Michael De Wet

Michael De Wet is a Partner at Gillespies' Oxford studio and a recognised leader in landscape architecture and masterplanning across the Middle East, with a specialist focus on regional and city masterplanning, hospitality landscapes, resort masterplanning, and waterfront design. 

Originally from South Africa, Mike brings an unparalleled expertise and understanding of arid landscapes and local ecology, drawing on decades of experience delivering high-profile projects throughout South Africa, Asia, and the Gulf region, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Mike leads Gillespies’ diverse portfolio of landscape-led developments in the Middle East, ranging from intimate hotel gardens to large-scale regional and tourism masterplans. His design approach blends luxury and sustainability, prioritising user comfort, cultural sensitivity, and ecological resilience. He collaborates closely with Gillespies’ urban design, masterplanning, and landscape architecture teams to ensure each masterplan is context-sensitive, culturally responsive, and rooted in the needs of the local community.

Notable projects under his leadership include the Louvre Museum Park in Abu Dhabi, a 3.8-hectare public realm and waterfront park that connects the Louvre, Guggenheim, and National Museum, a public realm strategy and manual for the entire Emirates, and the Salwan Masterplan in Saudi Arabia’s Asir region, a landmark year-round tourism destination. 

Mike is highly regarded for his ability to translate a client's vision into inspiring, sustainable and contextually-appropriate places that enhance the visitor experience and the long-term social and economic value of an area.