Urban Designer

HAUS Careers; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected design studio in Essex is seeking a talented Lead Architect / Urban Designer with a passion for placemaking and masterplanning. This senior-level role requires UK residential project experience and offers an opportunity to shape sustainable communities. The position involves leading design projects, collaborating with clients and stakeholders, and contributing to impactful urban design initiatives.

Benefits

Four weeks holiday plus additional time off over Christmas

Dynamic team environment

Qualifications

• 5–10 years’ post-qualification experience in urban/suburban residential masterplanning.
• Solid understanding of UK planning policy and best practices.
• Proven ability to liaise with clients and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead urban design and masterplanning projects from concept to planning submission.
• Conduct site research, analysis, and feasibility studies.
• Attend client meetings and present design proposals.

Skills

Analytical skills

Presentation skills

Report-writing skills

Graphic and technical drawing abilities

Creative thinking

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Education

Qualified Architect (RIBA Part III)

MA in Urban Design

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

MS Office

Revit

Job description

Lead Architect / Urban Designer – Masterplanning Focus

£50K – £55K per annum | Essex | Office-based role

Lead Architect / Urban Designer Role Summary

A respected design studio in Essex is looking for a talented and proactive Lead Architect / Urban Designer to join their growing team. With a strong portfolio in medium to large-scale masterplanning and urban regeneration projects, the studio is seeking someone with a passion for placemaking and the vision to shape high-quality, sustainable communities.

This is a hands-on, senior-level role, ideal for someone who thrives in collaborative environments and is confident in both design leadership and stakeholder engagement. You’ll play a key part in taking projects from concept through to planning and delivery, with a focus on high-quality urban and suburban residential schemes.

Lead Architect / Urban Designer Key Responsibilities

• Must have UK residential project experience.
• Lead and contribute to urban design and masterplanning projects, from concept to planning submission,
• Conduct in-depth site research, mapping, analysis and feasibility studies
• Produce detailed design proposals, diagrams, site layouts, and planning reports
• Prepare key documents including Design and Access Statements, Design Codes, and Parameter Plans
• Collaborate across disciplines within the practice and with external consultants
• Attend and present at client meetings, public consultations and stakeholder workshops
• Provide design-led solutions to urban development challenges
• Support the practice in growing its outline planning stage expertise

Skills and Experience

• Qualified Architect (RIBA Part III) or MA in Urban Design
• 5–10 years’ post-qualification experience in urban/suburban residential masterplanning
• Solid understanding of UK planning policy and best practice in urban design
• Strong analytical, presentation and report-writing skills
• Confident hand sketcher with excellent graphic and technical drawing abilities
• Proficient in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop), MS Office; Revit a bonus
• Proven ability to liaise with clients and community stakeholders effectively
• Calm under pressure with excellent time management and organisational skills
• Creative thinker with strong attention to detail and a collaborative approach

The Offer

• Salary: £50,000 – £55,000, dependent on experience
• Office-based role in Essex, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm
• Four weeks holiday plus additional time off over Christmas

This is a brilliant opportunity to join a friendly and dynamic team working on impactful and forward-thinking urban design projects across the UK. If you’re passionate about creating great places and ready to take the lead, we’d love to hear from you.

Job#25908