Urban Design Lead

Gensler; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Urban Design Lead to spearhead diverse projects in Urban Design. This role involves extensive collaboration, business development, and the management of multi-disciplinary teams to achieve client objectives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in design management, a degree in Urban Design or Planning, and a passion for innovative urban solutions. Join a collaborative environment that fosters creativity and mentorship, and contribute to projects that shape urban spaces both in the UK and internationally. If you thrive in a fast-paced setting and are eager to make an impact, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of design experience in Urban Design/Landscape Industry.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills are essential.
• Proven ability to manage consultant teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development across the Urban Design sector.
• Oversee project management processes and client relationships.
• Facilitate design critiques and ensure team productivity.

Skills

Design Management

Leadership

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Creative Collaboration

Problem-Solving

Client Service

Programming Skills

Space Planning

Education

Degree in Urban Design or Planning

Master’s qualification

Tools

Revit

Job description

Your Role

At Gensler, the Urban Design Lead is an integral part of the team who specialise in experiences in the context of Urban Design. We take pride in our collaborative approach and one-firm-firm mindset to meet our client’s goals, objectives, and overall project vision. It is in this spirit and as a UD Lead, it will be your role to lead the team through the delivery of a variety of project types and sizes, across all phases.

Successful candidates will be focused on master planning projects in the UK and Internationally, while also gaining exposure to a wide range of design experiences within our full portfolio of integrated disciplines: architecture, interiors, graphic/industrial design and consulting.

What You Will Do

1. Extensive business development across the Urban Design Sector
2. Actively engage in the market as a thought leader and client relationship developer
3. Collaborate with Practice Area leaders across the office and firm to maximise and convert work-winning opportunities
4. Integrate creative strategy, marketing plans and budget constraints to serve client needs
5. Facilitate design critiques and forums
6. Prioritise workflow and resource allocations to meet internal and external deadlines
7. Create an environment that fosters mentorship, creativity, and professional team growth
8. Oversee performance, set expectations, uphold morale, and measure and improve productivity of the creative team
9. Ensure the Firm’s culture is maintained
10. Develop and nurture positive relationships with existing client contacts, optimising all potential opportunities
11. Maintain an awareness of existing clients’ business objectives, plans, target audience and market trends, and ensure that appropriate opportunities are identified to generate further Lead and facilitate the overall cross-functional project team
12. Focus on the smooth management of the project process, ensuring clarity of requirements, deliverables, timelines, and visibility against fees throughout the project life cycle
13. Prepare, communicate, and monitor project work plans, budgets, and deliverables for client and internal teams
14. Prepare and review proposals, contracts, and consultant agreements
15. Actively take ownership of problems and successful resolution planning in consultation with Urban Design leadership and Studio leader
16. Support and contribute to new business development with both current and potential clients
17. Contribute positively to Project reports and staffing meetings with concise and accurate information to continually improve the studio’s delivery and financial objectives

Your Qualifications

1. Design Management experience, preferably in the Urban Design/Landscape Industry
2. Degree in Urban Design or Planning is essential, Master’s qualification preferred
3. LEED qualification advantageous
4. Relevant experience as an Urban Designer with proven background in creative collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams, from concept through later stages
5. Knowledge and passion for working on a variety of urban design & masterplanning project across multiple sectors
6. Minimum of ten (10) years of Design experience is essential
7. Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills
8. Knowledge and experience in all phases of interior design / architectural projects
9. Experience managing consultant teams and resolving complex technical and design issues
10. Proven ability to provide excellent client service and account leadership
11. Be proactive and adaptable with the ability to work in a fast paced environment
12. Strong programming and space planning skills
13. High level of design competence with knowledge of building codes
14. Experience working on Middle Eastern projects an advantage
15. Proficiency in Revit desirable

This job description reflects the core activities of the role although there will be changes in the emphasis of duties as required from time to time.