Associate Landscape Architect

• We’re hiring an Associate Landscape Architect in Abu Dhabi! Lead impactful landscape projects, mentor talented designers, and shape sustainable environments across the region.
• Join a global consultancy as an Associate Landscape Architect and take ownership of high-profile landscape and public realm projects across the UAE and GCC.
• Looking for a senior landscape architect with strong design, technical delivery, and team leadership skills. Step into a role where innovation, collaboration, and regional impact come together.

About Surbana Jurong (SJ Group):

Surbana Jurong Group (SJ Group) is a global urban, infrastructure, and engineering consultancy with 16,500+ employees across more than 120 offices in 40+ countries. As a multidisciplinary group of architecture, engineering, planning, and program management specialists, we design and deliver solutions that shape cities, strengthen communities, and create real impact, made together.

Our Middle East operations continue to expand across landscape architecture, buildings & cities, transport, infrastructure, environmental planning, and program management, supported by regional design hubs in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Dubai, and Doha.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly skilled Associate Landscape Architect to join our growing design team in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This senior role requires a dynamic leader capable of managing complex landscape architecture projects from early concept through detailed design and implementation.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong design voice, deep technical expertise, and proven leadership experience across multiple project typologies, including residential, commercial, hospitality, and public realm developments in the UAE or GCC region.

1. Project Leadership & Design:

• Lead and manage multiple landscape projects across diverse sectors.
• Manage and mentor a team of landscape architects and designers.
• Develop innovative design concepts tailored to the UAE’s climate and cultural context.
• Produce and oversee high-quality design documentation.
• Ensure sustainability, xeriscaping, and climate-appropriate planting are integrated into every design.

2. Technical Excellence & Documentation:

• Prepare Pre-Concept, Concept, Schematic, and Detailed Design documentation.
• Coordinate effectively with architects, engineers, planners, and environmental specialists.
• Review and approve technical drawings, specifications, and schedules.
• Ensure design intent, quality, and accuracy across all project deliverables.

3. Client & Stakeholder Management:

• Build strong relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and authorities.
• Present design proposals with clarity and confidence.
• Balance client expectations, project budgets, and design excellence.
• Represent the firm in meetings, design reviews, and regulatory submissions.

4. Team Leadership & Mentorship:

• Mentor Senior and Junior team members and provide structured technical guidance.
• Support knowledge sharing, best practices, and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to a collaborative, supportive, and design-driven studio culture.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture.
• 10–12 years of professional experience, including 4–6 years in the UAE/GCC.
• Professional registration or eligibility for professional accreditation preferred.
• Strong understanding of UAE authority requirements and approval processes.
• Proven track record in delivering multi-scale landscape projects within multidisciplinary teams.

All recruitment activities go through our recruitment function and currently, this role doesn’t require agency input. Please do not forward resumes directly to SJ Group employees/managers; we do not accept unsolicited resumes and are not responsible for any associated fees.

**Only successful candidates will be contacted**