- Global consultancy with 16,500+ experts, delivering integrated design, engineering, and program management solutions across 40+ countries.
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Lead high-impact landscape and public realm projects across the UAE and GCC, delivering sustainable and climate-responsive environments.
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Mentor and guide a talented team of designers, driving creative excellence and multidisciplinary collaboration.
About SJ:
Surbana Jurong (SJ Group) is a global urban, infrastructure, and engineering consultancy with 16,500+ employees in 40+ countries. Our Middle East studios deliver transformative projects across landscape architecture, buildings & cities, infrastructure, and environmental planning.
Headquartered in Singapore, the group has a global talent pool of 16,000 in Surbana Jurong and its member companies AETOS, Atelier Ten, B+H, CHIL, KTP, Prostruct, Robert Bird Group, SAA, and SMEC, based in more than 120 offices in over 40 countries. They include architects, designers, planners, engineers, facilities managers, and other specialists driven by progressive thinking and creative ideas to shape a better future.
About the Role:
We are seeking an experienced Senior Associate Landscape Architect to join our team in Abu Dhabi. This senior-level position requires a talented professional who can lead and manage complex landscape architecture projects from concept through to implementation.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead and manage multiple large-scale landscape architecture projects across residential, commercial, hospitality, and public realm developments
Lead and manage a team of Landscape architects.
Develop innovative design concepts that respond to the UAE's unique climate, culture, and environmental challenges
Produce high-quality design documentation
Ensure designs incorporate sustainable practices, water conservation strategies, and climate-appropriate plant palettes
Develop and prepare design documentation reports for Pre-Concept, Concept, Schematic, and Detailed Design in accordance with the Client brief, scope of works, and deliverables.
Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, including architects, engineers, urban planners, and environmental consultants.
Review and approve technical drawings, specifications, and schedules prepared by other team members.
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and government authorities
Present design proposals and recommendations to clients and stakeholders with confidence and clarity
Negotiate design solutions that balance client requirements, budget constraints, and design excellence
Represent the firm at project meetings, design reviews, and regulatory submissions
Required Qualifications & Experience:
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Landscape Architecture from an accredited institution
Minimum 12-15 years of professional experience, with at least 5-8 years in the UAE or GCC region
Professional registration or eligibility for registration with relevant landscape architecture associations
Extensive knowledge of UAE authorities' requirements, local regulations, and approval processes
Proven track record of delivering high-quality projects across multiple typologies and scales
Essential Skills:
Expert proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
Familiar with SketchUp, Rhino, Lumion, or similar 3D modelling and visualization software
Familiarity with BIM processes and Revit is highly advantageous
Excellent understanding of UAE climate, xeriscaping principles, and sustainable landscape practices
Strong knowledge of regional plant species, irrigation systems, and landscape construction methods
Why Join SJ?
Join a global, multidisciplinary consultancy shaping sustainable, people-centric environments across 40+ countries. Work with world-class teams and lead impactful landscape design across the region.
All recruitment activities go through our internal Talent Acquisition Team, and currently, this role doesn't require agency input.
Please do not forward resumes directly to SJ employees/managers; we do not accept unsolicited resumes and are not responsible for any associated fees.
**Only shortlisted candidates will be notified**
At Surbana Jurong, we put talent, hard work, teamwork and a fun workplace together to approach problems and solve them creatively and collaboratively. Join us in making a positive impact on the world!