At a Glance
- Tasks: Design sustainable urban environments and collaborate on innovative projects worldwide.
- Company: Join Arup's dynamic Cities Planning & Design Team in London.
- Benefits: Gain experience in diverse projects with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on urban design and contribute to transformative projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Urban Design, Architecture or Urban Planning with strong design skills.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 € per year.
The Urban Design discipline within Arup's Cities Planning & Design Team shapes sustainable, people-focused environments across scales. Working from strategic vision to detailed design, the team collaborates across disciplines to deliver integrated, place-led solutions. Engaging in projects from regeneration to new settlements worldwide, Urban Designers help create distinctive, resilient and successful urban environments.
The Opportunity: Arup's London Masterplanning and Urban Design Team delivers an integrated approach and sustainable solutions to the design of cities and complex urban environments. We are a collaborative team of urban designers and architects working cross-disciplinarily with landscape architects, economists, planners, transport planners and sustainability experts. We work collaboratively with our clients to shape, justify, consent and deliver transformative projects.
- Design leaders: we lead masterplans and urban development projects
- Integrators: we bring Arup and our partners technical expertise together to create maximum impact
- Storytellers: we communicate compelling futures for our clients and communities
- Local and global: we work internationally, creating place specific designs rooted in context
- Big and small: we design from the scale of streets to neighbourhoods to city regions
We are looking for an Urban Designer to join our growing London team. Successful candidates will contribute to a diverse portfolio of UK and international projects, working alongside our passionate and highly skilled team, as well as the broader expertise of Arup and our partners. Our current work spans a range of scales and sectors, including strategic growth plans, masterplanning around infrastructure investment, and the regeneration of complex urban sites.
You will have:
- An undergraduate degree in Urban Design, Architecture or Urban Planning with an achieved or predicted grade of 2:1 or above
- Excellent drawing and presentation skills, including 3D modelling and outstanding graphics
- A keen interest in large scale urban projects and be able to present your work in this context
- An awareness of the RIBA Work Stages and current UK Planning Policy
- Programming skills to aid our digital transformation initiatives are a plus
Technical Skills:
- Good CAD skills (AutoCAD) including 3D modelling (Rhinoceros)
- Outstanding graphic skills including hand drawings and diagrams, plans and images using the Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign)
- Excellent spoken and written English
- Good familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite
- Additional skills in GIS, Grasshopper, Lumion, advanced visualisation or sustainability qualifications are desirable
We're looking for:
- Changemakers: A passion for sustainable development and creating a better world is key.
- Innovative minds: We're looking for critical thinkers who embrace new ideas and challenge the status quo.
- Growth seekers: You have a growth mindset, always eager to learn and explore new ways of working.
- Adaptable adventurers: You're ready to take on any challenge that comes your way.
You should be able to start this opportunity in September 2026. Advert closing date: 5th June 2026.
Graduate Urban Designer employer: Arup Group Limited
Arup is an exceptional employer for aspiring Urban Designers, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture in the heart of London. With a strong focus on sustainable development and innovative design, employees benefit from diverse project opportunities that foster professional growth and creativity. The team's commitment to integrating various disciplines ensures that every team member can contribute meaningfully to transformative urban projects, making it an inspiring place to build a rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Urban Designer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the Urban Design field through LinkedIn or local meetups. Engaging with industry insiders can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work, especially projects related to urban design. Make sure it’s visually appealing and easy to navigate – this is your chance to impress potential employers!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Arup and their recent projects. Understand their approach to sustainable design and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their vision. Confidence and knowledge go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Urban Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for urban design shine through in your application. We want to see how much you care about creating sustainable, people-focused environments. Share any relevant projects or experiences that highlight your commitment to this field!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Urban Designer role. Highlight your skills in CAD, 3D modelling, and graphic design, and connect them to the job description. We love seeing how your unique experiences align with our team's goals!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary and make sure to proofread for any typos or errors before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arup Group Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the principles of urban design and familiar with Arup's projects. Brush up on the RIBA Work Stages and current UK Planning Policy, as these will likely come up in conversation.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Bring a portfolio that highlights your drawing and presentation skills. Include examples of 3D modelling and graphics that demonstrate your ability to create compelling visuals, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Be a Team Player
Emphasise your collaborative spirit during the interview. Share experiences where you’ve worked cross-disciplinarily, as Arup values teamwork across various fields like architecture, planning, and sustainability.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions about Arup’s approach to sustainable urban design and their current projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their mission.
