Urban Designer

JR United Kingdom; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Associate Urban Designer to join their dynamic Urbanism team in London. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead innovative projects that shape communities and cities. With a focus on collaboration and design excellence, the firm values work-life balance and offers a competitive salary starting at £55,000, plus an annual discretionary bonus. Join a forward-thinking team committed to professional development and impactful design, where your expertise will help drive the future of urban planning. If you’re passionate about creating vibrant urban spaces, this could be the perfect fit for you.

Benefits

Paid professional subscriptions

Life insurance

Workplace pension

Complimentary lunches

Travel allowance

Flexible working arrangements

Comprehensive training scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in urban design or masterplanning.
• Proven ability to work across multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of masterplans and planning applications.
• Shape urban design graphics and presentation standards.
• Secure new projects through client engagement.

Skills

Urban Design

Masterplanning

Client Engagement

Business Development

Team Mentoring

Collaborative Spirit

Education

Degree in Urban Design or Related Field

Tools

AutoCAD

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

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London I Permanent I £55,000+ (dependent on experience) + discretionary bonus

The Role

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.

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).

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.
• 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.

Key Requirements:

• Experience: Minimum 10 years’ career experience, with several years specifically in urban design or masterplanning.
• 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.

Why Join us?

• Competitive Salary: Starting at £55k+, plus an annual discretionary bonus.
• 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.

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.

If you are interested in the above role and you meet the requirements/criteria, please apply or contact me to discuss further. Send applications (cv and portfolio) or queries to [emailprotected] and I will get back to you as soon as possible. John – Recruitment Consultant

Please note that only candidates with eligibility to work in the UK will be considered.