At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative urban design projects and collaborate with international teams.
- Company: Join a specialist placemaking practice focused on transformative community projects.
- Benefits: Employee-owned, equal opportunities employer with a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for international travel and mentoring younger designers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on large-scale urban developments in the Middle East.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in urban design, strong communication, and project leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Prior + Partners
Prior + Partners is a specialist placemaking practice integrating masterplanning, planning and economics to unlock the potential of places and communities. We work on major regeneration projects, new communities, mixed-use districts and strategic development frameworks in the UK and internationally.
We are now seeking an experienced associate urban designer to join our London team and play a leading role in the design and delivery of complex Middle East masterplanning and urban development projects.
About the role
The successful candidate will be a creative, experienced and client-focused urban designer with around eight or more years’ professional experience in masterplanning and urban design. This role will be primarily focused on major projects across the Middle East, working from our London office in close collaboration with our London and Dubai‑based teams. You will help lead the design and coordination of complex masterplanning projects, working closely with clients, consultants and multidisciplinary teams across strategic, concept and detailed design stages. The role requires strong design judgement, technical understanding, clear communication and the ability to guide project teams through fast‑moving, multidisciplinary and client‑facing project environments. Previous Middle Eastern project experience is preferred, particularly on district‑ or city‑scale masterplanning projects. You will be expected to contribute to design leadership within the practice, support the development of younger team members and help maintain the quality, rigour and creativity of our urban design work. International travel may be required.
Key responsibilities
- Leading the design, development and testing of masterplans across strategic, pre‑concept, concept and detailed design stages
- Preparing place visions, spatial strategies and urban design frameworks for large‑scale urban development projects
- Leading site analysis, capacity studies, baseline reviews and design option testing
- Coordinating project inputs across internal teams, Middle East‑based clients, sub‑consultants and design partners
- Leading the preparation of reports, drawings, diagrams, illustrations, presentations and design narratives
- Developing design codes, design guidelines, plot sheets and project‑specific design standards
- Contributing to the preparation of design briefs, development schedules and project datasets
- Leading or contributing to client presentations, workshops, design reviews and stakeholder meetings
- Supporting coordination between London, Dubai and wider consultant teams
- Managing and mentoring senior urban designers and urban designers within project teams
- Supporting internal coordination, quality review and design excellence across the practice
Qualifications
- A degree in urban design, architecture, landscape architecture or a related discipline
- Around eight or more years’ professional experience in urban design and masterplanning
- Experience delivering large‑scale, mixed‑use, district, city or regional masterplanning projects
- Previous Middle Eastern project experience preferred, particularly on large‑scale masterplanning projects
- A strong understanding of international masterplanning processes, from strategic visioning through to concept and detailed masterplan stages
- Familiarity with regional planning frameworks, design guidelines, development schedules and client review processes would be beneficial
- Strong design flair, supported by technical understanding and delivery experience
- Excellent drawing, graphic, written and verbal communication skills
- Confidence in presenting design ideas clearly to clients, consultants and stakeholders
- Experience leading project teams and managing multiple workstreams
- A collaborative, organised and proactive approach
- Experience working in multidisciplinary consultancy environments
- Fluency in English; Arabic language skills would be an advantage
Technical and digital skills
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- AutoCAD and/or Rhino, including 3D modelling
- GIS software such as ArcGIS Pro or QGIS
- CAD‑to‑GIS workflows
- Excel‑based development schedules and data coordination
- Rendering software such as V‑Ray, Twinmotion or Enscape
- Climate, wind or environmental modelling tools
- Grasshopper or other parametric design tools
- Revit, Unreal Engine, Unity or generative AI workflows for illustrative outputs
Prior + Partners is an Employee‑Owned Trust and an equal opportunities employer committed to creating an open, respectful environment where people can build lasting careers and do their best work. We welcome applications from candidates returning to the profession following a career break.
Associate urban designer employer: Critical Playground LLC
At Prior + Partners, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our team members to excel in their careers. Our London office offers unique opportunities for professional growth, particularly in leading complex urban design projects across the Middle East, while our commitment to employee ownership ensures that every voice is valued and contributes to our shared success. Join us to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to creating impactful places and communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate urban designer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the urban design field, especially those who have experience with Middle Eastern projects. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and showcase your passion for placemaking.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it highlights your best work in masterplanning and urban design. Tailor it to reflect your experience with large-scale projects, especially those relevant to the Middle East, and be ready to discuss your design process during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Prior + Partners and their recent projects. Understand their approach to placemaking and be ready to share how your skills align with their vision. This will show them you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate urban designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your eight or more years of experience in urban design and masterplanning. We want to see how your past projects, especially those in the Middle East, have shaped your skills and creativity.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Associate Urban Designer role. Mention your familiarity with international masterplanning processes and any relevant software skills.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language to communicate your ideas and experiences. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Critical Playground LLC
✨Know Your Projects
Before the interview, dive deep into Prior + Partners' recent projects, especially those in the Middle East. Familiarise yourself with their design philosophy and how they approach masterplanning. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your experience with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Design Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best work in urban design and masterplanning. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you led design efforts or overcame challenges. Use visuals to illustrate your thought process and design journey, as this can make a strong impression.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since the role involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, practice articulating your ideas clearly and concisely. Prepare for questions about how you handle client presentations and stakeholder meetings. Demonstrating your communication skills can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership
Highlight your experience in mentoring and leading project teams. Be prepared to discuss how you've supported junior designers and contributed to team success. This aligns with their need for someone who can guide others while maintaining high design standards.
