Celebrating Our People & Their Legacy: Rob Day’s Remarkable Career at WATG

In the world of architecture and design, a select few leave an indelible mark on the industry and the organizations they serve as well as in the memories of the people they work and collaborate with. Robert Day, Principal and Project Director of Planning & Landscape at WATG, is one such individual. With a career spanning three decades and an impressive portfolio of projects, Rob’s journey with WATG has been nothing short of extraordinary.

In this film, Rob takes a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reminiscing about his very first project, the Bali Nirwana golf resort in Tanah Lot, Bali, which dates back to the mid-nineties. Reflecting on this early endeavor, Rob recalls how they ingeniously integrated existing paddy rice fields into the design—a pioneering approach at that time. This experience laid the foundation for his passion for incorporating local culture and preserving natural attributes in his future projects. 

When asked about his favorite project, Rob speaks about the Singita Sasakwa Lodge in Tanzania. Nestled near the Serengeti National Park, the lodge is a blend of luxury and sustainability. Rob recounts the extraordinary efforts undertaken to restore the ecosystem, reintroduce wildlife, and uplift local communities.  

Throughout his journey at WATG, Rob has taken bold risks that have yielded remarkable results. One of the most significant risks he undertook was establishing the landscape team when entrusted with the landscape design for The Sheraton Heliopolis in Egypt. It represented a venture into uncharted territory for the company, but Rob’s unwavering determination and ingenuity paved the way for the birth of a new division that continues to thrive to this day. 

Reflecting on his time at WATG, Rob humbly acknowledges that there are a few things he would change. However, given the chance, he would have loved to pick up a local language during his tenure in Asia. He deeply understands the immense value of understanding and connecting with local cultures, which is something he encourages aspiring designers to prioritize. 

One of Rob’s most endearing qualities is his role as a mentor. Approachable and humble, he eschews rigid rules in favor of a natural and encouraging approach. He guides his team members, empowering them to find their own answers and grow both professionally and personally. 

Rob Day’s journey at WATG is a testament to his dedication, commitment, and passion. WATG takes the opportunity to celebrate the contributions of its remarkable team members like Rob, who continues to shape the world of architecture and design.