Director Landscape

Overview

Primary Activities

• Provide senior-level oversight to the Abu Dhabi design team and help define the studio’s creative design language and style parameters for all projects, in coordination with Group Design Directors
• Maintain oversight of the team’s projects, schedules, and resources; ensure alignment with agreed design direction from inception through construction
• Monitor and guide project trajectories to ensure design intent is realized, maintaining coherence from concept to delivery
• Oversee the financial management of the studio’s projects, assuming responsibility for profitability and budget adherence for all design-team-led work
• Keep the studio abreast of the latest industry trends, innovations in design processes and technologies, and contemporary aesthetic direction
• Lead active business development, pursuing new client opportunities while nurturing repeat business through strong client relationships
• Assume overall responsibility for day-to-day operations, administration, and office management of the Abu Dhabi Studio

Technical Competencies

• Manage multiple landscape design projects of varying complexity, size, and value
• Lead project teams of architects and designers to create inspiring, healthy, sustainable, and inclusive landscapes that enhance the sense of place
• Demonstrate familiarity with Authority approval processes, including submissions and ESTIDAMA or equivalent sustainability standards
• Review and challenge multidisciplinary project work from other engineering teams
• Read, interpret, and produce technical drawings, specifications, reports, proposals, contracts, and tender documents with clarity
• Proficient in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and MS Office; working knowledge of SketchUp, Lumion, Revit, and Rhino is an advantage

Management and Corporate Competencies

• Commercial awareness and project profitability understanding
• Strategic planning, organization, and execution
• Project planning, scheduling, and resource budget
• Team leadership, coaching, and people management
• Client relationship management and stakeholder engagement
• Ability to operate effectively in a cross-disciplinary, multicultural environment

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture or Architecture; postgraduate degree pr
• CMLI or equivalent professional recognition preferred
• 15+ years of experience, including leadership on large-scale landscape design projects
• High proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Experience in the MENA region, with familiarity of Abu Dhabi Municipality processes, is advantageous
• What we offer
• Leadership role with real influence over the studio’s creative direction and growth
• Competitive compensation and benefits aligned with senior/director level, with performance-based
• Opportunities to shape landmark projects across the region within a globally renowned design practice
• Collaborative, design-forward culture with opportunities for professional development and regional impact

Application Essential

• A portfolio demonstrating senior leadership on landscape design projects (concept through delivery
• Curriculum Vitae highlighting project scope, leadership roles, and outcomes
• A cover letter outlining your philosophy for landscape architecture in Abu Dhabi and your approach to leading a studio
• Work eligibility in the UAE and anticipated start date