Jim Diggle

Jim Diggle is the Managing Partner of Gillespies and a highly experienced landscape architect, with over 35 years of international expertise spanning urban masterplanning, landscape architecture, and large-scale, strategic development. His work encompasses all major sectors including residential, mixed-use, retail, education, healthcare, energy, and leisure, across both the UK and global markets.

Jim has been instrumental in expanding Gillespies’ global presence. In the 1990s, he established the firm’s Kuala Lumpur studio, building a strong reputation across Asia and the Pacific Rim. Since returning to the UK, he has continued to lead high-profile projects across Central Asia, Europe, North and West Africa, Canada, and the Middle East. His recent focus has been on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he has overseen a number of large-scale, strategic masterplans and helped establish Gillespies’ regional studios in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.

He currently leads on several regional and city-scale masterplans in Saudi Arabia, aligned with Vision 2030, delivering nature-led urban development and resilient landscape strategies. In the UK, Jim is also involved in the landscape and environmental planning of major nuclear energy infrastructure projects. He oversaw proposals for preliminary masterplans for Sizewell C, Wylfa Newydd, Hinkley Point C and Moorside in Cumbria, focusing on restoring ecological connectivity.

Jim’s strengths lie in high-level client engagement, multidisciplinary coordination, and shaping strategic frameworks that align environmental and cultural context with future-focused planning. His leadership continues to shape Gillespies’ role as a global leader in sustainable masterplanning and landscape design.