Senior Landscape Architect

• We’re hiring a Senior Landscape Architect in the UAE! Join our growing design team and help shape innovative, climate-responsive landscapes across residential, hospitality, mixed-use, and public realm projects.
• Bring your creativity and technical expertise to a global consultancy delivering some of the region’s most iconic environments. As a Senior Landscape Architect, you’ll lead design delivery, mentor emerging talent, and deliver sustainable, high-quality landscapes in the UAE.
• Step into a senior role where design leadership, technical excellence, and project management come together. We’re seeking a Senior Landscape Architect to drive impactful outdoor environments and support the next generation of landscape professionals.

About Surbana Jurong (SJ Group):

Surbana Jurong Group is a global multidisciplinary consultancy with 16,500+ employees across more than 120 offices in 40+ countries. We deliver transformative solutions in landscape architecture, urban design, architecture, engineering, planning, environmental services, and program management.

Our Middle East operations continue to grow rapidly, supported by regional studios delivering landmark projects across hospitality, mixed-use, infrastructure, public realm, and environmental regeneration. At SJ, we design for impact, shaping sustainable, resilient, and people-focused environments.

Position Overview:

The Senior Landscape Architect will play a key role in leading design delivery, managing junior teams, and ensuring the successful execution of high-quality landscape and public realm projects across the UAE. This role requires strong conceptual thinking, technical capability, project management skills, and the ability to coordinate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

The ideal candidate will bring proven UAE/GCC experience, a deep understanding of climate-responsive design, and the capability to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions aligned with local authority standards.

1. Design & Planning:

• Support the Lead Designer in developing high-quality landscape and public realm designs across residential, commercial, hospitality, mixed-use, and infrastructure projects.
• Develop conceptual, schematic, and detailed landscape drawings using CAD and 3D design software.
• Integrate sustainable design principles suited to the UAE’s arid climate, including water-efficient irrigation systems, xeriscaping, shading strategies, and native plant selection.
• Coordinate landscape design interfaces with architecture, engineering, and urban planning disciplines to ensure seamless integration across project stages.

2. Project Management:

• Manage multiple landscape projects from early concept through detailed design and site implementation.
• Prepare and maintain project schedules, budgets, and resource plans.
• Review contractor submissions, shop drawings, and RFIs to ensure compliance with design intent and quality standards.
• Support client and stakeholder engagement, providing structured updates and presenting design solutions when required.

3. Technical Expertise:

• Prepare detailed technical specifications, tender packages, and bills of quantities.
• Conduct site studies and site analyses considering climate, soil conditions, drainage, topography, and environmental context.
• Select suitable materials, plants, softscape, and hardscape elements aligned with durability, sustainability, and design requirements.
• Ensure compliance with UAE authority regulations (including ADM, DDA, Dubai Municipality, Estidama, and other relevant guidelines).

4. Team Leadership:

• Mentor and guide junior landscape architects, technicians, and BIM modelers in their design development and technical skills.
• Coordinate effectively with consultants, contractors, and relevant authorities.
• Present design intent in client workshops, coordination meetings, and internal design reviews.
• Promote knowledge sharing, collaboration, and high performance within the team.

Required Qualifications:

Education & Licensing:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from an accredited institution.
• 6–10+ years of relevant professional experience, with a minimum 4 years in the UAE/GCC preferred.
• Professional membership (IFLA, ASLA, CMLI, or equivalent) is an advantage.
• UAE driving license preferred.

Technical Skills:

• Strong proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Experience in Revit, Rhino, Lumion, or equivalent modelling and rendering tools.
• Knowledge of GIS and BIM workflows is considered a plus.
• Understanding of irrigation design principles and landscape construction methodologies.

Knowledge & Experience:

• Strong knowledge of UAE climate-resilient planting, xeriscaping, and native species.
• Awareness of LEED, Estidama, and sustainable landscape design principles.
• Familiarity with Dubai and Abu Dhabi authority standards, approvals, and submission processes.
• Experience across large-scale mixed-use, hospitality, infrastructure, or public realm projects.

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**