This article presents an overview of theoretical perspectives that explain the relationship between crime and environmental design. It describes how crime event research has been influenced significantly by developments in our understanding of how environmental design influences both offender decision making and crime preventive action by citizens. Key crime prevention techniques that involve the manipulation of environmental design will be explained and their empirical standing will be considered. Through a discussion of the practical applications of design theory and concepts, some fundamental limitations and gaps in criminological knowledge about the crime–design link will be highlighted. In conclusion, this article will emphasize the need for better integration of the role and function of crime controllers to continue the advancement of the crime–design framework.