Urban Designer

dhk Architects; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

dhk Architects is seeking a Senior Urban Designer to join their Cape Town team. The role involves leading urban design projects, collaborating across disciplines, and engaging with clients on spatial development. Ideal candidates will have a postgraduate qualification in Urban Design or Architecture, with at least 5 years of experience and a passion for sustainable urbanism.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Exposure to iconic projects

Career development opportunities

Innovative studio culture

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ post-graduate experience in urban design.
• Robust portfolio showcasing urban frameworks and design reports.
• Registration with SACAP or UDISA is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead urban design projects from inception to report production.
• Collaborate to deliver integrated master plans and urban frameworks.
• Engage with clients and stakeholders on spatial development plans.

Skills

Graphic communication

Drawing skills

Illustrative communication

Strategic thinking

Report writing

Education

Postgraduate qualification in Urban Design or Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

About dhk Architects

dhk Architects is one of the largest and leading design-led architectural studios in Africa. Our strength comes from a unique blend of creative design thinking, technical capability, implementation expertise and strategic vision.

Our reputation is built not only on landmark architecture but also on our longstanding commitment to designing integrated environments. We believe architecture should enhance and shape its context – a philosophy rooted in urban design. At dhk, we foster a culture of progressive design, high-performance, and collaboration, where urban thinking drives innovation in built form.

We support personal and professional growth through mentorship, development initiatives, and a studio environment that encourages experimentation, leadership, and ambition.

The Opportunity

We’re seeking a Senior Urban Designer to join our Cape Town-based team. You’ll engage in a variety of urban projects—locally and internationally—collaborating with internal architecture teams and external consultants. This role is ideal for highly motivated urban designers who possess strong conceptual design abilities, an understanding of spatial systems, and a passion for how cities function and evolve.

What You’ll Do

• Lead urban design projects from inception through to report production and concept development.
  

• Collaborate across disciplines to deliver integrated master plans and urban frameworks.
  

• Contribute to the strategic vision of urban interventions that align with dhk’s architectural ethos.
  

• Engage with clients, municipalities, and stakeholders on spatial development plans.
  

• Translate complex urban challenges into practical, innovative design responses.
  

• Prepare compelling design reports, visualisations, and presentations.
  

• Champion design excellence, sustainability, and contextual responsiveness.
  

  
  
  
  

Requirements

What You Bring

Qualifications & Experience

• A postgraduate qualification in Urban Design or Architecture with urban design focus.
  

• Minimum 5 years’ post-graduate experience specifically in urban design.
  

• A robust portfolio showcasing urban frameworks, master plans, and design reports.
  

• Registration with SACAP or UDISA (advantageous).
  

• South African citizenship (mandatory).
  

Technical Skills

• Strong graphic, drawing and illustrative communication skills.
  

• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Suite, and Microsoft Office.
  

• Report writing and strategic thinking capabilities.
  

• Competence in producing visual narratives and analytical mapping.
  

• Advantageous: GIS proficiency, Rhino or other parametric tools.
  

Key Attributes

• Self-driven, organised, and detail-oriented.
  

• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
  

• A passion for place-making, spatial justice, and sustainable urbanism.
  

• Ability to mentor junior team members and foster a collaborative design environment.
  

  
  
  
  

Benefits

What We Offer

• A competitive salary commensurate with experience and expertise.
  

• Exposure to iconic urban and architectural projects across the continent.
  

• Career development opportunities in a progressive, design-led environment.
  

• A studio culture grounded in innovation, excellence, and collaboration.