Job Purpose
The Executive Director of Landscape Architecture and Design is a senior leadership role responsible for setting the strategic direction, design standards, and execution of all landscape architecture projects within corporate, which operates under the Landscaping and Community Services (LCS) vertical. This role is central to establishing a cohesive and luxurious landscape vision for first clients and third clients, ensuring designs align with their brand identities, sustainability goals, and luxury standards. The ED will lead the development of landscape design solutions that reflect the prestigious identity and commitment to lush, sustainable environments for these clients. This position oversees the design process from initial concept through to final execution, working closely with the clients' development teams to integrate landscape design seamlessly into the early planning stages of each project. Additionally, the ED will establish and lead a new, specialized design function within the corporation’s Landscaping, fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, and excellence in landscape architecture. In collaboration with a range of internal and external stakeholders—including the clients' project development teams, contractors, and consultants—the ED will ensure effective communication and alignment on design intent, project timelines, and budgetary requirements. This role also has a key responsibility to advocate for sustainable, green infrastructure and energy-efficient practices, ensuring that all landscape designs contribute to environmental stewardship and the long-term success of each project. Through ongoing project oversight and leadership, the ED will drive continuous improvement in design processes, staying at the forefront of industry trends, technological innovations, and regulatory changes. Regular evaluations of design performance will be conducted to ensure that every project upholds the corporation’s reputation for delivering world-class landscapes that define the future of luxury communities in the UAE.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Visionary:
Define and maintain the architectural and landscape design vision, setting the tone for all projects to ensure alignment with the organization’s brand, client expectations, and industry standards. Responsible for creating a forward-thinking design strategy that differentiates the organization in a competitive market.
Leadership in Landscape Design & Strategy:
Lead the development of comprehensive landscape design strategies for first clients and third clients. Establish and implement high-level design standards and creative visions that align with each client’s brand, vision, and luxury standards. Ensure that all landscape projects reflect a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and lush, green environments that elevate the client’s real estate developments and communities.
Client Engagement & Relationship Management:
Act as the primary liaison between corporate and first clients and third clients throughout the entire project lifecycle. Collaborate with clients’ development teams from the early planning and design stages, ensuring alignment on design goals, project timelines, and budget expectations. Provide strategic guidance and creative input to meet the client’s needs and exceed expectations, fostering long-term relationships built on trust and successful project outcomes.
Establish & Lead the Design Function within corporate:
Develop and lead a new, specialized landscape design function within corporate. Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of landscape architects and designers. Cultivate a culture of creativity, excellence, and innovation, ensuring the team delivers exceptional designs that meet client expectations while adhering to budget and schedule constraints.
Set Design Standards & DNA for Client Projects:
Establish and maintain the design DNA and landscape architecture standards that will be applied to first clients and third client’s projects. Ensure that every landscape design aligns with the clients’ luxury brand identity and adheres to sustainable practices. Regularly review designs to ensure they meet the highest standards of quality, functionality, and aesthetics.
Landscape Design Standards & Catalogue Development:
Develop, maintain, and manage a comprehensive landscape design standard catalogue that outlines the corporation’s approach to design aesthetics, materials, sustainability, and maintenance practices. Ensure that this catalogue serves as the primary reference for all landscape projects, promoting consistency and quality across all designs while allowing for creative flexibility tailored to specific project requirements.
Project Management & Oversight:
Oversee all phases of landscape architecture projects, from initial concept and design development to construction and post-completion. Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality execution that meets both the design intent and client requirements. Monitor project budgets, timelines, and resource allocation to ensure efficient project management.
Landscape Design Across All Stages:
Lead the landscape design process at every stage, from planning and concept development to architectural design, detailed design, and final implementation. Ensure that landscape designs are effectively integrated into the broader architectural and urban planning strategies of the project, with ongoing involvement in design revisions, approvals, and final execution to guarantee high-quality outcomes.
Sign-Off of Designs:
Provide final approval and sign-off on all landscape designs before they move to the construction phase. Ensure that each design is fully aligned with project goals, client expectations, regulatory requirements, and the corporation’s established design standards. Take accountability for the final quality and feasibility of the designs, ensuring that they meet the highest aesthetic, functional, and environmental standards.
Collaboration with Internal & External Stakeholders:
Collaborate with a variety of internal teams—including project management, operations, and technical teams—ensuring smooth integration of landscape designs into the overall development process. Work closely with external consultants, contractors, and stakeholders, including architects, urban planners, and engineers, to achieve seamless project delivery and resolve any challenges that arise during design and construction.
Sustainable & Innovative Design Practices:
Champion sustainability and green design initiatives, integrating eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and green infrastructure into landscape projects. Stay informed about the latest industry trends, regulations, and technological advancements, advocating for innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of the built environment and contribute to environmental stewardship.
Design Quality Assurance & Compliance:
Conduct regular design reviews and quality assurance assessments to ensure that all landscape designs meet corporate standards and comply with relevant regulations, codes, and environmental guidelines. Maintain a strong focus on functional, aesthetic, and sustainable design solutions.
Continuous Improvement & Industry Leadership:
Drive continuous improvement in landscape design processes by evaluating project performance, gathering feedback from clients, and implementing best practices. Lead the team in embracing cutting-edge technologies, design tools, and industry developments to enhance the overall quality of design solutions.
Reporting & Strategic Input:
Provide regular updates and progress reports to the LCS CEO regarding the status of design projects, team performance, and key milestones. Contribute to the broader strategic direction of corporate and the LCS vertical, supporting business growth and expansion into new markets and client opportunities.
