Senior Urban Design Strategist (Remote)

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Fully remote work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Urban Design Strategist to lead master plans, concept designs, and regeneration strategies for complex urban projects. This remote-first role emphasizes sustainability, placemaking, and stakeholder engagement across international contexts.

The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree in Urban Design, 8+ years of progressive experience, and proficiency in AutoCAD, Rhino, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and GIS.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture, or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience with a strong project portfolio.
• Proven mastery of master planning, concept designs, and regeneration strategies.
• Strong knowledge of urban planning policies, zoning, and development processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of urban design strategies, master plans, and concept designs for diverse urban projects.
• Conduct in-depth site analysis, context studies, and feasibility assessments.
• Engage with stakeholders, including government agencies, communities, and private developers, to gather input and build consensus.
• Integrate principles of sustainability, resilience, social equity, and placemaking into urban design proposals.
• Develop visualisations, presentations, and design narratives to communicate strategic vision.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including architects, landscape architects, engineers, and policy experts.
• Oversee the preparation of design guidelines and development frameworks.
• Stay abreast of global best practices, emerging trends, and innovative approaches in urban design and planning.
• Mentor junior urban designers and contribute to the firm's knowledge base.
• Ensure design strategies align with client objectives and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Facilitation

Analytical thinking

Team management

Education

Master's degree in Urban Design/Urban Planning/Architecture or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Rhino

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

GIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a visionary urban planning and design consultancy committed to creating vibrant, sustainable, and resilient cities, is seeking a Senior Urban Design Strategist to join their fully remote, international team. This critical role focuses on developing strategic frameworks and design concepts for complex urban regeneration projects, public spaces, and master-planned communities. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of urban planning principles, social dynamics, environmental considerations, and innovative design approaches. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of urban environments, working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, and driving the conceptualisation and strategic direction of projects. This is a remote-first position, offering unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to work on globally significant urban development challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of urban design strategies, master plans, and concept designs for diverse urban projects.
• Conduct in-depth site analysis, context studies, and feasibility assessments.
• Engage with stakeholders, including government agencies, communities, and private developers, to gather input and build consensus.
• Integrate principles of sustainability, resilience, social equity, and placemaking into urban design proposals.
• Develop compelling visualisations, presentations, and design narratives to communicate strategic vision.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including architects, landscape architects, engineers, and policy experts.
• Oversee the preparation of design guidelines and development frameworks.
• Stay abreast of global best practices, emerging trends, and innovative approaches in urban design and planning.
• Mentor junior urban designers and contribute to the firm's knowledge base.
• Ensure design strategies align with client objectives and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in urban design and strategic planning, with a strong portfolio of completed projects.
• Proven expertise in developing master plans, conceptual designs, and urban regeneration strategies.
• Excellent understanding of urban planning policies, zoning regulations, and development processes.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, Rhino, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and GIS.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead project teams and manage complex stakeholder engagements.
• Experience working effectively in a remote, collaborative, and deadline-driven environment.
• A passion for creating human-centered, sustainable, and vibrant urban environments.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the flexibility of a fully remote work arrangement. This role provides the unique opportunity to work on transformative urban projects globally, contributing to meaningful change. You will be part of an innovative and supportive international team, with ample opportunities for professional growth and impact. This position offers the freedom and flexibility to shape your career from anywhere.