Design Director - Urban Design

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Job Description

Parsons is a leading disruptive technology provider in the national security and critical infrastructure markets, with a focus on cyber-physical capabilities, missile defense, space, connected infrastructure, and smart cities. We are seeking an exceptional leader to join our team on the groundbreaking NEOM The Line project in Saudi Arabia.

The Director of Urban Design will be a pivotal leadership role responsible for guiding and overseeing all urban design aspects of The Line project within NEOM. This individual will drive the conceptualization, planning, and execution of innovative urban environments, ensuring alignment with NEOM's bold vision for a sustainable, technologically advanced, and human-centric future city. The successful candidate will bring extensive experience in large-scale, complex urban development projects, demonstrating a proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and deliver world-class design solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for all urban design initiatives on The Line project, ensuring the highest standards of design excellence and innovation.
• Lead the development and refinement of urban design concepts, master plans, and detailed design guidelines, ensuring integration across all project disciplines (architecture, landscape, infrastructure, mobility, etc.).
• Collaborate closely with NEOM stakeholders, government entities, and international consultants to translate the project vision into actionable urban design strategies and tangible outcomes.
• Manage and mentor a team of urban designers, architects, and planners, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.
• Oversee the entire design lifecycle, from conceptualization and feasibility studies through detailed design, tender documentation, and construction support.
• Ensure adherence to international best practices in urban design, sustainability, smart city principles, and resilient infrastructure.
• Lead design review processes, ensuring quality control, adherence to project objectives, and effective problem-solving.
• Represent Parsons and the urban design team in high-level meetings, presentations, and workshops with clients and external partners.
• Identify and mitigate potential design risks, proposing innovative solutions to complex urban challenges.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and future development of urban design capabilities within Parsons.
  
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 25 years of progressive experience in urban design and master planning, with a significant portfolio of large-scale, complex urban development projects.
• Demonstrated experience in a leadership role, managing large multidisciplinary teams on international projects, preferably in the Middle East.
• Proven track record of delivering innovative and sustainable urban design solutions for high-profile, vision-driven developments.
• Extensive experience with all phases of urban development, from concept through construction.
• Strong understanding of smart city technologies, sustainable design principles, and integrated urban systems.
  
  
  

Required Skills

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• Superior analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a strategic and creative mindset.
• Excellent presentation and stakeholder management skills, capable of engaging effectively with senior leadership and diverse groups.
• Proficiency in relevant design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, GIS, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Deep knowledge of international urban planning and design regulations and best practices.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic, and multicultural environment.
  
  
  

Parsons equally employs representation at all job levels no matter the race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information.

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