KEO is a creative enterprise, where innovation is a way of life. We are uniquely resourced with end-to-end services to take clients from inspiration - through conceptualization - to realization of planning, design or project delivery in the built and natural environments. For over 58 years we've led with vision, contributing to many of the world's most ambitious projects, iconic places, remarkable experiences and prosperous communities.

As a highly integrated and agile AEP/PMCM firm, KEO is ranked by ENR in the Top 225 International Design Firms; in the Top 20 International PM/CM Firms; and by World Architecture as 50th largest global architecture firm and #1 Firm in the Middle East Region in their 2021 WAS 100 Survey.

We invite you to join us.

Our newest opportunity is for a talented Design Principal to join our allied practice InSite in the UAE.

The Design Principal will work closely with the Managing Director and other Principals to drive design innovation and environmental intelligence through all projects in both the Landscape and Planning studios. Additionally, the Design Principal will monitor overall project health status and will communicate with the InSite financial team, Finance and other KEO project managers/executives regarding project status and progress, as required. The role represents the practice at all stages of the client and project process from client finding to proposal preparation through to contract award, project execution, and on site as required. As a member of the InSite Leadership Team, this role provides key contributions to the formulation, development and implementation of strategic direction of the practice, design, organizational strategies, policies and practices.

Responsibilities

We envisage success in this role to include;

- Working with the Managing Director to develop, implement, and maintain design, environmental, commercial and operational management best practice across InSite.
- Organising design charrettes as well as regular design project review meetings for all active projects.
- Leading the design mentorship systems throughout the practice.
- Monitoring divisional project performance indicators and producing regular project performance metrics reports for management review.
- Speaking at and attending relevant conferences and publishing thought leadership papers.
- Maintaining connections to universities and potential employees through juries, lectures and/or teaching
- Working with studio leads to identify and proactively resolve internal and external project performance issues.
- Improving the operational systems, processes and policies in support of InSite's development strategy; specifically, in support of employee development, information flow, general project and financial management and organizational planning.
- Attending regular meetings with the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, InSite Managing Director and Director of Operations around fiscal planning.
- Working with the Managing Director and the Director of Operations to manage the overall InSite budget and forecasting.
- Developing, maintaining and monitoring all InSite management procedures, recommends and implements improvements, inclusive of developing specific InSite QMS Systems and manages progression toward ISO 9001 certification.
- Ensuring the full implementation of corporate and practice QA/QC standards.
- Performing other related tasks as directed by InSite Managing Director or KEO executives.
- Providing formal supervision to individual employees within single functional or operational area. Plans and monitors appropriate staffing levels and utilization of labor. Prepares and delivers performance appraisal for staff. Mentors and coaches team members to further develop competencies.
- Demonstrating the ability to lead, influence and motivate people. Exhibiting a detailed understanding of Planning and Landscape Architecture consultancy. Deep knowledge of design and production, with the ability to plan, prioritize, people and resources in order to create contributing, beautiful places within identified time frames and standards. Demonstrates entrepreneurial initiative that embraces a proactive approach to design and team building. Excellent organizational and management skills with the ability to effectively "multi-task" both client facing and internal tasks. Professional registration required, licensure or chartership with an internationally recognized professional association in urban planning, urban design or landscape architecture such as AICP, RTPI, ASLA or CMLI as well as certification such as LEED, BREAM or WELL.
- Demonstrating experience and capability in managing commercial and contractual matters on complex, projects from contract award through project completion and close out. Proven ability to manage complex relationships with clients, consultants, contractors and subcontractors and maintain positive relationships. Ability to prepare project budgets. Knowledge of both main-contract and subcontract preparation, documentation, management and administration; experience in contract negotiation. Knowledge of programs and resource planning. Ability to understand, identify and assess project risk. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbal and written communication.

Requirements

Qualifications

- To be successful in this dynamic opportunity, we envision that your career journey to date will include 20+ years' career experience partnered with a bachelor's degree in urban planning, landscape architecture.
- A master's is preferred.
- The chosen candidate will hold membership or affiliation with bodies such as AICP, RTPI, ASLA or CMLI and will have completed certification in fields such as LEED, BREAM or WELL.

KEO's performance is founded upon integrity, results, innovation, safety and our people. We embrace diversity and recognise its' contribution to client success wherever we work.

We are excited to hear how you can partner with our award-winning team and treat all expressions of interest confidentially.