Principal Urban Design Architect

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

PD opportunities

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in East London seeks a Principal Urban Design Architect to shape urban fabric through innovative design, master plans, and regeneration projects. You will lead complex urban initiatives and guide a multidisciplinary team across planning, landscape and engineering disciplines.

You will engage with public sector bodies and communities to deliver sustainable, socially equitable environments, operating in a hybrid work setup within the East London, Eastern Cape region.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Urban Design, Architecture, or related field.
• 10+ years in urban design, master planning, and architectural practice.
• Strong knowledge of urban planning principles and development processes.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Rhino and GIS tools.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of urban design strategies, master plans and frameworks.
• Create visualisations and design documentation to communicate concepts.
• Collaborate with clients, government agencies and multidisciplinary teams.
• Ensure sustainable, inclusive and economically vital urban designs.
• Mentor junior designers and architects; stay updated on best practices.

Skills

Urban design

Master planning

Public realm

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Urban Design, Architecture, or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

SketchUp

Rhino

GIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading multidisciplinary design consultancy, is seeking an experienced Principal Urban Design Architect to join their esteemed practice in East London . This senior role will focus on shaping the urban fabric of cities and communities through innovative and sustainable urban design strategies. You will lead the planning and design of complex urban regeneration projects, master planning initiatives, and strategic development frameworks. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of urban planning principles, spatial design, public realm enhancement, and the social, economic, and environmental factors influencing urban development. You will collaborate with a diverse team of planners, landscape architects, engineers, and policymakers to create vibrant, resilient, and livable urban environments. This is a pivotal opportunity to influence urban development in East London, Eastern Cape , and beyond. This role involves a hybrid working model.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of urban design strategies, master plans, and frameworks for diverse urban projects.
• Create compelling visualisations and design documentation to communicate urban design concepts effectively.
• Collaborate with clients, government agencies, community groups, and multidisciplinary teams throughout the design process.
• Ensure urban designs are contextually sensitive, sustainable, and promote social equity and economic vitality.
• Conduct urban analysis, site assessments, and feasibility studies.
• Develop design guidelines and policies for urban development.
• Mentor and guide junior urban designers and architects.
• Stay abreast of best practices, innovative technologies, and emerging trends in urban design and planning.
• Present design proposals and strategic recommendations to clients and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Urban Design, Architecture, or a related field, with a strong emphasis on urban planning and design.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in urban design, master planning, and architectural practice, with a proven track record of leading significant projects.
• Extensive knowledge of urban planning principles, spatial analysis, and development processes.
• Proficiency in urban design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Rhino) and GIS tools.
• Strong graphic and visualization skills, with the ability to produce high-quality design presentations.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Experience working with public sector clients and regulatory bodies is highly desirable.
• Understanding of sustainability principles and their application in urban contexts.
• Must be able to work effectively within the East London, Eastern Cape region and participate in hybrid work arrangements.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and an attractive benefits package, including medical aid, a retirement fund, and continuous professional development opportunities.
• Employees enjoy a collaborative and stimulating work environment that encourages innovation and interdisciplinary teamwork.
• The hybrid work model in East London is designed to promote a healthy work-life balance.

Join a leading firm and contribute to the creation of meaningful and impactful urban environments.