Role Title: Senior Urban Designer/Planner
Organizational Level: Associate Principal
Community of Practice: City Design
Location: Dubai
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), one of the world’s most influential design firms, is seeking innovative, creative, and independent thinkers who aspire to the highest standards of excellence. Join our collaborative design practice for an opportunity to build a thriving and impactful career.
Qualifications & Expertise:
- Minimum 15 years of experience in a similar role
- Arabic proficiency preferred
- Professional degree in Architecture, Planning, Urban Design, or Landscape Architecture
- Licensed in the state of practice or AICP or equivalent certification; LEED Accreditation preferred
- Experience in the planning and design of large-scale urban districts, campus planning, new communities, or regional projects
- Strong understanding of sustainable strategies and familiarity with LEED ND or equivalent rating systems
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, Google Suite, AutoCAD, and digital design tools such as Rhino, Grasshopper, and Enscape
- Demonstrated leadership experience, with the ability to guide project teams, manage schedules, budgets, and stakeholder relationships
- Excellent verbal, written, and graphic communication skills
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the City Design Practice and contribute to its growth within the Dubai office
- Develop urban design strategies, policies, and research initiatives for complex projects
- Direct the conceptualization, development, and delivery of planning and urban design projects across all phases
- Ensure adherence to quality, consistency, and project requirements in all planning and design deliverables
- Provide strategic leadership, manage project teams, and oversee work plans to support practice initiatives
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, and stakeholders throughout project development
- Drive new business development, enhance client services, and engage in industry networking
- Lead and participate in public presentations and community engagement initiatives
- Mentor and support the professional development of junior staff, while fostering a collaborative office culture
- Oversee project staffing, resource allocation, and financial management in collaboration with project managers
- Champion sustainable and innovative design strategies, ensuring compliance with industry best practices
Leadership & Team Development:
- Lead multiple high-profile projects and cross-functional teams
- Serve as a subject matter expert in urban planning, urban design, and sustainable city strategies
- Actively contribute to talent acquisition, recruitment, and professional development
- Develop and implement best practices, workflows, and operational strategies to mitigate financial and legal risks
Why Join SOM?
SOM offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities to contribute to transformational urban projects. We provide:
- Competitive compensation packages
- Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs
- Retirement and financial planning options
- Work-life balance initiatives
At SOM, diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our success. We believe that a collaborative and inclusive work environment benefits our employees, our firm, and our global community. We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
Application Process:
Interested candidates must submit a portfolio along with their application. Portfolios should be in PDF format (10-20 pages, max 5 MB) and included in the section where the application requests a Resume or CV.
Submit Your Application:
- Visit the company’s careers page or the job listing on the respective job portal.
- Complete the online application form, attaching your updated CV and cover letter.
- submission your application.
