My client a prestigious, design-driven architectural practice with an international portfolio of significant and complex projects is actively seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Landscape Architect for their London office. The successful candidate will spearhead the landscape design for a range of exciting projects, with a particular focus on developments in the Middle East. This senior position offers a remarkable opportunity to provide design leadership and make a substantial contribution to environmentally sensitive and culturally relevant landscape architecture.
The successful candidate will be a Chartered Landscape Architect with a robust portfolio demonstrating exceptional design talent and a proven ability to deliver outstanding landscape architecture for large-scale and complex schemes. They will have a deep understanding of ecological design principles, place-making, and the integration of landscape with architecture, particularly within the context of Middle Eastern climates and cultures. A passion for innovative and sustainable design solutions is paramount.
This role requires leadership across all RIBA Stages (1-5). The ideal candidate will possess comprehensive experience in developing landscape concepts from initial feasibility through to detailed design, technical documentation, and on-site implementation. This includes the production of high-quality construction documentation and specifications, and the ability to manage the landscape scope effectively, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure design integrity and successful project delivery.
Proficiency in relevant design software is crucial, with a preference for candidates experienced in Rhino and Revit, in addition to other landscape-specific software.
Preference will be given to candidates who have gained experience at highly regarded, design-led architectural or landscape architecture practices. Demonstrable experience on projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the wider Middle East region is highly desirable and will be a key consideration.
Applicants must possess the right to work in the UK.
This is a full-time, permanent position with an immediate start date available. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package will be offered, commensurate with experience and qualifications. This role provides exciting design leadership opportunities and the chance to influence the direction of significant international projects.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leading the landscape architectural design for large-scale projects, particularly in the Middle East, from initial concept (RIBA Stage 1) through to construction and completion (RIBA Stage 5).
- Developing innovative and site-responsive landscape design concepts, strategies, and masterplans.
- Producing high-quality design presentations, mood boards, planting palettes, hardscape designs, and detailed landscape drawings.
- Overseeing the preparation of comprehensive landscape construction documentation, schedules, and specifications.
- Managing and coordinating the landscape design scope with architectural teams, engineering consultants, and specialist suppliers.
- Ensuring the quality, innovation, and sustainability of landscape designs, while adhering to project timelines and budgets.
- Utilising design software such as Rhino and Revit (preferred), alongside other relevant landscape design tools, for modelling, visualisation, and documentation.
- Providing design leadership within the landscape team, mentoring junior staff, and fostering a collaborative and creative studio environment.
- Liaising effectively with clients, local authorities, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful realisation of landscape projects.
- Staying informed about current trends, best practices, native/adaptive planting, and sustainable technologies in landscape architecture, especially relevant to arid and semi-arid climates.
Skills and Experience:
- Qualified Landscape Architect, holding Chartered Membership with the Landscape Institute (CMLI) or equivalent international accreditation.
- Extensive proven experience in a Lead Landscape Architect or Senior Landscape Architect role, with a strong portfolio of built projects.
- Demonstrable experience in the design and delivery of large-scale, complex landscape projects, ideally including experience in the Middle East (KSA experience preferred).
- Exceptional design, conceptual, and technical skills with a sophisticated understanding of masterplanning, ecological design, planting design, hardscape detailing, and water-sensitive urban design.
- Comprehensive experience across all RIBA Stages (1-5), with strong capabilities in producing detailed landscape design packages, construction documentation, and specifications.
- Proficiency in Rhino and Revit is preferred; experience with AutoCAD, GIS, and other relevant landscape design software is essential.
- Experience working in renowned, design-focused architectural or landscape architecture practices is highly desirable.
- Excellent communication, presentation, leadership, and project management skills.
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment and to lead and inspire a landscape design team.
- A proactive, innovative, and detail-oriented approach to landscape architecture.
- Right to work in the UK.
