Senior Urban Designer

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 750,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Career development

Collaborative environment

Impactful projects

Competitive salary

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg is seeking a Senior Urban Designer to shape master plans and design guidelines within a multidisciplinary team. You will lead urban design projects, coordinate with architects, engineers and stakeholders, and translate complex urban challenges into integrated, sustainable solutions.

The role requires a Master's degree and at least seven years of relevant experience, strong portfolio, proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, GIS and the Adobe Creative Suite, plus a

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in urban design and planning, with a strong portfolio.
• Demonstrated experience in leading urban design projects from concept to implementation.
• Proficiency in design software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, GIS).
• Strong understanding of urban planning policy, zoning regulations, and development processes in South Africa.
• Excellent graphic communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and manage multiple project streams.
• Knowledge of sustainable urban development principles and placemaking strategies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Adaptability to a hybrid work environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of urban design strategies, master plans, and detailed design proposals for various scales of urban projects.
• Conduct urban analysis, site assessments, and feasibility studies to inform design development.
• Engage with clients, government authorities, community groups, and other stakeholders throughout the design process.
• Prepare high-quality visual and written design documentation, including concept plans, master plans, design guidelines, and presentations.
• Facilitate design workshops, charrettes, and public consultation processes.
• Ensure designs are aligned with principles of sustainability, resilience, accessibility, and inclusivity.
• Collaborate with architects, landscape architects, engineers, and other specialists to achieve integrated design outcomes.
• Mentor and guide junior urban designers and other team members.
• Stay abreast of best practices, emerging trends, and innovative approaches in urban design and planning.
• Contribute to business development and proposal preparation.

Skills

Urban design

Master planning

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

GIS

Presentation skills

Analytical thinking

Hybrid work

Education

Master's degree in Urban Design / Urban Planning / Architecture / Landscape Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

GIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading urban planning and design consultancy, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Urban Designer to join their multidisciplinary team in Pietermaritzburg. This role is central to shaping the future urban landscape, focusing on the creation of sustainable, vibrant, and well-connected communities. You will be instrumental in developing master plans, design guidelines, and detailed urban design proposals for a variety of public and private sector projects. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of urban planning principles, placemaking, sustainable development, and community engagement strategies. You will lead design charrettes, collaborate with stakeholders, and translate complex urban challenges into innovative and contextually relevant design solutions. This is an exciting opportunity to influence urban development within KwaZulu-Natal and contribute to impactful projects that enhance the quality of urban life.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of urban design strategies, master plans, and detailed design proposals for various scales of urban projects.
• Conduct urban analysis, site assessments, and feasibility studies to inform design development.
• Engage with clients, government authorities, community groups, and other stakeholders throughout the design process.
• Prepare high-quality visual and written design documentation, including concept plans, master plans, design guidelines, and presentations.
• Facilitate design workshops, charrettes, and public consultation processes.
• Ensure designs are aligned with principles of sustainability, resilience, accessibility, and inclusivity.
• Collaborate with architects, landscape architects, engineers, and other specialists to achieve integrated design outcomes.
• Mentor and guide junior urban designers and other team members.
• Stay abreast of best practices, emerging trends, and innovative approaches in urban design and planning.
• Contribute to business development and proposal preparation.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in urban design and planning, with a strong portfolio of completed projects.
• Demonstrated experience in leading urban design projects from concept to implementation.
• Proficiency in relevant design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, GIS).
• Strong understanding of urban planning policy, zoning regulations, and development processes in South Africa.
• Excellent graphic communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and manage multiple project streams.
• Knowledge of sustainable urban development principles and placemaking strategies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Adaptability to a hybrid work environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on shaping significant urban developments in Pietermaritzburg and the surrounding region.
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility between office and remote work.
• Collaborative and stimulating work environment.
• Contribute to creating more livable, sustainable, and equitable cities.