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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to shape urban spaces through design and planning.
- Company: A vibrant consultancy focused on creating people-friendly towns and cities.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and above-average annual leave.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in a creative, collaborative environment with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Degree in Urban Design, Planning, Architecture, or related field required.
- Other info: Full training provided for design software; no prior experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Location: Cardiff (with opportunities in Bristol)
Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive, with flexible working and strong benefits
Are you a design-led graduate passionate about shaping the future of towns and cities? We are working on behalf of a dynamic, design-focused consultancy to find a Graduate Urban Designer to join their talented team in Cardiff (or optionally in their Bristol studio). This practice blends urban design, town planning, landscape architecture and masterplanning to create places people truly feel good about.
This is a fantastic opportunity for recent graduates or postgraduates in Urban Design, Planning with Urban Design focus, Architecture, who are ready to start their career in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment.
About the Role:
You will become part of a well-established Urban Design team, working closely with Planning and Landscape Architecture colleagues. You will support a variety of masterplanning, placemaking and regeneration projects - from big-picture strategy to fine-grain detailing. This is a hands-on role where you will learn from experienced practitioners while developing your own professional voice.
What We’re Looking For:
- A degree or postgraduate qualification in Urban Design, Planning (with a design focus), Architecture, or a related field.
- A strong interest in placemaking, urban form, and creating places that work for people.
- An enthusiasm to contribute creatively and analytically to multidisciplinary projects.
- Awareness of design software (Adobe Creative Suite, InDesign, Illustrator, Vectorworks/CAD), but no prior software experience is necessary - full training will be provided.
- Strong communication and visual presentation skills.
- A team player mindset and a proactive approach to learning and collaboration.
What You’ll Get:
- A trusting, relaxed, and supportive workplace culture that values creativity and collaboration.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- A stunning Cardiff studio - one of the most vibrant creative workspaces in Wales.
- Annual leave above industry standard.
- Clear and structured career development planning from day one.
- Long-term opportunities for progression, including potential for future business ownership.
- Regular social events, team sports, and knowledge-sharing sessions.
Interested? Contact Sofia Conte or call. We have many more vacancies available on our website. This is a permanent role. Penguin Recruitment is operating as a Recruitment Agency in respect to this position.
Contact Detail:
Penguin Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Urban Designer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in urban design and related fields. Attend local events, workshops, or seminars in Cardiff and Bristol to meet potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights into the industry and possibly refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in urban design and placemaking. Follow relevant blogs, podcasts, and social media accounts to stay updated, which will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider creating a portfolio that showcases your design projects, even if they are academic. Highlight your understanding of urban design principles and your ability to communicate ideas visually, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your skills to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you can contribute to multidisciplinary projects. Think about examples from your studies or experiences where you collaborated with others, as this will show your team player mindset and proactive approach, which are highly valued in this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Urban Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant qualifications in Urban Design, Planning, or Architecture. Emphasise any projects or coursework that demonstrate your passion for placemaking and urban form.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific projects or values of the consultancy that resonate with you, and explain how your skills align with their needs.
Showcase Your Skills: If you have experience with design software like Adobe Creative Suite or CAD, mention it! Even if you lack experience, express your eagerness to learn and adapt to new tools, as training will be provided.
Highlight Teamwork and Communication: Since the role requires collaboration with various teams, provide examples of past experiences where you successfully worked in a team setting. Strong communication skills are key, so illustrate how you've effectively conveyed ideas in group projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment
✨Show Your Passion for Urban Design
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for urban design and how it shapes communities. Share specific examples of projects or concepts that inspire you, demonstrating your genuine interest in creating spaces that work for people.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Design Software
While prior experience with design software isn't necessary, showing a willingness to learn is crucial. Mention any relevant software you’ve used, like Adobe Creative Suite or CAD, and express your eagerness to master the tools that will help you succeed in the role.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Since this role involves working closely with multidisciplinary teams, be ready to discuss your teamwork experiences. Think of examples where you contributed creatively or analytically to a project, highlighting your proactive approach and ability to collaborate effectively.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in urban design. Prepare to showcase your visual presentation skills by bringing a portfolio of your work or discussing past projects. Be clear and articulate when explaining your ideas, as this will reflect your ability to convey complex concepts to clients and colleagues.
