We have opened a seventh international design studio in the picturesque cultural lakeside city of Lugano, Switzerland as we continue to develop and expand our world-class service within Europe.
Headed Up by Design Director Alessandro Ponchio
The new ‘Cracknell Europe’ studio will be headed up by Italian-born Design Director Alessandro Ponchio. With 18 years’ experience in the fields of Architecture, Urban Design and Landscape Architecture, he now takes up the role of Resident Director having recently moved with his family from Dubai (home of our HQ) to Lugano.
Alessandro will lead the practice’s Business Development in Europe, supported by Fady Khalife, Global Design Director and Managing Director/Europe. He will also lead an evolving and dynamic studio, which will work on international projects for existing clients, as well as on regional projects across Europe.
Alessandro is a self-professed ‘Architect at Birth’, however he moved to focus on landscape architecture fourteen years ago. Interested in the mutual interfusion between masterplanning, architecture, urban design and the contextual natural environment he saw that a career focused on landscape architecture gave him the opportunity to weave these elements together within the built environment. He has worked within leading landscape architecture studios in Portugal, Switzerland and the UK, before joining our Dubai studio in 2013. Relishing the challenges of working in the Middle East, he honed his design and project management skills and is now proud to be carrying the Cracknell flag into the heart of Europe.
Lugano “Strategically placed for Business”
Lugano may not be familiar to all, but this multi-cultural historic city lies in the Italian speaking region of Switzerland near the border with Italy, just over an hour by train from Milan and two hours from Zurich. Alessandro explains:
“Lugano is strategically based for business; it is the third financial capital in Switzerland and bridges Northern and Southern Europe, allowing easy reach to Northern Italy (with design-focused Milan at its epicentre), Switzerland, and the rest of Europe. From this city base we are well-placed to introduce Cracknell to more architects, urban designers and developers across Europe. We have an incredible international portfolio of built work across many scales and sectors. Our expertise in the regeneration and creation of outdoor liveable spaces, sustainable development and in the creation and activation of public realm in extremely climate-challenged contexts is a core strength.
Expanding Cracknell’s European Footprint
“Taking the ‘know-how’ we have gained over nearly 40 years’ of international work, we will ‘translate’ and apply it to European landscapes as they adapt to rapid climatic changes. Our approach is design centric, and we work hand in hand with architects and urban designers to ensure a full and seamless integration of landscape architecture. We look forward to creating as much of a difference in Europe as we have in the Middle East and leaving a very positive impact.
“I am excited by this opportunity and challenge and am eager to expand our footprint in Europe. I believe the projects we develop will speak for themselves and impress our clients and the end-users.”
New Studio in 19th century Villa
Aligning with Cracknell’s social sustainability values the new studio is hosted by the co-working group Impact Hub, in a beautifully restored 19th century villa with many original features. Elegant windows overlook the villa garden next door which is now a small public park hosting exhibitions, events and summer concerts. Surrounded by equally stylish architecture and café spill out, the studio is well placed for creative inspiration.
This Autumn, Associate Landscape Architect Laura Bogon will be joining Alessandro:
“As a former University colleague and friend, Laura will bring a huge amount of international expertise, enthusiasm, strength and passion for design, detailing and construction. We worked together in London and she’s looking forward to contributing to the open-minded and friendly studio environment we are building.”
Multiple Opportunities for Landscape Architects/Architects
Alessandro explains: “There are a number of positions currently available for design and software-savvy Landscape Architects/Architects in the new studio to work alongside myself and Laura. I am eager to receive applications from strong, capable and passionate candidates who are excited about the prospect of working for a world renowned and expanding design practice at a pivotal time in global environmental change.”
New joiners to Cracknell Europe will be encouraged to develop and apply their skills in a nurturing environment. Learning about many different project sectors, across a range of international markets will offer the opportunity to learn design skills seldom found at this level in landscape architecture. The roles will offer the atmospheric excitement of a start-up but backed by years of expertise, design prowess, outstanding professional reputation and a client book full of famous-name architects and developers.
Lugano, with its advantageous natural landscape setting, is a wonderful place to live and work.
Building on the initial team of five there are plans for expansion next year. In line with Cracknell’s collaborative work ethic, this studio will work alongside the Dubai HQ, and the studios in London, Abu Dhabi, Manila, Shenzhen and Riyadh.
If you’d like to apply to work in Lugano as a Senior Landscape Architect (min 7 years’ experience) or Landscape Architect (min 3 years’ experience) please do so here via the Careers page.
