Senior Urban Designer

AECOM; Dubai; Hybrid; AED 300,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, seeks a Senior Urban Designer to lead conceptualization, design, and implementation of innovative urban development projects that shape the city. You will collaborate with architects, planners, engineers and stakeholders to create sustainable, vibrant communities driving growth.

You will lead a multidisciplinary team, manage complex projects, and ensure compliance with local building codes while leveraging advanced design software for compelling

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in architecture or related field.
• 8+ years of professional experience in urban design/masterplanning.
• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, ArcGIS, Revit.
• Strong knowledge of urban planning, zoning regulations, design standards.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Proven expertise in sustainable urban design and green building practices.
• Experience developing master plans and mixed-use developments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
• Project management experience with budgets, timelines, and deliverables.
• Experience collaborating with landscape, transportation, and sustainability teams.
• Ability to present concepts clearly to senior leadership and clients.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and planning of large-scale urban development projects, including master plans and public spaces.
• Conduct urban analysis and feasibility studies to guide design strategies.
• Develop conceptual designs and frameworks aligned with sustainability and local regulations.
• Mentor a multidisciplinary team of designers, planners, and specialists.
• Engage with government agencies, clients, and community stakeholders for requirements and solutions.
• Use advanced urban design software to create visualizations and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with UAE building codes, zoning and guidelines.
• Analyze site conditions, demographics, and market trends for design insights.
• Collaborate with landscape, transportation, and sustainability teams.
• Present concepts and project updates to leadership and clients.
• Stay updated on emerging urban design trends and technologies.
• Review deliverables to maintain high design quality.

Skills

Urban design

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Architecture or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

ArcGIS

Revit

Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Senior Urban Designer to join our organization in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. In this pivotal role, you will lead the conceptualization, design, and implementation of innovative urban development projects that shape the future of our dynamic city. You will work collaboratively with architects, planners, engineers, and stakeholders to create sustainable, vibrant communities that enhance quality of life and drive economic growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and planning of large-scale urban development projects, including master plans, mixed-use developments, and public spaces


• Conduct comprehensive urban analysis and feasibility studies to inform design strategies and recommendations


• Develop conceptual designs and detailed urban design frameworks that align with sustainability principles and local regulations


• Manage and mentor a multidisciplinary team of designers, planners, and technical specialists


• Engage with government agencies, clients, and community stakeholders to gather requirements and present design solutions


• Utilize advanced urban design software and tools to create compelling visualizations and technical documentation


• Ensure all projects comply with UAE building codes, zoning regulations, and municipal guidelines


• Analyze site conditions, demographic data, and market trends to inform strategic design decisions


• Collaborate with landscape architects, transportation planners, and sustainability consultants to integrate best practices


• Present design concepts and project updates to senior leadership and clients with clarity and professionalism


• Stay current with emerging urban design trends, technologies, and sustainable development practices


• Review and quality-assure deliverables to maintain high standards of design excellence

Qualifications

• A Bachelors Degree in Architecture or a related field


• Minimum 8 years of professional experience in urban design and masterplanning


• Advanced proficiency in urban design software including AutoCAD, SketchUp, ArcGIS, and Revit


• Strong knowledge of urban planning principles, zoning regulations, and design standards


• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects


• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, both written and verbal


• Proven expertise in sustainable urban design and green building practices


• Experience developing master plans and mixed-use development projects


• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with meticulous attention to detail


• Project management experience with ability to manage budgets, timelines, and deliverables

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you'll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you've always envisioned. Here, you'll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

ReqID: J10156583

Business Line: U&P

Business Group: DCS

Strategic Business Unit: ME and Africa

Career Area: Design

Work Location Model: Hybrid