Principal - Landscape Architect

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

WSP in Abu Dhabi seeks a Principal Landscape Architect to lead streetscape design delivery for infrastructure and land development projects, combining senior design leadership with technical oversight and coordinating roads, utilities, drainage, structures, lighting and urban design teams to deliver integrated, sustainable landscape solutions that meet Abu Dhabi authority standards. The role emphasizes leading design packages from concept to construction, managing cross-disciplinary interfaces, and engaging clients and authorities. To apply, highlight 10-12 years of relevant experience, proven leadership, a strong Abu Dhabi project track record, and a portfolio of streetscape work; show stakeholder management and multi-project delivery, flexibility on work arrangements, and a commitment to quality and sustainability.

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.

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.

• 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 including first class medical cover, generous days annual leave, and 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. Apply today.