Senior Associate Landscape Architect

About the Role

ICON is looking for a Senior Associate Landscape Architect to join our expanding Landscape Architecture team in Dubai. This role offers a unique chance for a skilled designer and experienced project leader to influence some of the most ambitious landscape, public realm, and destination projects in the region. Reporting to the Director of Landscape Architecture and working alongside Associate Directors and Studio Leads, you will manage multidisciplinary teams, ensure top-tier design outcomes, mentor emerging leaders, and contribute to the firm's ongoing growth. Additionally, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing our digital delivery methods through BIM, AI-driven workflows, and tools like Vantagepoint.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee several projects at the same time, providing creative direction, project supervision, client relationship management, financial oversight, and team leadership across a varied project portfolio.
• Ensure high standards in design quality, technical execution, financial results, and customer satisfaction throughout all project stages, from concept through construction support.
• Drive innovative, sustainable, and commercially viable design solutions within landscape architecture and public realm projects.
• Manage timelines, budgets, personnel, risks, and deliverables for multiple concurrent assignments.
• Establish and maintain strong connections with clients, stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and collaborators.
• Lead presentations, workshops, design evaluations, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Track project profitability, progress, and effective utilization of resources.
• Coordinate cross-disciplinary teams, including landscape architecture, engineering, planning, BIM, and project management.
• Mentor and guide Associates, Landscape Architects, Graduates, and BIM staff.
• Contribute to strategic and operational planning and support business development initiatives alongside the Senior Management Team.
• Advocate for the adoption of digital technology, BIM processes, AI tools, and Vantagepoint systems to enhance project delivery.
• Promote a collaborative, accountable, and high-performance culture within the studio.
• Participate in Senior Management Team meetings to assist with business and operational improvements.

Candidate Profile

You should have extensive experience as a Landscape Architect with a proven history of managing complex projects, leading diverse teams, and maintaining strong client relations. Your passion for design excellence and commercial acumen will be matched by your enthusiasm for mentoring others and driving high-quality project delivery.

• Minimum of 12 years of professional experience in Landscape Architecture.
• Demonstrable success on complex projects, including landscape architecture, public realm, mixed-use developments, hospitality, residential, infrastructure, and master planning.
• Strong design and technical proficiency.
• Leadership in design, technical delivery, and project management.
• Experience managing schedules, budgets, personnel, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent client-facing, stakeholder relationship, and presentation skills.
• Commercial awareness including budgeting, profitability, and resource planning skills.
• Track record of mentoring landscape architecture professionals.
• Knowledge of the UAE and GCC planning regulations, authority requirements, and project delivery frameworks.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A proactive, collaborative, positive, and solution-driven attitude.

Technical Skills

• Expertise in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, and MicroStation.
• Experience with Rhino (Grasshopper), SketchUp, Lumion, Enscape, or D5 Render.
• Proficient with Adobe Creative Suite including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Experience working in BIM-enabled project environments.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and project management software.
• Good understanding of digital design and project delivery workflows.
• Desirable skills include experience with Deltek Vantagepoint or similar project management systems, GIS software like ArcGIS or QGIS, Land F/X, and use of AI-enabled design and visualization tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture.
• Postgraduate qualifications are a plus.
• Professional chartership or accreditation such as CMLI, ASLA, AILA, LI, or equivalent preferred.
• Experience on projects within UAE and/or KSA is highly advantageous.

What We Provide

• Chance to participate in landmark projects across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other regional markets.
• Collaborative and design-focused studio atmosphere.
• Work alongside multidisciplinary and international teams.
• Opportunities for career growth within an ambitious and expanding firm.
• Access to cutting-edge digital design technologies including BIM, AI, and project management tools.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Ongoing professional development through knowledge-sharing, mentoring, and training.
• A diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
• Employee engagement through social, cultural, wellness, and team-building events.
• Opportunities to contribute innovative ideas and new working methods in a progressive environment.