Principal - Landscape Architect

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WSP seeks an experienced Principal Landscape Architect to lead landscape design in Abu Dhabi's Transport and Infrastructure unit. This senior role requires hands-on design leadership from concept through construction and strong coordination with roads, utilities, drainage, structures, lighting, urban design and environmental teams to deliver integrated streetscape solutions that meet authority requirements. Candidates should have 10 to 12 years of landscape architecture experience with an Abu Dhabi project background, plus client and authority engagement and mentoring experience. To apply, tailor your CV and portfolio to show leadership in delivery and Abu Dhabi approvals, include a brief note on why you fit WSP.

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.