Nurturing, and unapologetic about it
Crowley Cottrell is a Boston-based landscape architecture practice founded by Michelle Crowley and Naomi Cottrell. Since 2011, the studio has built its practice around the belief that strong relationships lead to stronger work—prioritizing collaboration, trust, and long-term partnerships with clients, consultants, community members, and one another.
The work spans campuses, parks, housing, civic spaces, and residential landscapes, often on sites that are layered, constrained, or evolving over time. Every project begins with listening: understanding the land, the people who use it, and the systems that shape experience over time.
Inside the studio, that same mindset shapes the way the practice works—supporting mentorship, professional growth, flexibility, and balance while holding high expectations for thoughtful, meaningful design. The goal is to create landscapes that feel welcoming, resilient, intuitive, and deeply connected to the people who use them.
Who we work with
Our process is deeply collaborative, with listening at the foundation—expanding what’s possible while keeping the work grounded in how places are actually used.
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Institutions + Public Clients
We work directly with independent schools, colleges and universities, municipalities, and state agencies—primarily on campuses, parks, and civic landscapes. These projects involve layered requirements, public process, and long-term stewardship, and we’re comfortable navigating that complexity while keeping the work clear and grounded.
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Developers
We collaborate with housing developers—primarily on affordable, senior and multi-family projects—to create landscapes that support the people who live there. We focus on site planning, usable amenities, and outdoor spaces that feel welcoming and connected. Even within tight constraints, we look for ways to make sites truly livable and integrated with their surroundings.
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Architects
We work as part of the design team from the beginning—developing site strategies alongside building design. We help resolve grading, access, and landscape systems early, contributing to a cohesive project from concept through construction.
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Homeowners
We work with clients to shape landscapes that feel like home. We don’t impose a style—we help clarify what’s possible and guide the process of making it real.
Our work addresses grading, drainage, permitting, and environmental constraints, while shaping spaces that are personal, comfortable, and enjoyable to live in.
We nurture our relationships with clients and collaborators.
We believe well designed landscapes have the ability to positively affect the lives of the people who live, work, and play in them.
We build consensus to create landscapes that respond to the needs of all users.
We know all people deserve the dignity of having access to beautiful, functional spaces.
