Lead Urban Designer

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

On-site in Durban

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks a Lead Urban Designer to shape sustainable public spaces, guiding large-scale projects from concept to delivery and driving community engagement.

The role requires a Master’s in urban design or related field, 8+ years of experience, and proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, GIS, and Adobe Creative Suite. On-site Durban office. You will mentor junior designers and collaborate across disciplines.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in urban design and planning with leadership experience.
• Strong skills in urban design principles, master planning, and design guidelines.
• Experience with community engagement and public consultation.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptualization, design, and development of urban planning projects.
• Prepare master plans, reports, and visualisations with site analysis and guidelines.
• Engage stakeholders including government agencies, developers, and communities.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, and consultants to integrate design elements.
• Conduct feasibility studies and site analyses for development opportunities.
• Oversee planning applications and development proposals.
• Mentor junior urban designers and planning staff.
• Stay updated on trends and technologies in urban design.

Skills

Leadership

Urban design

Urban planning

Stakeholder engagement

Master planning

GIS

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Education

Master's degree in Urban Design/Planning/Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe InDesign

Photoshop

Illustrator

GIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious urban planning and design consultancy situated in the vibrant coastal city of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , is seeking to appoint a highly motivated and experienced Lead Urban Designer. This critical role will involve shaping the future landscape of urban environments, focusing on sustainable development, community engagement, and the creation of aesthetically pleasing and functional public spaces. The Lead Urban Designer will steer significant projects from conception through to implementation, working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams. This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary leader to make a lasting impact on the urban fabric of Durban and beyond, contributing to transformative city-building initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of urban planning and design projects, ensuring alignment with client objectives and community needs.
• Prepare high-quality urban design reports, master plans, and visualisations, including site analysis, concept designs, and development guidelines.
• Engage effectively with stakeholders, including government agencies, developers, community groups, and the public, to gather input and build consensus.
• Coordinate and collaborate with architects, landscape architects, engineers, and other consultants to integrate diverse design elements into cohesive urban plans.
• Conduct feasibility studies and site analyses, evaluating the potential and constraints of urban development opportunities.
• Oversee the preparation of planning applications and development proposals, ensuring compliance with local planning policies and regulations.
• Mentor and guide junior urban designers and planning staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Stay informed about emerging trends, best practices, and innovative technologies in urban design and planning globally.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture, or a related field from a reputable institution.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in urban design and planning practice, with a significant portion in a leadership or senior role.
• Demonstrated expertise in urban design principles, spatial planning, and the creation of compelling master plans and design guidelines.
• Proficiency in relevant design software, including AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), and ideally GIS software.
• Experience in community engagement and public consultation processes.
• Strong understanding of South African urban planning legislation, policies, and development frameworks.
• Exceptional presentation, communication, and report-writing skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and work effectively under pressure.
• A portfolio showcasing significant urban design and planning projects is required.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package designed to attract top talent, along with a comprehensive benefits scheme. Employees will have the opportunity to work on challenging and impactful urban regeneration projects within Durban and other major South African cities. The firm provides a dynamic work environment that encourages professional growth, continuous learning, and career advancement. Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to creating sustainable and vibrant urban futures. This role is based in our Durban office, requiring full-time commitment on-site.