Manager - Landscape Architecture

Job description / Role

Job Summary:
* Accountable and responsible to ensure that all Landscape Architecture designs in the ALDAR portfolio (from Masterplanning to construction implementation) are in line with the development's value proposition and meet the projects vision
* Encourage Design Innovations in Masterplanning & Landscape Architecture that maximize ROI's
* Accountable and responsible for Design Management of the listed Masterplans and Full Service Projects below - delivering on time and within budget:
* Al Falah Town Center Revised Detailed Masterplan Public Realm, Landscape Concept Masterplan and Full Services;
* Zone K Revised Detailed Masterplan Revised Public Realm, Landscape Concept Masterplan and Full Services;
* Al Dana Detailed Masterplan, Landscape Concept Masterplan and Full Services
* Al Raha Beach Detailed Master, Landscape Concept Masterplan and Full Services;
* Al Ain Ghaneima Phase 2 Detailed Landscape Masterplan and Full Services;
* Nareel Island Revised Detailed Masterplan Public Realm, Landscape Masterplan and Full Services;
* Al Raha Beach East Circular Pedestrian Bridges;
* Saraya Hybrid Detailed Masterplan, Landscape Masterplan and Full Service Public Realm;
* Shams Central Park Hybrid Detailed Masterplan, Landscape Masterplan ad Public Realm Full Services
* Eastern Mangroves Concept and Detailed Masterplanning

Roles and Responsibilities:

* Public Realm Design Review of all Full Service Projects & Masterplans in the company's development portfolio;
* Design & Project Management of Concept & Detailed Masterplans & Full Service Projects (as listed above);

Pre Design & Pre Masterplanning:
* Create client design briefs in conjunction with Development Manager, Project Vision and ICP Gateways
* Review Site Survey and provide analysis, feasibility / test-fits based on inputs from Development Manager in order to establish appraisal and define & write RFP
* Participate in prequalification process and provide assessment of consultant capabilities
* Create and provide advice on bidders lists for Masterplans and Full Service Projects
* Write the Masterplan or Project Brief and the scope sections of the RFP in conjunction with the Development Manager and Tender Department
* Provide Tender Evaluations for Technical stage submissions
* Update and manage Aldar Design Masterplan & Landscape Architecture Guidelines with input from Development and PDT
* Write Project Implementation Plans (PIP's) and Project Execution Plans (PEP's) as the Design Manager for Masterplans and Full Service Projects
* Develop the Project Implementation Plans for Masterplans and Projects
* Develop the Project Execution Plans for Masterplans and Projects
* Write and issue the Bidders Recommendation Reports for Masterplan or Project Awards

Design & Masterplanning:
* Update Design & Masterplanning Weekly and Monthly Tracking Sheets and Actions Lists
* Design, promote and administer landscape plans and policies affecting land use, zoning and public areas
* Oversee all design activities for landscaping design efforts of open spaces including both natural and built environments and manage the various stages of the design process
* Manage all landscape design consultants on a day-to-day basis to ensure that all drawing submittals are in line with the ICP criteria and processes
* Monitor drawing reviews and follow up with project teams to monitor that implementation efforts are aligned with approved drawings
* Review master plan and raise issues that relate to vacant land
* Liaise with Development & Portfolio Management to reflect any design changes on forecast
* Participate in design presentations and review design related submittals from concept to final delivery for above mentioned Masterplans and all projects in relation to Urban Design & Landscape Architecture
* Administer Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Transport Masterplan (TMP or TIS) of the proposed masterplan or project, and work to ensure within regulatory requirements are satisfied
* Ensure and oversee continuous design liaison with Senior Managers (Masterplanning, Architecture, Infrastructure, Govt. Relations etc.) for masterplans and Project activities in a timely manner
* Administer the consultant contract in relation to contract implementation, measuring completed work for payments against program and variation orders etc.
* Liaise with consultants to ensure that all public realm drawing submittals are in line with Aldar specifications
* Ensure possible value engineering ideas are identified to cut costs/time and provide recommendations to masterplanning and project teams
* Manage and liaise with design review and delegate other professional disciplines to related colleagues (MEP, structure, Estidama, HSE, Transportation, etc.) and assure that the plan meets the set sustainability targets
* Manage and approve all proposed value engineering options
* Review design documentation for the purpose of validating brief compliance
* Review design documentation for the purpose of validating code compliance
* Ensure designs are in compliance with building codes, AD 2030, UPC and Estidama requirements and assist in obtaining authority permits (eg: UPC, ADM, DoT, PRFD etc). (Note: the obtaining of permits is the responsibility of the consultant or contractor based on the related scope of service).
* Assist in obtaining Utility/DOT/ADM/ etc. NOC's in order to obtain a Building Permits.
* Review and approve all proposed materials, their substitutes and colors
* Liaise and Engage Government Relations, HSE, GIS, and CAD Department on an as needed basis for masterplanning or project related issues and concerns

Construction:

* Conduct site visits and collaborate with project teams to identify and flag landscape design issues and possible value engineering ideas to cut costs/time and simplify delivery
* Review and approve mock-ups for final implementation on the ground
* Support the design team in solving landscape design implementation technical issues by attending coordination meetings, proposing and validating viable technical workarounds and ensuring their implementation
* Review projects with Project Managers to identify and resolve design related issues
* Review and approve substantial changes of design or substitutes of material / equipment
* Attend Site Inspections/Site Visits as requested by the Construction Manager

Post Construction:
* Review and inspect projects following completion or within the defect liability period for defects, issues and catalogue lessons learnt for future projects

Other Duties:
* Stay abreast with latest ideas in real estate planning and landscape architecture; conceive methods to institute them in-house
* Mentor Interns and Junior Staff

Reporting Lines:

* Reporting to Senior Manager - Architecture, Landscaping & Interior Design
* Report From: None

Requirements

* Bachelor degree in landscaping design is required
* Technical post-graduate degree is preferred

Capabilities / Skills:

Business capabilities:

* 8+ years of experience of real estate landscaping and Public realm Design
* Deep exposure to GCC region and adjacent markets preferred
* Demonstrated track record in real estate developments
* Excellent design capabilities

Interpersonal skills:

* Excellent leadership skills and ability to delegate and coordinate responsibilities
* Strong conflict resolution/management skills
* Strong team player with ability to balance conflicting priorities and take timely decisions
* Excellent analytical skills
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

Key Performance Indicators:

* Masterplanning and Landscape Architecture design costs vs. budget
* Development & Portfolio Management Satisfaction
* Timeliness in generating Masterplanning and Landscape Architecture
* Timely approval of permits/licenses
* Number of new masterplans or projects completed
* Number of masterplans or projects approved by UPC
* Number of changes/deviations from original master plan
* Number of masterplans or projects under implementation
* Number of design defects

About the Company

The company has developed some of Abu Dhabi's most iconic and complex projects, from the Formula 1 facilities on Yas Island to the thriving new Shams Abu Dhabi community on Reem Island. Its property portfolio is diversified and balanced, with residential communities accounting for around half of assets, retail property representing a third, and the remainder split between commercial and hospitality.

With a land bank of over 77 million square metres, 90 percent of which is in special investment zones, Aldar Properties is focused on serving the growing demand in the UAE for high-quality and professionally managed property.

Aldar Properties is a strong partner of the Abu Dhabi government, which is a major shareholder. The business is aligned with the Emirates Vision 2030 strategy of economic diversification and social infrastructure development.