Janus Rostock, regional managing director, buildings + places at AECOM, MEA, shares how his team is shaping resilient, sustainable, and people-centered cities in the Middle East for generations to come
The beauty of design and architecture is that they are in constant motion —evolving with time, context,
and culture. This belief in evolution underpins Janus Rostock’s 27-year journey, which reflects a career defined by growth, adaptability, and collaboration. From Sweden’s award-winning Triangeln Station to Dubai Opera, Dubai Harbour, and the NEOM master plan, he has embraced change as fuel for progress. For him, innovation thrives in collaboration — where diverse perspectives solve complex challenges and create lasting impact.
“Throughout my career, I have transitioned roles almost every three years, allowing me to develop new skills and perspectives. Working on projects across 20 countries has highlighted the value of understanding local contexts and cultures. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to open communication, mutual respect, and shared ownership in achieving successful outcomes,” Janus reflects. Now stepping into his role as Regional Managing Director, Buildings + Places, Middle East and Africa at AECOM, Janus is ready to translate this ethos into the region’s built environment. Each of his previous roles has offered invaluable lessons.
“Through every career step, as well as my international experiences, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the power of co-creation and collaboration. Working closely with diverse teams, often composed of professionals from various disciplines, has taught me that innovation thrives when different perspectives are brought together,” he reflects. He recognises how interdisciplinary teamwork has been crucial in overcoming complex project challenges, fostering creative solutions, and ensuring project objectives align with both local needs and global standards. These experiences, he notes, will be the foundation as he guides the B+P team in shaping the Middle East and Africa’s built environment.
Design Ethos: Scandinavian Roots, Middle Eastern Realities
This philosophy is deeply influenced by his Scandinavian design roots, which prioritise simplicity, honesty of materials, and human well-being — principles he has adapted to the Middle East’s unique climates and traditions. Danishborn architect Janus draws on this ethos to guide his approach to spatial generosity, daylight, and the seamless integration of architecture with landscape.
His work across the Middle East has challenged him to reinterpret these principles for contexts with distinct climates and cultural traditions. Rather than imposing a fixed style, he distilled the essence into clarity, warmth, and resilience. “Working in the Middle East challenged me to translate these principles into contexts with distinct climates and cultural traditions,” he notes. In arid environments, this meant passive cooling strategies, shaded courtyards, and tactile, sustainable materials that could weather time gracefully.
T O D E S I G N T H E C I T I E S O F T O M O R R O W, W E N E E D T E A M S T H A T T H I N K B E Y O N D T H E I R O W N D I S C I P L I N E S . S Y S T E M S T H I N K I N G I S E S S E N T I A L , U N D E R S TA N D I N G H O W I N F R A S T R U C T U R E , CLIMATE, TECHNOLOGY AND HUMAN BEHAVIOUR INTERSECT.”
Buildings + Places: At the Heart of National Visions
These values come to life through AECOM’s Buildings + Places (B+P) team, their efforts supports the nation’s net zero strategy, embedding sustainable design principles and smart technologies across urban development. “Our planning and advisory teams are proud to support decision makers in both the UAE and KSA, contributing to the realisation of Saudi Vision 2030, as well as the UAE’s net zero strategy,” Janus highlights.
From giga infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia to transformative masterplans in the UAE, B+P connects
strategy with execution. By integrating open spaces, stormwater management, mobility solutions, and cultural context, the team creates environments adaptable to shifting demographics, climate realities, and technologies. “The benefit of an integrated interdisciplinary team is that we think holistically about challenges and associated solutions, ensuring that the whole becomes more than the sum of its parts in our design,” Janus asserts.
Resilience and Sustainability
At the core of these national visions is resilience — ensuring infrastructure and communities are adaptable, sustainable, and future-ready. Janus underscores AECOM’s commitment to building cities that stand the test of time through integrated, resilient solutions.
“We believe that by working together, we can create urban spaces that are adaptable and sustainable for generations to come. An integrated interdisciplinary team allows us to think holistically, making the whole greater than the sum of its parts,” he asserts. This approach translates into stormwater systems seamlessly integrated with open spaces, where parks can temporarily hold rainwater, benefiting both communities
and the environment.
