One Works: Architecture as Dialogue, from Mykolaiv to Mecca
Established in 2007 by former Systematica employees Leonardo Cavalli and Giulio De Carli, One Works is an international architecture and planning firm with locations in Milan, Rome, Venice, London, and Dubai. The company is currently working on a masterplan for Mykolaiv, Ukraine, which is being financed by a German organization, emphasizing waterfront restoration and sustainable transportation. In Mecca, Saudi Arabia, One Works is crafting the design for Masar, a district spanning 1.2 million square meters. Additionally, they have created two metro stations in Riyadh and completed a new piazza in Rome in 2025 for the Jubilee. The 63-year-old founders are undergoing restructuring with KPMG's assistance and are seeking new partnerships for future continuity.
Key facts
- One Works founded in 2007 by Leonardo Cavalli and Giulio De Carli.
- Name suggested by Dutch artist Paul Ouwerkerk.
- Offices in Milan, Rome, Venice, London, and Dubai.
- Concept masterplan for Mykolaiv, Ukraine, commissioned by UNECE and funded by German government.
- Masar district in Mecca: 1.2 million sqm, 4 km pedestrian boulevard, metro and parking underneath.
- Two metro stations in Riyadh, including Downtown Station on Snøhetta concept.
- Piazza at San Giovanni in Laterano, Rome, completed 2025 for Jubilee.
- Founders plan to open to new partnerships, advised by KPMG.
- Among top ten Italian architecture firms by revenue.
- Dubai office open for 15 years but no projects there yet.
Entities
Artists
- Paul Ouwerkerk
Institutions
- One Works
- Systematica
- UNECE
- KPMG
- Snøhetta
- Abitare
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- Rome
- Venice
- London
- United Kingdom
- Dubai
- United Arab Emirates
- Mykolaiv
- Ukraine
- Lanzarote
- Spain
- Doha
- Qatar
- Mecca
- Saudi Arabia
- Riyadh
- Tirana
- Albania
- Riga
- Latvia
Sources
- Abitare —