Associate Director Urban Design

AECOM are currently seeking an Urban Design Associate Director to join our Urbanism Planning studio based in Dubai. 

The Urban Design Lead will provide strategic leadership for urban design and masterplanning projects shaping high-quality sustainable and commercially successful urban environments. This role combines design excellence with client leadership business development and team mentorship contributing to the AECOMs regional growth.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of masterplans urban strategies frameworks and design guidelines at city district and precinct scales.
• Set the urban design vision and quality standards across projects ensuring design excellence and consistency.
• Review and approve project briefs scopes of work programmes and fee proposals from a design perspective.
• Allocate resources appropriately across projects ensuring the right skills are deployed at the right stages.
• Monitor workload delivery performance and design quality across designated portfolio.
• Lead the development of design concepts spatial structures and urban narratives for major projects.
• Provide critical design input on land use planning massing strategies public realm networks and place identity.
• Contribute to regional growth strategy identifying new opportunities in urban design masterplanning and advisory services.
• Lead coordination between urban design planning architecture landscape transport and engineering disciplines.
• Ensure a consistent high-quality client experience across all touchpoints.
• Support account management strategies and key client plans.
• Drive repeat work through strong delivery performance and value-added advisory.
• Represent AECOM in high-level client meetings public forums and stakeholder engagements.
• Lead client workshops stakeholder engagement sessions and design reviews with senior decision-makers.

Qualifications :

• Degree in Architecture or a related field (Masters degree preferred).
• 15 years experience in urban design and masterplanning with significant leadership responsibility.
• Proven track record delivering large-scale urban and mixed-use developments.
• Strong experience working with public-sector authorities developers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated success in client management business development and work-winning.
• Excellent design communication skills 
• Strong commercial awareness and strategic mindset.
• Applicants must be willing to travel frequently 

Additional Information :

About AECOM  

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status AECOM benefits may include medical dental vision life AD&D disability benefits paid time off leaves of absences voluntary benefits perks flexible work options well-being resources employee assistance program business travel insurance service recognition awards retirement savings plan and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities we solve our clients complex challenges in water environment energy transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle from advisory planning design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at . 

What makes AECOM a great place to work  

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts youll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills helping you build the career youve always envisioned. Here youll find a welcoming workplace built on respect collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time

Key Skills
Rhinoceros 3D,Information Architecture,Ux,Usability,Adobe Creative Suite,Adobe Photoshop,Adobe Illustrator,Experience Design,Grasshopper,Sketch,Sign Manufacturing,Adobe Indesign
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1