At the same time, AECOM’s global Sustainable Legacies strategy drives its commitment to absolute sustainability. With targets like achieving Net Zero by 2040 and reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 60% by 2030, AECOM embeds decarbonisation into every stage of design through its ScopeX™ framework. “AECOM’s shift to absolute sustainability is not just a technical evolution, but also a cultural and strategic transformation,” says Janus. In the Middle East, this means working closely with clients to integrate global best practices while embedding sustainability seamlessly into design and delivery.
“ O V E R T H E N E X T D E C A D E , I H O P E A E C O M ’ S L E G A C Y I N T H E M I D D L E E A S T W I L L B E D E F I N E D B Y T H E Q U A L I T Y, E X C E L L E N C E A N D R E S I L I E N C E O F T H E U R B A N S P A C E S , BUILDINGS AND ENVIRONMENTS WE HELP CREATE.”
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Delivering such resilience demands more than multidisciplinary expertise; it requires true interdisciplinary collaboration that integrates design, engineering, and strategy into holistic solutions.
AECOM’s Buildings + Places business line in MEA is a full-service, multidisciplinary consultancy integrating architecture, engineering, urbanism, interiors, project management, and cost management. “Whilst we are a multidisciplinary architecture and engineering organisation, I prefer to use the term interdisciplinary when I talk about how we work together,” Janus explains.
By blending expertise across disciplines, the team creates unified solutions that address aesthetics, technical detail, cost, and time — offering clients greater value and delivery assurance. Janus stresses the skills and mindsets critical for shaping the cities of tomorrow. “To design the cities of tomorrow, we need teams that think beyond their own disciplines. Systems thinking is essential, understanding how infrastructure, climate, technology, and human behaviour intersect. We also need fluency in data and AI, not just for design generation, but to anticipate how people will interact with spaces. Be curious, adaptable, and have a genuine commitment to collaboration. When diverse perspectives come together with shared purpose, that’s when we create cities that are resilient, inclusive, and truly future-ready.”#
As an example, following the devastating UAE floods of 2024, AECOM developed a comprehensive mitigation strategy with seven integrated solutions — from green-blue networks and retention ponds to sponge streets and permeable surfaces. This showed how interdisciplinary collaboration and global expertise can transform crises into opportunities for resilient urban innovation.
Leadership, Mentorship, and Culture
This collaborative mindset also defines Janus’ leadership style, where co-creation, design thinking, and mentorship shape an environment in which diverse voices can thrive. “Working through problem solving, whether in design or leadership, I prefer to use design thinking, co-creation, and teamwork,” he says.
By fostering a culture of open dialogue, joint problem-solving, and mentorship, AECOM empowers individuals to contribute unique perspectives while delivering stronger projects. “Looking to the future, I believe the integration of digital technologies, including advanced data analytics and AI modelling, will be central to redefining our design processes,” Janus notes.
Creativity and mentorship remain at the heart of this culture — nurturing emerging talent, amplifying inclusion, and ensuring solutions reflect the diversity and ambition of the communities they serve.
The future of cities is being reshaped by technology, climate, and human behaviour — and AI will be at the centre of it. “AI will play a greater role in the future, both in terms of how we generate designs and engineer solutions, but also how we as human beings will use our buildings and spaces,” Janus says.
Autonomous vehicles, expanding public transport, and climate adaptation strategies will all demand smarter urban design. This includes last-mile connectivity, greater investment in public realm, and integrated landscapes that improve resilience and quality of life. “Over the next decade, I hope AECOM’s legacy in the Middle East will be defined by the quality, excellence and resilience of the urban spaces, buildings and environments we help create. We want to be known not just for delivering iconic projects, but for shaping cities that are inclusive, sustainable, and future ready. If we can help governments and clients make smarter and more holistic decisions that stand the test of time, then we’ve truly made a lasting impact.”
For Janus and AECOM, success is not just about delivering projects — it’s about shaping resilient, people-first cities that leave a lasting legacy for the Middle East. Together, they are creating a blueprint for sustainable urbanism that balances innovation, cultural relevance, and human well-being for generations to come.
Life Unplugged
HOBBY
Reading, architecture, exercising, and spending time with friends and family – this is where I recharge and get new perspectives.
BINGE WATCHING
Your Friends & Neighbours – makes me laugh.
FAVOURITE CITY
Copenhagen for its walkability and Singapore for its multi-level landscape integration and public realm.
FOOD AND RESTAURANT
Asian Fusion, Clap in DIFC
QUOTE YOU SWEAR BY “Great things in business are never done by one person. They’re done by a team of people.”— Steve Jobs
