Senior Urban Designer

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Health and retirement benefits

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Urban Designer in Port Elizabeth to lead urban design strategies from master plans to detailed guidelines, shaping vibrant, sustainable city spaces and guiding placemaking initiatives.

You will collaborate with architects, engineers, and public authorities, mentor junior designers, and contribute to proposals. Hybrid work and a strong benefits package accompany this challenging, impactful role.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Urban Design or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of professional experience in urban design and planning.
• Experience leading significant urban development projects.
• Strong graphic communication and visualization skills.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, GIS.
• Excellent analytical and communication abilities.
• Experience with public consultation and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of urban design strategies and master plans for complex projects.
• Create detailed urban design frameworks, guidelines, and concept designs.
• Conduct site analysis, research, and feasibility studies for urban development opportunities.
• Engage with clients, local authorities, community groups, and stakeholders to gather input and build consensus.
• Prepare high-quality visual documentation, including plans, sections, elevations, renderings, and models.
• Collaborate with architects, landscape architects, engineers, and planners to ensure integrated design solutions.
• Review and critique design proposals to ensure adherence to urban design principles and project objectives.
• Stay current with best practices in sustainable urbanism, placemaking, and public realm design.
• Mentor junior urban designers and contribute to the team's professional development.
• Contribute to winning new commissions through proposal writing and presentations.

Skills

Urban design

Project leadership

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Education

Master's degree in Urban Design or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

GIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading urban planning and design consultancy based in Port Elizabeth, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Urban Designer to contribute to transformative city-shaping projects. This role involves leading the design and planning of urban spaces, from conceptual master plans to detailed design guidelines. You will play a crucial part in shaping the future of communities by creating sustainable, vibrant, and functional urban environments. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of urban design principles, planning policy, landscape architecture, and community engagement. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, stakeholders, and public entities to deliver innovative and contextually sensitive urban solutions. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence the built environment in Eastern Cape and contribute to significant placemaking initiatives. Our client is dedicated to excellence in urban design and fostering a collaborative studio culture in Port Elizabeth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of urban design strategies and master plans for complex projects.
• Create detailed urban design frameworks, guidelines, and concept designs.
• Conduct site analysis, research, and feasibility studies for urban development opportunities.
• Engage with clients, local authorities, community groups, and stakeholders to gather input and build consensus.
• Prepare high-quality visual documentation, including plans, sections, elevations, renderings, and models.
• Collaborate with architects, landscape architects, engineers, and planners to ensure integrated design solutions.
• Review and critique design proposals to ensure adherence to urban design principles and project objectives.
• Stay current with best practices in sustainable urbanism, placemaking, and public realm design.
• Mentor junior urban designers and contribute to the team's professional development.
• Contribute to winning new commissions through proposal writing and presentations.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Urban Design or a related field (e.g., Urban Planning, Architecture with an urban focus).
• A minimum of 6 years of professional experience in urban design and planning.
• Proven experience in leading the design of significant urban development projects.
• Exceptional graphic communication and visualization skills.
• Proficiency in relevant design and visualization software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, GIS).
• Strong understanding of urban planning principles, policy, and development processes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with experience in public consultation.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines effectively.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Port Elizabeth.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunity to lead impactful urban regeneration and development projects.
• Professional development support and opportunities for advancement.
• Collaborative and inspiring work environment.
• Contribution to shaping sustainable and liveable cities.
• Hybrid work arrangements offering flexibility.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Generous annual leave.