Senior Urban Designer

The Legends Agency; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design-led architectural studio invites applications for a Senior Urban Designer position in Cape Town. The successful candidate will lead urban design initiatives, drive innovative solutions, and advocate for sustainable practices. Candidates should possess strong technical skills, lead complex projects, and contribute to a dynamic, collaborative culture that emphasizes excellence and mentorship.

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience and skills

Opportunities to work on iconic urban projects

Career development path in a dynamic environment

Culture encouraging innovation and collaboration

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of post-graduate experience in urban design.
• Proven portfolio of master plans and urban design documentation.
• Registration with SACAP or UDISA is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead urban design projects from concept to documentation.
• Engage with clients and stakeholders on spatial development.
• Prepare visual narratives and design reports.

Skills

Urban Design

Landscape Design

Landscape Architecture

Landscape Planning

Education

Postgraduate qualification in Urban Design or Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

Senior Urban Designer
Shape Future Cities Through Design-Led, Contextual Urban Projects
Cape Town Competitive Salary Based on Experience

About Our Client
Our client is a well-established, design-led architectural and urban design studio with a strong presence in local and international projects. The studio is recognised for its commitment to progressive, integrated urban environments that are grounded in sustainability, innovation, and contextual sensitivity.

With a collaborative, high-performance culture, the team offers exciting opportunities for professionals who are passionate about how cities evolve and how urban design can influence social, economic, and environmental outcomes.

The Role: Senior Urban Designer
As a Senior Urban Designer, you will lead the design and strategic development of urban frameworks and masterplans, collaborating closely with architectural teams and external consultants. Your ability to translate complex spatial challenges into innovative, actionable urban design responses will play a vital role in shaping cities and communities for the future.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead urban design projects from concept through to documentation and reporting
• Develop integrated masterplans and frameworks in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
• Engage with clients, municipalities, and stakeholders on spatial development initiatives
• Translate strategic objectives into compelling urban design proposals
• Prepare visual narratives, concept drawings, and design reports
• Advocate for sustainability, place-making, and spatial justice in all design work
• Contribute to a culture of design excellence and collaborative problem-solving

About You

• Postgraduate qualification in Urban Design or Architecture with an urban design focus
• Minimum 5 years of post-graduate experience specifically in urban design
• Proven portfolio of master plans, urban frameworks, and urban design documentation
• Experience leading complex urban design projects and working with diverse teams
• Registration with SACAP or UDISA is advantageous
• South African citizenship required

Technical Skills

• Strong visual communication skills, including sketching, diagramming, and illustrative drawing
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office
• Strong report writing and strategic thinking capabilities
• Experience producing visual narratives and analytical urban maps
• Advantageous: GIS proficiency and familiarity with Rhino or parametric tools

Key Attributes

• Self-motivated and highly organised with an eye for detail
• Effective communicator with strong interpersonal and leadership abilities
• Passionate about sustainable urbanism, spatial justice, and transformative design
• Supportive team player with the ability to mentor junior designers
• Committed to continuous learning and contributing to a collaborative studio environment

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and skills
• Opportunities to work on iconic urban projects across Africa and beyond
• A clear path for career development in a dynamic, design-led environment
• A studio culture that encourages innovation, learning, and collaboration

Desired Skills:

• Urban Design
• Landscape Design
• Landscape architecture
• Landscape planning