Associate Master Planner (Design)

Blake Anderson; Dubai; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Architectural & Urban studio in Dubai is seeking a design-focused Associate Master Planner. This role demands a strong urban design background and a passion for narrative-driven master planning. Key responsibilities include leading design vision, developing urban frameworks, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams. The ideal candidate will have 8-12 years of experience, a compelling design portfolio, and skills in Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, and Rhino. Opportunities for mentorship and creative collaboration are intrinsic to this role.

Qualifications

• 8-12 years experience in urban design or master planning.
• Strong design-led portfolio demonstrating concept development.
• Experience in Middle East or international large-scale master plans.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design vision and spatial strategy for master plans.
• Develop strong, concept-driven narratives that translate into frameworks.
• Coordinate with architecture, landscape, mobility, and sustainability teams.
• Present confidently to clients, stakeholders, and authorities.
• Mentor junior planners and urban designers.

Skills

Urban design

Concept development

Spatial thinking

Graphic communication

Diagrammatic communication

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite

Proficiency in AutoCAD

Proficiency in Rhino

Strong verbal and written English

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

AutoCAD

Rhino

Job description

My client a leading Architectural + Urban studio is seeking a design-focused Associate Master Planner with a strong architectural or urban design background and a passion for concept-led, narrative-driven master planning. This role is not policy-driven planning, but rather creative spatial design at the urban scale. The successful candidate will lead master planning projects from vision and concept through framework development, working closely with architecture, landscape, and visualization teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design vision and spatial strategy for master plans and urban design projects
• Develop strong, concept-driven narratives that translate into clear urban frameworks
• Produce and oversee diagrams, plans, sections, and illustrative material
• Coordinate with architecture, landscape, mobility, and sustainability teams
• Present confidently to clients, stakeholders, and authorities
• Mentor junior planners and urban designers
• Contribute to placemaking, public realm, density studies, and phasing strategies
• Support bid work, competitions, and early-stage feasibility studies

Required Experience & Skills

• 8-12 years experience in urban design or master planning
• Strong design-led portfolio demonstrating concept development and spatial thinking
• Experience in Middle East or international large-scale master plans
• Excellent graphic and diagrammatic communication skills
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, and/or Rhino
• Strong verbal and written English
• Architectural background is an advantage but not essential

Personal Attributes

• Highly creative, conceptually rigorous thinker
• Comfortable working across scales (city ? block ? public realm)
• Strong storyteller and visual communicator
• Collaborative and design-driven mindset