AtkinsRéalis is looking for a Senior Design Manager (Architect/Urban Designer), in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
About AtkinsRéalis
Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. We deploy global capabilities locally to our clients and deliver unique end-to-end services across the whole life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital. The breadth and depth of our capabilities are delivered to clients in strategic sectors such as Engineering Services, Nuclear and Capital. News and information are available at www.atkinsrealis.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
Learn more about our career opportunities at: https://careers.atkinsrealis.com
The Manager, Urban Designer at Modon Properties is a dynamic role focused on hands-on design development from the earliest stages, including visioning and pre-concept design. This role demands a creative and innovative approach, often described as "blue sky thinking," to develop compelling and visionary urban designs. The individual will be instrumental in leading high-level pre-concept and envision design development, leveraging out-of-the-box problem-solving techniques to create groundbreaking urban spaces.
Roles and responsibilities:
- The Manager, Urban Designer is responsible for steering urban design projects from their earliest conceptual genesis through to the developed vision stage suitable for presentation to executive leadership. Tasked with the creative orchestration of urban design elements, this role embodies a range of responsibilities pivotal to the realization of visionary urban environments. The Manager, Urban Designer will undertake the following duties:
- Establish and oversee a structured, efficient visualization and graphics production line.
- Manage and monitor schedules and deliverables, effectively coordinating issue resolution and ensuring commitment to scope.
- Lead the generation and development of the visioning and pre-concept stages of master planning and urban design, employing a hands-on approach to develop innovative design studies and solutions.
- Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including architects and landscape architects, to ensure integrated and cohesive design outcomes.
- Utilize outstanding graphic skills to visualize and convey master planning and urban design visions through sketching and digital tools.
- Create detailed and accurate 3D models using tools like SketchUp and/or Rhino, ensuring architectural accuracy and detail in urban design concepts.
- Develop masterplan and urban design diagrams using Adobe Illustrator, effectively communicating complex spatial and planning concepts.
- Craft visual presentations using Adobe InDesign and PowerPoint to articulate design visions and strategies effectively.
- Engage in creative problem-solving, employing innovative techniques to address complex urban design challenges.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring effective prioritization and execution while maintaining high standards of design quality.
- Conduct thorough site analysis and context studies to inform and enrich the urban design process, ensuring designs are responsive to local conditions and community needs.
- Work closely with the internal commercial and development teams to interpret and refine development briefs, ensuring that urban design proposals align with Modon Properties' strategic objectives and market demands.
- Collaborate extensively with the internal visualization team to produce high-quality architectural renderings and visualizations.
- Generate and prepare test fits for a range of different development concepts, skillfully adapting designs to suit new development sites.
- Present developed urban design visions and concepts to executive leadership, communicating the rationale and impact effectively.
- Stay abreast of the latest trends and technologies in urban design and master planning, continually refining and evolving design approaches.
- Utilize a good understanding of data set creation, integrating tools like Excel and GIS, to inform and support urban design decisions.
- Proactively identify and analyze relevant precedent and benchmark studies to inform the urban design development process.
- Participate in joint workshops and brainstorming sessions with design, commercial, development, and visualization teams.
- Provide mentorship and guidance to junior team members, fostering a culture of learning and professional growth within the urban design team.
- (Optional) Develop scripts for workflow optimization and data analysis, enhancing efficiency and depth in urban design planning.
- Regularly update the internal design team and stakeholders on key findings from precedent studies.
- Utilize benchmark studies to establish best practices and innovative approaches in urban design.
- Integrate lessons learned from benchmark analyses into the urban design process.
- Establish a repository of relevant case studies and precedents for the design team.
Qualifications and education requirements:
- A Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, or a related field.
- A minimum of 12-15 + years of experience in urban design, with a focus on master planning in the visioning and concept stages.
- 5+ years previous experience within a top-tier consultancy firm, with an emphasis on master planning projects in the GCC, particularly in the UAE.
- Local experience in the UAE/GCC region is highly advantageous.
Preferred skills and competencies:
- Exceptional experience in the master plan and urban design process, with an emphasis on early design stages.
- Possess keen design intuition and the capability to drive projects from inception.
- Engage actively in urban design processes with a broad understanding of urban planning challenges.
- Proficiency in 3D modeling tools (SketchUp, Rhino) and Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign etc.).
- Capability to visualize urban design concepts through sketching and digital tools.
- Excellent graphic skills, with the ability to create compelling visual narratives for master planning and urban design projects.
- Good understanding of dataset creation, with proficiency in Excel and GIS.
- (Optional) Ability to develop scripts for workflow optimization in urban design and master planning.
- Creative thinking with robust problem-solving skills, capable of innovative and visionary design solutions.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.
- Passion for staying updated on the latest trends and developments in urban design and planning.
- Demonstrated expertise in conceptual design, high-level design development, and optioneering with the ability to produce high-quality hand-drawn sketches and renderings for initial design concepts.
- Deep familiarity with architectural design standards, practices, and techniques, including proficiency in sketching, rendering, 3D modelling, and presenting designs.
- Exceptional project management, organizational, and analytical skills with a proven track record of driving results, fostering accountability, and promoting continuous improvement.
- Adeptness in reviewing and ensuring the quality of architectural designs with a detail-oriented mindset and unwavering commitment to quality.
- Excellent communication skills, fluent in English; proficiency in Arabic is a plus.
- Familiarity with the UAE's local building codes and regulations.
- Adaptable to shifting project demands and priorities while maintaining a consistent focus on delivering top-tier results.
- Commitment to delivering detailed and quality work.
- Ability to work effectively with visualization, 3D modeling, and various other teams.
- Experience in mentoring and guiding junior designers and fostering their skill development.
- Ability to present design concepts effectively to stakeholders and leadership.
- Ensuring design consistency and adherence to established guidelines and quality standards.
- Actively engage with stakeholders to understand their visions and objectives and provide corresponding design solutions.
- Stay informed about industry trends, tools, and technologies relevant to architectural and urban design.
Why choose AtkinsRéalis?
- Tax-free salary.
- Life insurance coverage.
- Comprehensive medical insurance coverage.
- Paid Annual leave.
- Company gratuity scheme.
- Discretionary bonus program.
- Annual flight contribution.
- Relocation assistance.
- Transportation & housing allowances.
- Employee Wellbeing Program: 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, family care, as well as personal health, fitness, and nutrition consulting.
Your difference makes a difference. We care for our people and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where you can thrive and build a future you want to be a part of.
AtkinsRéalis is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforces. 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.
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