Principal Urban Designer

Job Description

Job Description

As a provider of multi-disciplined technical services to the built environment, AtkinsRéalis Middle East is committed to design excellence in the delivery of first-class solutions which combine innovation, imagination, and best practice.

We are seeking a talented and experienced Principal Urban Designer to join our dynamic team in Al Ula, KSA. As a Lead Principal Urban Designer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the built environment, contributing to the creation of vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive urban spaces. You will lead design teams, collaborate with stakeholders, and champion innovative design solutions that enhance the quality of life for communities. This is an ideal opportunity for an individual looking to develop their international experience with a world-renowned multidisciplinary consultant.

About AtkinsRéalis

AtkinsRéalis is a renowned professional services and project management company that has been in operation since 1911. Our primary goal is to engineer a better future for the world and its inhabitants by developing sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology. We offer end-to-end services across the entire life cycle of an asset, including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital. Our global capabilities are available locally, and we deliver unique and exceptional services to clients in key strategic sectors. As part of the overall company integrated services lies the Land Development Department, which is committed to revolutionizing urban landscapes with forward-thinking design solutions that lead us towards a more sustainable future. We recognize that the challenges we face today demand innovative approaches that balance economic vitality with environmental stewardship and social equity. Guided by this ethos, our team of dedicated professionals endeavours to transform the built environment into vibrant, resilient, and inclusive communities that thrive for generations to come. News and information are available at or follow us on LinkedIn.

Responsibilities:

• Design Leadership : Provide direction and leadership in urban design and master planning projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.

• Project Management : Oversee medium to large scale design and production packages under the supervision of the Design / Project Director.

• Design Excellence : Drive design excellence by developing innovative and creative solutions that address complex urban challenges while meeting client needs and regulatory requirements.

• Technical Expertise:  Apply advanced knowledge of urban design principles, land use planning, zoning regulations, and sustainability principles to project work, incorporating best practices and emerging trends.

• Team Management : Lead and mentor a team of urban designers, architects, and planners, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

• Multidisciplinary coordination : Engage and coordinate with different disciplines ensuring the design outcome is the best and aligned with the design principles defined.

• Stakeholder Engagement : Engage with stakeholders including clients, community groups, government agencies, and other relevant parties to gather input, build consensus, and communicate design concepts effectively.

• Urban Analysis : Conduct urban analysis, site assessments, and research to inform design decisions and identify opportunities for improvement.

• Policy Development : Contribute to the development of urban design policies, guidelines, and standards to promote sustainable development and enhance the public realm.

• Visualization and Communication: Utilize a range of graphic tools and visualization techniques to effectively communicate design concepts to clients, stakeholders, and the broader community.

• Research and Education : Stay abreast of emerging trends, best practices, and technologies in urban design, and share knowledge with the team to foster professional growth and development.

Requirements

• Degree of post graduate qualification in urban design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or related field and preferably with a professional affiliation (or eligible for membership)

• Candidates will ideally have minimum 18 years relevant working experience in urban design, urban planning and master planning

• Lead the production of high-quality urban planning, design and master planning project submissions in the UAE, KSA and the wider Middle East and Africa

• Lead in the preparation of technical bids and fee proposals for master planning and urban design projects and other major infrastructure projects where appropriate

• Strong design and graphics capabilities and ability to communicate ideas via various visual and graphic media including hand and computer graphics

• Fully conversant with Adobe Creative Suite with demonstrable graphics and visualisation skills

• Proficiency in design software such as Rhino, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and GIS.

• Competent in PowerPoint, MS Word, Excel and AutoCAD

• Experience in working with a multidisciplinary team desirable

• Strong design management, report production and coordination skills

• Strong conceptual design

• An understanding of sustainability issues within the public realm. (LEED or similar experience and advantage)

• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English

• Capable of working on own initiative or as part of a larger multidisciplinary team

• Have a logical and organized approach to project delivery of project outputs

• Will be required to travel within the Middle East region to projects in a variety of geographical locations, including Saudi Arabia

• Developing and maintaining relationships with clients, attending meetings, workshops and seminars

• Membership in relevant professional organizations and certifications (e.g., AICP, AIA, APA) preferred.

• Other duties associated with the main role and responsibilities will be requested from time to time

Rewards & Benefits:

We offer an excellent package which includes:

• A competitive salary

• Accommodation & Transportation provided at Al Ula

• Annual leave

• Medical and life insurance cover

• Company gratuity scheme

• Discretionary bonus scheme

• 22 working days annual leave (based on 5 days working a week)

• Flight allowance

Equal Opportunities Statement

Atkinsréalis is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforce. We aim to provide quality and fairness for all job applicants and employees and not to discriminate on grounds of gender, marital status, age, race, ethnic origin, religious conviction or disablement. We oppose all forms of unlawful treatment and discrimination. Our aim is for the company to be representative of all sections of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to a policy of treating all our employees and job applications equally.

We pursue this commitment by:

- Having clear and concise procedures and guidelines for both line managers and employees to ensure policies are fully understood and implemented.

- Complying with the relevant employment legislation and codes of practice.

- Ensuring that all existing employees, potential employees, colleagues and customers are treated equally and with respect.

- Ensuring that the workplace is an environment free from discrimination, harassment, victimization and bullying regardless of an individual’s gender, marital status, age, race, ethnic origin, religious conviction or disablement.

- Making all decisions relating to recruitment, selection or promotion according to the employees’ ability.

At AtkinsRéalis , we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.