Job Description
About Us: Join a dynamic team dedicated to design excellence in the landscape architecture field. We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Studio Lead Designer to shape our Landscape Department, working closely with management to establish a creative and innovative design studio.
The Role: As the Studio Lead, you will play a pivotal role in transforming early concepts into tangible designs through thorough research and synthesis. You’ll be responsible for promoting creativity within the studio, ensuring high-quality and timely delivery of outputs, and demonstrating leadership across multidisciplinary projects.
Key Responsibilities:
* Develop and articulate design narratives that align with project scopes.
* Foster a creative environment within the design studio.
* Ensure quality control and timely delivery of design outputs.
* Provide leadership and mentorship, leveraging your broad knowledge and experience.
* Collaborate in recruitment efforts and engage with design schools and universities.
* Participate in international travel for client meetings and project-specific tasks as required.
Key Functional Relationships:
* Internal: Collaborate with team members, Heads of Departments, and Directors.
* External: Engage in business development, client relationship management, marketing activities, and public speaking engagements.
Experience and Qualifications:
* Strong understanding of the design process and proficient in design.
* Proven experience in leading design studios, particularly with renowned landscape architecture firms.
* Relevant experience in the MENA region.
* Technical and strategic leadership skills across departments.
* Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture/Design; a postgraduate degree is preferred.
* Proven track record in developing compelling design narratives.
* Experience in award-winning projects and a drive for future accolades for the studio.
* Skilled in master planning and transitioning from concept to schematic design.
* Experience with high-end developments, including public realm and hospitality projects.
* Proficient in communicating design intent through graphics, diagrams, site plans, sections, and renderings.
* Knowledge of materials, including planting, furnishings, and hardscapes.
* Strong attention to detail and design excellence.
* Ability to sketch and develop designs both on paper and digitally.
* Proven capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously across various scales and typologies.
* Lead marketing initiatives and promote the design studio to a wider client base.
* Positive, solution-focused mindset with self-motivation and ambition.
* Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal.
* Strong relationship-building abilities with other departments, area offices, and project sites.
* Committed to delivering design excellence and implementing new working structures.
* Excellent technical skills to monitor design development.
Benefits
* Competitive salary based on experience
* 10% to 16% pension contribution covered by Dar
* Performance-related annual bonus
* Private medical insurance
* 35% salary uplift for overseas work
* Per diem payments during overseas assignments
* Life assurance
* Gym and retail discounts