Urban Design Principal

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation package

Private medical coverage

Retirement savings plan

Generous paid time off

Home office setup allowance

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an accomplished Urban Design Principal to lead transformative master planning projects in Durban, South Africa. This senior role focuses on shaping sustainable, inclusive urban environments and guiding multidisciplinary teams.

You will develop design strategies, engage stakeholders from government bodies to communities, and drive project delivery remotely while coordinating with local partners.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture, or related field.
• Minimum 12 years in urban design, master planning and project leadership.
• Proven success delivering large-scale urban development projects.
• Strong design, visualization and communication skills with a portfolio.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and public consultation.

Responsibilities

• Lead vision, strategy, and execution of complex urban design and master planning projects.
• Direct multidisciplinary design teams and foster high-performance culture.
• Develop concepts, master plans and frameworks addressing social, economic, and environmental sustainability.
• Engage clients, government agencies, communities to build consensus.
• Prepare proposals, reports and visualisations for approvals and buy-in.
• Conduct urban analysis, research and site assessments to inform strategy.
• Manage schedules, budgets and resources for delivery.
• Champion innovative placemaking and sustainable development.
• Contribute to thought leadership and business development in urban design.

Skills

Urban design leadership

Master planning

Project leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Team mentorship

Communication

Education

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

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Rhino

Adobe Creative Suite

GIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking architectural and urban planning consultancy, is seeking an accomplished Urban Design Principal to lead transformative projects in Durban . This senior position is ideal for a visionary leader passionate about shaping sustainable, vibrant, and inclusive urban environments. The Principal will be responsible for developing and executing urban design strategies, leading multidisciplinary teams, and engaging with diverse stakeholders, including government bodies, developers, and community groups. This is a unique opportunity to influence the future fabric of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , contributing to large-scale master planning initiatives and community-focused urban regeneration projects. The role requires a strategic thinker with a strong portfolio of successful urban design and planning projects, and a deep understanding of contemporary urban challenges and solutions. You will be at the forefront of innovative urban development, driving impactful change from a remote setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the vision, strategy, and execution of complex urban design and master planning projects.
• Direct and mentor multidisciplinary design teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work culture.
• Develop compelling urban design concepts, master plans, and development frameworks that address social, economic, and environmental sustainability.
• Engage effectively with clients, government agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders to build consensus and support for design initiatives.
• Prepare and present high-quality design proposals, reports, and visualisations to secure project approvals and client buy-in.
• Conduct urban analysis, research, and site assessments to inform design decisions and strategy development.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, and resources to ensure successful project delivery.
• Champion innovative approaches to urban placemaking, public space design, and sustainable development.
• Contribute to the firm's thought leadership and business development efforts in urban design.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture, or a related field.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in urban design, master planning, and project leadership.
• Demonstrated success in leading and delivering large-scale urban development projects.
• Exceptional design, visualization, and communication skills, with a strong portfolio showcasing a range of urban design projects.
• Proficiency in relevant design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite) and GIS is beneficial.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, public consultation, and facilitation.
• Strong understanding of urban planning policy, zoning regulations, and development processes.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, lead teams, and foster strong client relationships.
• Knowledge of sustainable urban development principles and practices.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote environment, managing multiple priorities effectively.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive executive-level compensation package, including performance bonuses and comprehensive benefits.
• This includes private medical coverage, a retirement savings plan, and generous paid time off.
• As a remote-first role, you'll enjoy the flexibility and autonomy to manage your work from anywhere, while remaining connected to a dynamic team.
• We provide resources for home office setup and professional development allowances.