Principal - Landscape Architect

WSP in the Middle East; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 350,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

first class medical cover

generous days annual leave

paid professional subscriptions

Job summary

WSP in the Middle East is seeking an experienced Principal Landscape Architect to lead landscape design delivery for streetscapes on large-scale infrastructure and land development projects in Abu Dhabi.

You will provide design leadership, coordinate with roads, utilities, drainage, structures, urban design and environmental teams, and engage with clients and Abu Dhabi authorities to secure approvals while ensuring compliance with local standards and project objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture is required; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• 10–12 years of professional landscape architecture experience with streetscape, public realm, infrastructure and land development focus.
• Extensive Abu Dhabi-based project experience including authority coordination and approvals.

Responsibilities

• Lead landscape design packages from concept through construction support.
• Coordinate with roads, utilities, drainage, structures, lighting, urban design and environment teams to deliver integrated designs.
• Engage with Clients and Abu Dhabi authorities to obtain approvals and ensure compliance with Abu Dhabi standards.

Skills

Leadership

Design leadership

Stakeholder management

Technical oversight

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Principal Landscape Architect to join our Transport & Infrastructure business unit in Abu Dhabi. This is a senior technical and leadership role responsible for leading the landscape design delivery of streetscape on large-scale infrastructure and land development projects across the Emirate.

The successful candidate will bring strong design leadership, extensive Abu Dhabi project experience, and the ability to coordinate effectively across multiple disciplines to deliver fully integrated, high-quality landscape solutions aligned with authority requirements and project objectives.

Responsibilities

Design Leadership & Technical Oversight

• Lead the development of landscape architecture design packages from concept through detailed design and construction support stages.
• Provide design direction and technical oversight for landscape works associated with roads, highways, public realm, utilities corridors, and land development projects.
• Ensure landscape designs are functional, sustainable, contextually appropriate, and aligned with project vision and Client objectives.

Project Delivery & Multidisciplinary Coordination

• Coordinate closely with roads, utilities, drainage, structures, lighting, urban design, and environmental teams to ensure fully integrated design solutions.
• Manage interfaces between landscape design and other infrastructure disciplines to resolve conflicts and optimise design outcomes.
• Review and approve technical drawings, specifications, schedules, and reports to ensure quality and compliance.

Client & Authority Engagement

• Act as a key point of contact for Clients and Abu Dhabi authorities on landscape-related matters.
• Lead design reviews, technical workshops, and authority meetings to support approvals and stakeholder alignment.
• Ensure compliance with relevant Abu Dhabi standards, guidelines, and approval processes.

Construction Support & Quality Assurance

• Provide technical support during tendering and construction stages, including review of contractor submittals, shop drawings, and material samples.
• Conduct design reviews and site visits as required to ensure compliance with design intent.
• Ensure landscape works meet quality, safety, and sustainability standards.

Leadership & Mentoring

• Lead, mentor, and develop landscape architects and support staff within the team.
• Promote best practice, innovation, and continuous improvement within the landscape discipline.
• Support resource planning, workload management, and technical capability development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture (Master’s degree preferred).
• 10–12 years of professional experience in landscape architecture, with a strong focus on streetscape, public realm, infrastructure and land development projects.
• Extensive experience delivering Abu Dhabi-based projects, including authority coordination and approvals.
• Proven ability to lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams in a consultancy environment.
• Strong understanding of Abu Dhabi standards, public realm requirements, and infrastructure-related landscape design.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

What if we can have work-life balance? What if we can be rewarded in ways that support our individual needs? What if we can be accepted for who we are? Here at WSP – we can!

WSP recognizes that work is only one part of our lives and making time for the other things in our life is important – be that our families, our friends or ourselves. So, if working from home, working part-time or having flexible start and finish time will help with this let us know as part of your application.

As well as rewarding you with competitive pay, WSP offers standard benefits:

• first class medical cover
• generous days annual leave
• paid professional subscriptions

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can.