Senior Landscape Architect

Company Description

DLR Group is an integrated design firm specializing in architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, and building optimization for a wide range of projects, including new construction and renovations. Committed to elevating the human experience through sustainable and impactful design, DLR Group serves diverse clients in both the public and private sectors. As a 100% employee-owned company, DLR Group actively supports global sustainability initiatives such as the 2030 Challenge. The firm is a founding signatory of both the China Accord and the AIA 2030 Commitment.

This fuels the work we do around the world and inspires our mission to improve the lives of our clients, our communities, and our planet. If this sparks your interest, you’re in the right place. 

Our team currently has an opening for a positive, skilled and highly motivated Senior Landscape Architect, who has a passion for landscape architecture, and an ability to collaborate across various disciplines, bringing creative and practical design solutions to our Dubai design studio. The ideal candidate will have strong design and technical resolution skills, as well as proficiency in design software.

If you are a collaborative team player with a technical design mindset, this might be the position for you. DLR Group is 100% employee owned and as such you’ll enjoy the opportunity to have ownership stake in the Firm. We rely on all our employee-owners to apply their professional acumen to grow the firm together, for all.

Role Description:

The essential functions below must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation daily. These are the core requirements of the position. All employees are required to work as part of a team and remain flexible in their duties and project assignments.

As a Senior Landscape Architect (Snr LA), your primary responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to the following:

Design and Technical Acumen

·      Responsible for leading and mentoring teams to ensure the production of quality deliverables. (plans, sections, details, specifications, schedules).

·      Serve as a thought leader for specialized knowledge within the discipline and/or sector in which you primary practice. (soil and planting systems, irrigation/water balance, stormwater/LID, hardscape materials, wayfinding, habitat restoration).

·      Leads innovative design excellence within the integrated team, championing resilience and place‑making.

Coordination

·      Executes QA/QC at key milestones.

·      Ensures design intent and thought‑leadership concepts are executed/implemented at all phases of the project (SD, DD, CD, CA).

·      Coordinates with architecture, civil, MEP, and agencies to align landscape design with building, infrastructure, and regulatory requirements.

·      Communication and Collaboration

·      Timely review and communication of design intent and thought leadership with PM and the integrated design team throughout all phases of the project.

·      Expected to participate in design community events and activities.

·      Lead presentations and manage client expectations to maintain relationships.

·      Actively involved in marketing and BD pursuits (pursuing client leads and opportunities; contributing to RFPs and interviews).

Project Schedule, Delivery, and Profitability

·      Responsible for meeting project schedules, project delivery and profitability.

·      Prioritize design elements and align design intent to project budget.

·      Supports value engineering while safeguarding core outcomes.

Required Qualifications:

·      A professional degree in Landscape Architecture

·      10+ years’ professional experience in landscape design firm or in a multi-disciplinary design environment. Minimum of 5+ years MENA experience is required. Construction experience preferred.

·      License and Certifications: Licensed Landscape Architect (PLA) required (ASLA membership preferred). LEED AP and other sustainability certifications preferred but not required.

·      Software Skills:

·      Experience with Autodesk REVIT (preferred) workflow and project production; knowledge of Land F/X, ArcGIS, and Adobe Creative Cloud; working knowledge of Civil 3D, Lumion, Enscape, and BIM (Revit) helpful.

·      Landscape and Site Design and Sustainability:

·      Experience in sustainable and low‑impact landscape design.

·      Knowledge of regionally based native and adaptable plant material.

·      Extensive experience with site grading and site construction materials.

·      Awareness of environmental sustainability tracking criteria and programs.

·      Other Skills:

·      Goal‑oriented with strong skills in problem‑solving, creativity, and attention to detail.

·      Client‑management experience.

·      Appreciation of the integrated design process and desire to work collaboratively with multiple disciplines.