Community Focused Urban Designer

Placements24; Queenstown (MD); On-site; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement savings options

Mentorship program

Training opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Community Focused Urban Designer to work with Queenstown's communities on inclusive urban spaces. You will translate community needs into design proposals for public spaces, streetscapes, and neighborhood revitalization with strong facilitation and collaborative approaches.

The role requires a master's degree in a related field, 6+ years of design experience, and proficiency with AutoCAD, SketchUp, ArcGIS, and Adobe Creative Suite.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture, or a related field.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in urban design with community engagement and participatory planning.
• Proficiency in urban design software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, ArcGIS).
• Strong understanding of urban planning principles, zoning regulations, and public space design.

Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in community engagement workshops and public consultation processes.
• Develop urban design concepts, master plans, and design guidelines for public spaces, streetscapes, and neighborhoods.
• Analyze urban contexts, identifying opportunities and challenges for design intervention.
• Collaborate with architects, landscape architects, engineers, and policymakers.
• Prepare visual materials, including plans, renderings, and presentations, to communicate design proposals effectively.
• Ensure designs are contextually sensitive, sustainable, and meet community needs.
• Contribute to policy development and implementation related to urban design and planning.
• Research best practices in urban design, community development, and placemaking.
• Manage project deliverables and timelines related to urban design components.

Skills

Facilitation

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master's degree in Urban Design / Urban Planning / Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

ArcGIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a progressive urban planning and design consultancy, is seeking a dedicated Community Focused Urban Designer to contribute to transformative projects in Queenstown, Eastern Cape . This role involves working closely with local communities, municipalities, and stakeholders to create inclusive, sustainable, and vibrant urban environments. You will be instrumental in translating community needs and aspirations into tangible design proposals, ranging from public spaces and streetscapes to neighborhood revitalization strategies. The ideal candidate will possess strong design skills, excellent facilitation abilities, and a genuine commitment to participatory planning processes. This is a meaningful opportunity to shape the future of urban spaces in Queenstown and make a tangible difference in people's lives through thoughtful and collaborative design.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in community engagement workshops and public consultation processes.
• Develop urban design concepts, master plans, and design guidelines for public spaces, streetscapes, and neighborhoods.
• Analyze urban contexts, identifying opportunities and challenges for design intervention.
• Collaborate with architects, landscape architects, engineers, and policymakers.
• Prepare visual materials, including plans, renderings, and presentations, to communicate design proposals effectively.
• Ensure designs are contextually sensitive, sustainable, and meet community needs.
• Contribute to policy development and implementation related to urban design and planning.
• Research best practices in urban design, community development, and placemaking.
• Manage project deliverables and timelines related to urban design components.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in urban design, with a focus on community engagement and participatory planning.
• Proficiency in urban design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, ArcGIS).
• Strong understanding of urban planning principles, zoning regulations, and public space design.
• Excellent facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skills for engaging diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to translate community input into practical design solutions.
• Passion for creating equitable, sustainable, and livable urban environments.
• Experience working with local government and community organizations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid and retirement savings options. We are committed to fostering professional growth through ongoing training, mentorship, and exposure to a wide range of community-focused projects. The work environment in Queenstown is collaborative and impact-driven, allowing you to see the direct results of your design efforts. Enjoy the opportunity to work on projects that enhance the quality of life for residents in the Eastern Cape and contribute to the region's development. Our client values dedication to community well-being and offers a rewarding career path.