Design Director, Landscape Architecture

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Job Description

Design Director, Landscape Architecture

Abu Dhabi, UAE

The Landscape Team in Abu Dhabi is an extension to the Landscape Team in the Urban Studio in Dubai. This role will be acting as the Abu Dhabi Landscape team lead, on top of the regular responsibilities of the Design Director. This position is responsible for managing the Abu Dhabi landscape work from a design and business perspective for the successful delivery of Landscape projects to high standard of design and technicality in accordance with the Client’s expectations and in line with local and international standards. The Director will be required to demonstrate an expert understanding of regional and international design of landscape architecture and urban design.

General Roles And Responsibilities

Design Leadership

• Lead and develop the creative vision and design direction for the landscape projects in EMEA, working closely with other Senior Design staff across the regional studios.
• Ensure design quality by developing own concepts and reviewing those of others, maintaining the vision throughout the project lifecycle.
• Oversee the landscape scope within infrastructure design projects to enhance the government portfolio
• Stay ahead of industry trends and innovations in landscape architecture to incorporate into projects.
  
  
  

Design Management

• Oversee landscape architecture portfolio of projects from concept to completion, ensuring these are delivered on time and within budget.
• Control the design process, starting at the Concept Master Plan stage in close collaboration with the wider studio’s teams.
• Coordinate with project directors, project managers, engineers, architects, urban designers, and other professionals to integrate landscape design with other disciplines.
• Manage and redirect ad hoc Parsons tasks where required
  
  
  

Team Leadership

• Lead a team of design-focused landscape architects, graphical support staff, and digital delivery staff providing mentorship, guidance and development plans.
• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages creativity innovation and coordination.
• Ensure that the team follows design principles and quality standards and processes while meeting project deadlines.
  
  
  

Client Engagement

• Maintain strong relationships with clients, ensuring that their vision and goals are understood and met.
• Present design concepts and updates to clients, addressing feedback and adjusting designs accordingly.
• Participate in presentations and interviews as part of business development.
  
  
  

Business Development

• Represent the firm at industry events and build relationships with potential clients and stakeholders.
• Assist the business development team in the preparation of technical and financial proposals.
• Studio Presence: Engage with Parsons Abu Dhabi Project Directors and Bid Management teams.
  
  
  

Resource Management

• Manage project budgets and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently.
• Undertake and monitor resourcing of staff on a daily basis and manage bi-weekly meetings.
• Coordinate with the Landscape team in Dubai Urban Studio on resourcing and attend the Dubai at least twice a week for cross studio management coordination.
  
  
  

Technical Expertise

• Demonstrate an expert understanding of the aesthetic, technical, resource, and financial aspects of landscape architecture.
• Demonstrate an expert understanding of industry codes, standards, health and safety requirements, sustainability regulations and authority standards and circulars.
• Review project documentation and ensure the design and technical standards are met.
  
  
  

Sustainability

• Ensure that sustainability and environmental (Estidama, Fitwell, Sites etc) considerations are incorporated into all designs.
• Liaise with the Environmental & Sustainability team on both project and a studio level for the integration between the teams.
  
  
  

Studio Management

• Work with the studio management team for the daily running and development of the studio.
• Provide design leadership and mentoring to the landscape studio staff.
• Manage projects through all aspects of the design process, specifically at the early design stages.
• Foster a strong design culture by establishing regular pin-up sessions and constructive critique processes to support team growth and improvement. Coordinate with internal disciplines and manage the activities of sub-consultants for the delivery of projects.
• Talent identification: Carry out CV screening and candidate interviews for ongoing resource requirements.
  
  
  

Competencies

• Team Orientated: Demonstrate a team oriented and collaborative approach to landscape architecture within the design team.
• Innovative Thinker: Constantly looking for creative ways to address challenges and improve design outcomes.
• Collaborative: Works well with various teams, from designers to contractors, and integrates multiple perspectives into the design process.
• Sustainable Focus: A strong commitment to environmentally sustainable and resilient design practices.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to quickly address and resolve issues that arise during the design and construction phases.
• Information Technology: Demonstrate an understanding of key design related computer programs such as BIM, Adobe suites and 3D modelling software.
  
  
  

Qualifications

Experience Required: Minimum twenty (20+) years of continuous experience in landscape architecture. International experience in North America, Europe, Middle East and Asia is preferrable.

Educational Degree: Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from an accredited University or College program.

Professional Memberships or Affiliations: Possess professional registration, licensure or chartership with an internationally recognized professional association.

Languages: Fluency in English, verbal and written. Proficiency in other languages, especially Arabic, is highly regarded.

Professional Certification: CMLI / ASLA / ALIA

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