WSP Middle East is seeking a highly creative, technically savvy, and client-facing design professional to join our newly formed Aquatic Design Division as **Associate – Creative Lead** . This senior role is responsible for shaping and delivering the artistic vision of our aquatic environments during the early project phases—namely Concept and Schematic Design. You will lead a talented group of design associates, 3D visualisation artists, and creative technicians, developing narratives, aesthetics, and experiences that push boundaries. The ideal candidate will possess a strong sense of design storytelling, hand-sketching capabilities, knowledge of product and material innovations (e.g., lighting, special effects, water technologies), and the ability to translate vision into compelling presentations. This role reports directly to the **Head of Aquatic Design** and plays a key part in WSP’s multidisciplinary creative offering, integrating with landscape architects, lighting designers, and experiential teams to bring to life immersive aquatic spaces. **Design Leadership & Creative Direction** + Develop original design concepts for water features and swimming pools, incorporating aesthetics, sensory experiences, sustainability, and client vision. + Be accountable for all creative outputs across concept and schematic stages, including sketches, Rhino/3D models, rendered visuals, and multimedia presentations. + Use hand sketching, Adobe Suite, Rhino, and simulation tools (e.g., Syncronorm) to communicate ideas rapidly and effectively. + Explore and specify creative technologies—lighting, jets, audio, water choreography, fog, and material effects—with an understanding of their design implications and feasibility. **Client Engagement & Project Positioning** + Lead visioning workshops and client presentations, clearly articulating design narrative and creative strategies. + Respond to RFIs and collaborate closely with the client’s creative teams and consultants to shape project direction. + Serve as the accountable point of contact for creative deliverables and ensure alignment with both internal teams and external expectations. **Team & Quality Oversight** + Supervise a growing creative team including design associates and digital designers. + Oversee development of moodboards, briefs, InDesign reports, and narrative packages for use in tenders and client presentations. + Lead the creative QAQC process, ensuring that all creative outputs are innovative, accurate, and align with WSP’s quality standards. **Process Development & Innovation** + Implement lessons learned and continuous improvement strategies across projects. + Coordinate design simulation reviews, creative reports, and sustainability narratives. **Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration** + Work closely with the Technical Lead to ensure the creative vision is retained through to detailed design and construction. + Participate in interdisciplinary design discussions with architecture, BIM, MEP, and lighting teams to ensure integration and alignment. + Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a related design discipline. + 10+ years of experience in concept design for built environments, ideally with a focus on water features, public realm, or experiential installations + Strong portfolio demonstrating creative vision, hand-sketching ability, and proficiency with digital tools (Rhino, SketchUp, Adobe Suite, Syncronorm, etc.) + Confident in client-facing roles with exceptional verbal presentation and storytelling skills + Experience integrating product knowledge (e.g., jets, nozzles, lighting, fog systems) into concept development + Familiarity with technical integration and understanding of how engineering constraints shape design + Knowledge of sustainability principles with the ability to incorporate them into the creative brief and design documentation + Proven collaborative experience with engineers, consultants, and multidisciplinary design teams + Demonstrated leadership in guiding creative teams and nurturing talent + Previous experience within an international design consultancy is preferred **Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.** Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.