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- Tasks: Lead and shape a new team in masterplanning and urban design.
- Company: Join an AJ100 architectural practice known for its collaborative design culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 4 days in the office, 1 day remote, and a strong benefits package.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact while blending creativity with strategy in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in urban design/masterplanning; ideally at Director level or strong Associate Director.
- Other info: This role offers genuine autonomy and the chance to define your narrative.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
An AJ100 architectural practice is seeking to appoint a senior-level hire to lead and shape a new sector within the studio. This is a unique opportunity to create and grow a team in a space that doesn’t yet formally exist in the practice — an ambitious move backed by leadership, resources, and a design-first culture. The studio EOT with over 80 architects and designers, known for its collaborative and highly respected design approach. They’re now looking to expand their presence in the commercial, hospitality, and residential sectors, with a growing focus on sustainability, retrofit, and working with well-known UK developers.
This role sits at Director level and is suited to someone who wants to build their own team, define their narrative, and make a lasting impact. It would fit a UK- or Europe-based architect with deep experience in urban design/regeneration or masterplanning, particularly someone who has hit a ceiling in their current practice and is ready to lead. You’ll be client-facing, working with senior stakeholders and directors across the business, and expected to bring a clear design voice alongside strong commercial, networking, and leadership capabilities.
This is a rare chance to blend creativity with strategy and to grow a new offer within an already established and successful studio. Those who are actively engaged in the industry — speaking at events, involved in panels or design reviews, or helping shape wider design discourse — will be especially well aligned, as this demonstrates the initiative, drive, and presence needed to succeed in the role. It’s a great opportunity for someone ready to step away from a rigid or corporate environment and take on a leadership role with genuine autonomy and vision.
Key Responsibilities- Shape and lead a new team within an established, employee-owned studio
- Build a clear sector offering and narrative, and confidently take it to market
- Inspire design thinking that is both creative and strategic
- Own your own P&L, driving business development and profitability
- Collaborate with the wider leadership and marketing teams to ensure alignment across communications and strategy
- Contribute to marketing content, social media, newsletters, and branding material
- Mentor and lead a team of architects and designers, with a focus on professional growth, delegation, and collaboration
- A minimum of 15+ years’ experience in masterplanning and urban design/regeneration within the UK
- Ideally already at Director level, or a strong Associate Director ready to step up
- Proven track record of winning work and maintaining a strong client network
- Demonstrable fee-earning responsibilities and commercial awareness, including figures around fees billed, project value, and revenue generated
- Experience managing a P&L and contributing to broader business planning
- Confident in pitching and presenting to clients and stakeholders at all levels
- Excellent communication and reporting skills
- Strategic and innovative mindset with the ability to contribute to overall design direction and delivery
- 4 days in the office, 1 day remote
- Strong design culture and benefits package
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Art/Creative, Project Management, and Production
Industries: Architecture and Planning, Accessible Architecture and Design, and Community Development and Urban Planning
Director of Masterplanning & Urban Design- London employer: Curio Careers
Contact Detail:
Curio Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Masterplanning & Urban Design- London
✨Tip Number 1
Network actively within the architecture and urban design community. Attend industry events, seminars, and workshops to connect with key players and showcase your expertise. This will not only help you stay updated on trends but also position you as a thought leader in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the studio's existing projects and initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their design philosophy and recent works, and think about how you can contribute to their growth. This knowledge will allow you to speak confidently about how you can shape the new sector they are looking to develop.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your leadership capabilities by sharing examples of successful team management and project delivery. Highlight your experience in mentoring and developing talent, as this aligns with their focus on building a strong team culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commercial acumen by discussing your experience with P&L management and business development. Be prepared to share specific figures and outcomes from previous roles to illustrate your ability to drive profitability and growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Masterplanning & Urban Design- London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in masterplanning and urban design. Focus on your leadership roles, successful projects, and any relevant achievements that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for urban design and your vision for leading a new team. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects and built client relationships, showcasing your strategic mindset and innovative approach.
Showcase Your Industry Engagement: Demonstrate your active involvement in the industry by mentioning any speaking engagements, panels, or design reviews you’ve participated in. This will highlight your initiative and presence, which are crucial for the role.
Prepare for Interviews: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your design philosophy and how you would approach building a new sector within the studio. Prepare to articulate your commercial awareness and how you plan to drive business development and profitability.
How to prepare for a job interview at Curio Careers
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Director of Masterplanning & Urban Design, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a team. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on mentorship and collaboration.
✨Highlight Your Client Engagement Skills
This role requires strong client-facing abilities. Be ready to discuss your experience in building and maintaining client relationships, as well as any successful pitches or presentations you've delivered to stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Mindset
The company is looking for someone who can blend creativity with strategy. Prepare to discuss how you've contributed to business development and profitability in previous roles, including managing P&L responsibilities.
✨Engage with Industry Trends
Being actively engaged in the industry is crucial. Share your experiences speaking at events, participating in panels, or contributing to design discourse, as this shows your initiative and presence in the field.
