Latest Urban Designer Jobs London

The Role

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Our client is a friendly, medium‑sized practice based in central London, renowned for its cross‑disciplinary expertise in urban design, masterplanning, conservation, and structural engineering. They take on complex, context‑driven projects that shape towns and cities, collaborating closely with long‑term clients and committing to a high quality of design while maintaining a healthy work–life balance.

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They are seeking an Associate Urban Designer to join their Urbanism team. The right candidate will step into a leadership position and help drive the firm’s town and community planning work. This is a fairly urgent hire, and we welcome candidates at Associate level (or senior professionals with 10+ years’ career experience, including a strong urban design background).

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Key Responsibilities

• Design Leadership: Lead the preparation of masterplans, high‑level visions, and outline planning applications (drawings & reports).
• Graphic & Design Development: Shape the firm’s urban design graphics and presentation standards to reflect emerging best practice.
• Business Development: Secure new projects by preparing tender responses, fee proposals, and developing client relationships.
• Project Management: Oversee urban design projects end‑to‑end—managing fees, programmes, and coordinating sub‑consultants.
• Client Engagement: Deliver presentations to clients and stakeholders.
• Team Mentoring & Training: Contribute to in‑house training, mentor junior staff, and participate in firm‑wide learning events.      

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Key Requirements:

• Experience: Minimum 10 years’ career experience, with several years specifically in urban design or masterplanning.
• Qualifications: Relevant design qualification (e.g., Architecture, Landscape Architecture); a Master’s is desirable but not mandatory.
• Project Portfolio: UK‑based town & community planning projects - ranging from small landscape schemes to major city‑extension masterplans.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite; familiarity with UK planning and design guidance.
• Background: Candidates may come from architecture, landscape, conservation, or senior masterplanning roles - so long as you bring solid urban‑design expertise.
• Collaborative Spirit: Proven ability to work across multi‑disciplinary teams (transport, conservation, structures) in a collaborative environment.   

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Why Join?

• Competitive Salary: Starting at £55k+, plus an annual discretionary bonus.
• Generous Leave: 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (33 days total).
• Professional Support: Paid professional subscriptions & exam fees; contribution to study or qualification costs.
• Health & Wellbeing: Life insurance and workplace pension.
• Office Culture: Three complimentary lunches per week; travel allowance for site visits and research.
• Flexible Working: Office‑based preferred, with hybrid/flexible working arrangements to suit role demands.
• Career Progression: Clear path to Senior Associate and Company Director roles, with high Director engagement and mentoring.
• Training & Development: Comprehensive in‑house training scheme plus external bursaries for professional development.
• Collaborative Environment: Work in a friendly, design‑focused team on high‑impact, long‑term projects.

This is an excellent opportunity to join our client’s forward-thinking Urbanism team and play a leading role in shaping the future of towns and cities across the UK.

The Client:

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Join a globally recognised architecture firm with a strong presence in the UK, Europe, and the US,offering an unparalleled opportunity to be part of an award-winning international design team committed to sustainable excellence. The London office, known as a leader in professional design services, specialises incorporate interiors, strategic workplace consultancy, new build architecture, urban design, planning development, and hospitality.

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With hundreds of annual award-winning projects, our client ranks among the top global design firms,boasting 2,500 employees across 24 offices worldwide. Renowned for sustainable innovation and expertise, they are industry leaders in research and design tools.

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Enjoy a host of enticing benefits, including two days of remote work per week, alongside life insurance,health insurance, income protection, travel insurance, professional development opportunities, wellness initiatives, specialist training, tech schemes, and more.

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Main responsibilities:

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Preferred candidates typically possess 7-10 years of experience, with a proven track record in managing complex planning projects from inception to successful completion, particularly within the EMEA region.

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Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough research, analysis, and assessments to drive strategic planning decisions.
• Analyze sites, programs, regulations, and policies using quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Execute advanced development calculations adhering to specified standards and proposed controls.
• Coordinate sub-consultant activities and oversee project deliverables independently.
• Ensure quality assurance and quality control of project documents.
• Prepare and submit comprehensive planning applications, reports, and appeals.
• Liaise with local governments, public officials, and stakeholders throughout the planning process.
• Participate in client and public discussions and presentations, demonstrating teamwork and initiative.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior team members.
• Stay updated on evolving planning regulations, policies, and urban development trends in the UK.     

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Qualifications and Skills:

• In-depth understanding of planning legislation,policies, and procedures, with a successful track record in planning approvals and project delivery.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities to address complex planning issues effectively.  

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Software Proficiency:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite and standard GIS packages.
• Functional knowledge of analytical tools such as ArcGIS and presentation tools like InDesign/PowerPoint.
• Desirable expertise in Adobe Suite (Illustrator,Photoshop) and familiarity with CAD or Rhino Design software.     

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Education and Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in urban design, landscape architecture, geography, or related discipline required.
• MRTPI / MRICS qualification with relevant PQE experience in planning/development.
• Desirable: Sustainability accreditation or professional accreditation aligned with the company's sustainability framework within 6 months of hire.     

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