Alessandro Ponchio, Design Director and Head of Cracknell’s European Studio based in Lugano, is featured in World Landscape Architecture (WLA), sharing his perspective on working across different cultures, leading teams, and shaping meaningful landscapes.
Drawing on his international experience, Alessandro highlights the importance of understanding the genius loci, the unique identity of each place. By considering culture, environment, and how people use space, he creates designs that are responsive, relevant, and rooted in their context. While his process remains consistent, each project evolves differently, shaped by its location and challenges.
Alessandro also reflects on the wider role of landscape architects in creating valuable spaces. By combining social, environmental, and economic thinking, he believes designers can deliver places that are vibrant, sustainable, and meaningful for communities.
Collaboration is central to his approach. He sees clients and consultants as one team, where open communication and mutual trust lead to stronger ideas and better outcomes. This same mindset extends to leading teams across different locations ensuring everyone is connected, engaged, and contributing to a shared design vision.