our varied perspectives greatly. Talent, dedication and professionalism lie at the foundation of who we are and how we do business. We take pride in exceeding expectations and in the ethical way in which we deliver our services. This commitment to quality and integrity has resulted in deep-rooted relationships with many clients and stakeholders, and longstanding partnerships with like-minded organisations, resulting in world-class design delivery.

    Our Global Practice

    Established 1987
    7 international offices
    Team of over 350
    More than 35 nationalities
    Over 2000 global projects
    ISO 9001 certified
    1987 London 1993 Dubai 2005 Abu Dhabi 2017 Shenzhen 2019 Manila 2023 Riyadh 2024 Lugano