Giorgio is a passionate landscape architect with a strong focus on sustainability, biodiversity, and ecological design. Originally from Italy, he began his career in Milan’s vibrant and evolving landscape architecture environment before moving to Dubai in 2024 to embrace new professional challenges and immerse himself in a different cultural and environmental context.
At Cracknell he contributes to a wide range of projects – from urban developments to resort landscapes – combining native planting, local materials, and water-wise strategies to create site-specific, resilient outdoor spaces. Known for his creativity and resourcefulness, Giorgio thrives on blending artistic vision with technical precision to craft landscapes that are functional and beautiful but also enrich community life.
Cracknell’s people-first approach aligns closely with Giorgio’s values: placing end-users at the heart of the design process and creating authentic, meaningful spaces. Whether shaping a public plaza or a resort garden, he sees landscape as a powerful tool to tell stories, improve well-being, and foster lasting connections between people and nature.
WLA | What was your path to becoming a landscape architect?
My journey into landscape architecture was inspired by a deep appreciation for my hometown and the surrounding landscape. Growing up in northern Italy, I was always captivated by the ever-changing scenery – the light on the hills at the base of the Dolomites, the rhythm of the vineyards and olive groves, and the quiet beauty of dense, wild vegetation.
That connection led me to pursue formal studies in architecture, always drawn toward projects rooted in the natural environment. I was fascinated by the idea of shaping outdoor spaces that are both functional and ecologically sound.
After completing my education, I began my professional journey working across a variety of projects, from public spaces to private developments. Over time, I developed a strong interest in biodiversity, sustainability, and water-efficient design strategies. This passion brought me to Dubai, where I joined Cracknell and now work on projects that place people and place identity at the core. I strive to integrate native planting palettes, local materials, and contextual strategies to enhance both the ecological value and the human experience of each space.
WLA | What is the most rewarding part of being a landscape architect?
One of the most rewarding parts of being a landscape architect is the opportunity to plant trees and watch them grow, breaking through hard surfaces and reintroducing nature into places that had been hardened or neglected.
The real challenge and joy lie in finding creative ways to soften rigid environments, bringing back life where people can reconnect with nature. At Cracknell, we place people at the centre of every design, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to see a project take shape into a space that fosters a sense of community, belonging, and well-being.
There is a deep satisfaction in seeing how a landscape endures over time, how trees mature, spaces evolve, and people make them their own.
WLA | What is a key issue that is facing the landscape architecture profession?
GP | A key challenge facing the landscape architecture profession is shifting the mindset of clients and stakeholders toward embracing sustainable practices, rather than defaulting to resource-intensive solutions. At Cracknell, we’re committed to rethinking conventional design by prioritising native species, efficient irrigation, and strategies tailored to each site’s climate and cultural context.
Another important aspect is helping people understand that trees and vegetation are not just aesthetic features. They are living systems that reduce heat, support biodiversity, and improve our overall well-being. Encouraging this awareness is essential to creating spaces that are not only functional but also make people happier and healthier.
WLA | How do you see the future of landscape architecture?
GP | The future of landscape architecture depends on our ability to combine sustainability, technology, and public awareness to create resilient landscapes that benefit both people and the planet. I hope to see a future filled with more trees and more places where people can slow down, connect, and experience the living landscape around them.
Thank you to Giorgio Pasetto for taking the time to answer our questions
Photography (unless otherwise captioned) by Alessandro Merati; Copyright Cracknell
