Reflecting on the development of an impressive portfolio of world-class design solutions across Qatar, over the past five years.
With its roots in the UK, extensive international experience and a reputation gained from its expansive Middle East-centric portfolio, it was a natural evolution for Cracknell, headquartered in Dubai, to establish a presence in Qatar back in 2010.
Creating Landscapes for Living
Cracknell’s most recently completed project in the capital, Doha, was the multi-level terraced gardens designed for the commercial development, Shoumoukh Twin Towers. Certainly, it is the diversity of commissions undertaken over the past 5 years, including this latest one, which demonstrates why Cracknell have developed such a solid reputation in Qatar. From a broad portfolio of projects within the hospitality industry including the Sharq Resort, the upcoming Abraj Quartier (The Pearl) and Sheraton Park (currently nearing completion) to the commercial developments of Al Bidaa Tower, Al Hitmi Tower and Al Shaqab Equestrian Centre; from urban expressway infrastructure to the public realm of the Museum of Islamic Art Park. Not least its expertise in the residential sector, which covers a range of private developments, completes the breadth of local expertise that Cracknell has developed across multiple sectors.
Reflective of their expanding portfolio, the Doha office has grown under the leadership of landscape architect and Company Director, Ayad Al Rawi. Prior to joining Cracknell, Mr Al Rawi commenced his career in the United Kingdom in large mulit-disciplinary as well as specialist landscape architecture practices and has immense experience in all facets of planning and landscape architecture.
“Doha is fast developing into a vibrant cosmopolitan city and from a personal viewpoint, I am immensely proud to be involved in its transformation and creating environments that will enhance the way we all live. Being commissioned to undertake the landscape design of the Al Shaqab Equestrian Centre, a project under the direction of the Royal family, was a great honor for this practice. As was being appointed landscape architects for the iconic Museum of Islamic Art Park.; a true example of where the concept design for the landscape drew from the influences of the building’s architecture. To see how widely the park is used today by all of Doha’s residents and a wide range of social events brings a great sense of pride to the design team and all of us at Cracknell.”
Differences and Diversity
Despite the global economic crisis, which severely affected the business climate during the start-up phase of its Doha operations, Cracknell has not only firmly established itself in Qatar, it has grown into one of the country’s leading landscape architecture practices. “It’s about doing things differently. That Cracknell decided to expand at a time when most practices in the region were contracting, reflects the very essence of who we are. We lead, we challenge the status quo and we do push boundaries – across all facets of our business.”
Cracknell’s leadership in the industry appears to be not only based upon its breadth of projects and a desire to do things differently. The design process is driven by a true mix of international designers whose diverse influences and experiences result in leading-edge and award-winning designs. “There’s a lot of creative energy when our designers converge in charrette groups. Stimulating and provocative– it’s certainly inspiring and, most importantly, we get results”. Mr Al Rawi concludes “This is a key reason why across the MENA region, we are continually at the forefront of setting new industry benchmarks.”
5th Anniversary Marks Expansion into European markets
With a number of valued clients focused keenly on international real estate development opportunities, Cracknell are regularly winning appointments for their broad range of services in the European markets. As a result of this sustained demand Cracknell are expanding their European presence with new offices in central London, where Cracknell was founded back in 1987.
In reference to the ongoing success and growth of the company, Paul Cracknell, Executive Chairman, comments “As we mark the 5th Anniversary of our Qatar office, it is an appropriate occasion to reflect on how far this practice has come in almost 3 decades. I am immensely proud of the Cracknell team in Qatar and in every one of our other 4 branch offices across the UK, KSA, Oman as well as the UAE where we have an office in Abu Dhabi, and our headquarters in Dubai. The merits of any organisation are the sum of its people and we are fortunate to attract and retain a very high calibre, multinational team of dedicated professionals; professionals who are passionate about making a sustainable difference to our everyday environment. It is the team’s collaborative approach and unwavering client commitment which are fundamental to Cracknell’s success and I am confident that these attributes will continue to take the company from strength to strength.”
