Associate Landscape Architect

About the Role

ICON is recruiting a skilled and driven Associate Landscape Architect to enhance our expanding Landscape Architecture team based in Abu Dhabi. This role opens the door to actively contribute to a diverse range of projects including landscape design, public spaces, mixed-use developments, hospitality, and destination projects throughout the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the surrounding region.

Collaborating closely with Senior Associates and Associate Directors, the successful candidate will have a pivotal role in project execution, team leadership, client relations, and crafting high-standard design solutions. Additionally, the role involves advancing our digital delivery capabilities via BIM integration, AI-assisted workflows, and platforms like Vantagepoint.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the delivery of landscape architecture and public realm projects from initial concept through to construction support.
• Maintain exceptional design quality and technical precision at every stage of project execution.
• Deliver innovative, sustainable, and pragmatic design solutions aligned with project goals and client requirements.
• Manage project schedules, deliverables, resources, and everyday project coordination efficiently.
• Support budgeting, reporting, programme management, and resource allocation for projects.
• Establish and nurture effective client, consultant, stakeholder, and authority relationships.
• Lead and actively engage in project meetings, design critiques, workshops, and presentations.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including landscape architects, engineers, planners, BIM specialists, and project managers.
• Mentor and guide junior Landscape Architects, Graduate Landscape Architects, and BIM team members.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performing team environment.
• Encourage adoption of digital technologies, BIM workflows, AI-driven tools, and Vantagepoint systems to optimize project outcomes.

Candidate Profile

The prospective candidate should be an established Landscape Architect passionate about delivering successful landscapes and public spaces. They should be organized, team-oriented, commercially savvy, and adept at managing concurrent projects while upholding exceptional quality and client service standards.

• Minimum 8 years of professional practice in Landscape Architecture.
• Experience across landscape architecture, public realm, mixed-use, hospitality, residential, infrastructure, and masterplanning projects.
• Solid design, technical, and project management expertise.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and coordinate project deliverables.
• Excellent client engagement and stakeholder management abilities.
• Good grasp of project planning, resource management, and commercial viability.
• Familiarity with planning procedures, authority protocols, and project frameworks within UAE and GCC regions.
• Effective communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in mentoring and supporting junior staff.
• A proactive, collaborative, and problem-solving attitude.

Technical Skills and Tools

• Proficient in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, and MicroStation.
• Experience with Rhino (including Grasshopper), SketchUp, Lumion, Enscape, and/or D5 Render.
• Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Experienced in BIM-enabled environments.
• Competent with Microsoft Office Suite and project planning software.
• Strong knowledge of digital design and project workflow advancements.
• Preferred: familiarity with Deltek Vantagepoint or similar project management systems.
• Desirable: experience with ArcGIS, QGIS, Land F/X, and AI-powered design and visualization tools.
• Awareness of emerging digital technologies, automation, and data-centric design approaches.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture.
• Professional chartership or accreditation such as CMLI, ASLA, AILA, LI, or equivalent is advantageous.
• Having work experience on projects in UAE and/or Saudi Arabia is preferred.

Benefits

• Work on landmark projects throughout the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and nearby regions.
• Join a collaborative, design-focused studio culture.
• Engage with multidisciplinary and international project teams.
• Clear paths for career advancement within a growing and ambitious firm.
• Access to advanced digital design, BIM, AI, and project management technologies.
• Competitive remuneration and benefits package.

Application Instructions

Applicants must provide an updated CV along with a portfolio that reflects their experience in landscape architecture and public realm projects, demonstrating project expertise, design capacity, technical proficiency, and built work through all project phases. Applications lacking a portfolio will not be considered.