Risk Management & Problem-Solving:
Proactively identify potential risks related to landscape design and project execution, developing mitigation strategies to minimize disruptions. Address challenges and resolve issues promptly to ensure projects remain on track and meet all client objectives.
General Responsibilities
Regulatory Compliance:
- Liaise with legal and regulatory teams to secure necessary permits and ensure that all projects comply with zoning laws, building codes, and environmental regulations
- Stay updated on regulatory changes, adjusting project designs and timelines as needed to maintain compliance
- Identify potential risks in project design and execution, such as environmental impact, regulatory hurdles, or budget constraints
- Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to safeguard project timelines, costs, and design integrity
- Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for project success, such as on-time delivery, budget adherence, client satisfaction, and sustainability targets
- Conduct regular project evaluations, compiling comprehensive reports on project outcomes, lessons learned, and areas for improvement
- Act as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the design process, addressing concerns, refining project details, and ensuring a positive experience
- Arrange project walk-throughs, design presentations, and client feedback sessions to maintain open communication and foster long-term client relationships
- Encourage team members to experiment with new design technologies, approaches, and materials, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation
- Attend industry conferences, workshops, and training sessions to stay informed of emerging trends, incorporating these insights into future projects
- Oversee detailed documentation of project design phases, approvals, adjustments, and client feedback, maintaining organized records for future reference
- Ensure all documentation complies with internal and regulatory standards, supporting transparency and accountability in project execution
In addition to all job specific responsibilities, all employees are required to adhere to all corporate’s health, safety and environmental (HSE) policies, procedures, practices, and relevant legal and statutory health, safety and environmental requirements and obligations All employees are personally responsible to familiarize themselves with these policies, procedures, practices, updates, etc client’s HSE department regularly updates existing and introduce new policies, procedures and practices and each employee is personally responsible to ensure they stay updated and compliant with all such updates and new additions
Requirements
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree (required):
- Typically, in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Environmental Design, or a related field
- Master’s Degree (preferred): In Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning, Environmental Sustainability
- Licensed Landscape Architect (LLA), LEED Accreditation or equivalent chartered professional certification from a recognized authority
- AutoCAD, Rhino, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, or other landscape design software proficiency certifications are highly beneficial
- Typically, 15+ years of experience in landscape architecture and design, with at least 5 years in a managerial or leadership role overseeing large-scale, high-profile design projects, ideally with experience in a well-known landscaping company or luxury real estate sector
- Proven expertise in managing multidisciplinary teams and delivering complex projects that involve architects, engineers, urban planners, and contractors, ensuring cohesive, integrated design solutions
- Extensive experience across all stages of landscape design, from concept development to final implementation, with a strong focus on luxury residential, real estate, and community development projects
Competencies and Skills
Core Competencies:
Strategic Vision and Innovation:
- Ability to conceptualize and articulate a forward-thinking design vision that aligns with organizational goals while setting new standards in creativity and sustainability
- Leadership and Team Development: Proven skill in guiding, motivating, and developing a team of designers, ensuring a collaborative environment that fosters growth, accountability, and high performance
- Client and Stakeholder Management: Expertise in managing client relationships and engaging with stakeholders, ensuring that all project requirements, expectations, and deliverables are met
- Regulatory and Compliance Knowledge: In-depth understanding of industry regulations, environmental standards, and local codes to ensure all projects are compliant and risk-averse
- Project and Resource Management: Proficiency in balancing resources, budgets, and timelines, with a strong focus on efficient allocation to meet project milestones and deliverables
Architectural and Landscape Design Proficiency:
- Extensive knowledge of architectural and landscape design principles, techniques, and software (e.g. AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp)
- Competence in sustainable and eco-friendly design practices, with an understanding of LEED or similar green standards
- Advanced skills in Building Information Modelling (BIM), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and other relevant tools for integrated design management
- Analytical abilities to assess design feasibility, environmental impact, and project risks, ensuring informed decision-making throughout project development
- Strong budgeting and cost management skills, with an ability to create and manage project budgets, analyse financial data, and optimize costs without compromising quality
- Experience in negotiating contracts and managing vendor relationships to ensure cost-effective procurement
- Skill in identifying potential project challenges, developing contingency plans, and mitigating risks related to design, construction, and budget
- A proactive problem-solving approach to address unexpected issues promptly, maintaining project continuity and client satisfaction
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills to present complex design ideas clearly and persuasively to clients, teams, and stakeholders
- Ability to foster positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders, promoting a collaborative environment across multidisciplinary teams
- Commitment to staying updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and new materials that can enhance design efficiency, innovation, and sustainability
- Encouraging team members’ professional development through training and promoting an environment of continuous learning and improvement
- Keen attention to detail in design reviews, quality checks, and compliance assessments to ensure accuracy, quality, and consistency across projects
- Thorough documentation skills for accurate record-keeping, project tracking, and reporting
- Comply with the corporation’s Information Security Policies
- Be aware of and fulfil their information security responsibilities
- Ensure whoever handles sensitive company information has taken the Security Awareness Training
- Know how to report a security incident (to IT ServiceDesk or InfoSec)
- Do not disable his/her OS firewall and/or Antivirus
- Restrict use to authorized purposes, protect access accounts, privileges and associated passwords
- Accept accountability of his/her user accounts, and maintain confidentiality
*Only applicants meeting the strict criteria outlined above will be contacted as part of the shortlisting process.