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- Tasks: Lead high-profile urban design projects and guide teams from concept to delivery.
- Company: Renowned international design studio known for ambitious masterplanning in the Middle East.
- Benefits: Competitive package, clear progression, and influence at leadership level.
- Why this job: Join a design-focused role and work on impactful projects shaping sustainable places.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in architecture/urban design with a strong portfolio and client-facing experience.
- Other info: Collaborative culture that values design excellence and mentorship opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
We’re working with a leading international design studio renowned for delivering large scale masterplanning and urban design projects, particularly across the Middle East. The practice is known for combining strong design thinking with technical rigour, shaping ambitious, sustainable places at scale.
As the London studio continues to grow, they are looking to appoint an Associate Director (or a highly capable Senior Associate ready to step up) to play a key role within the leadership team. This is a hands-on, client facing position, offering real influence over design direction while remaining closely involved in projects and teams.
The Role
- Lead the design and delivery of high profile urban design and masterplanning projects, with a particular focus on the Middle East.
- Act as a trusted client facing lead, presenting work, building long term relationships and navigating complex stakeholder environments.
- Guide teams from early concept through to delivery, ensuring design quality, programme and commercial objectives are met.
- Remain hands on with design and tools, setting the creative benchmark and supporting teams where needed.
- Contribute to the wider leadership of the studio, helping shape strategy, culture and future growth.
About You
- 15+ years’ experience in architecture and/or urban design, with a strong portfolio of large-scale masterplanning projects.
- Proven experience working with Middle Eastern clients.
- Confident communicator with strong design and presentation skills, comfortable leading client meetings.
- Able to balance strategic leadership with hands-on involvement when required.
- Collaborative, with experience mentoring and developing teams.
- Proficient in Rhino, Revit and Adobe Creative Suite (or equivalent).
Why Join?
- Step into a design focused leadership role within an internationally recognised, design led practice.
- Work on some of the most ambitious masterplanning projects in the Middle East and beyond.
- Join a studio culture that values design excellence, collaboration and practical delivery.
- Competitive package with clear progression and genuine influence at leadership level.
Associate Design Director, Urban Design & Masterplanning in London employer: MADE Careers
Contact Detail:
MADE Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Design Director, Urban Design & Masterplanning in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, workshops, and meet-ups to connect with professionals in urban design and masterplanning. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best projects, especially those related to large-scale masterplanning. Make sure it’s visually appealing and easy to navigate, as first impressions matter!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the studio’s past projects and their design philosophy. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision, especially in relation to the Middle East market.
✨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 engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Design Director, Urban Design & Masterplanning in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Associate Design Director role. Highlight your experience in urban design and masterplanning, especially any projects you've worked on in the Middle East.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about urban design and how your leadership style can contribute to our studio's culture and future growth. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Portfolio: Include a strong portfolio that showcases your best work in large-scale masterplanning projects. Make sure to explain your role in each project and how you navigated complex stakeholder environments. We want to see your design thinking in action!
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 this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at MADE Careers
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in your portfolio, especially the large-scale masterplanning projects. Be ready to discuss your role in these projects, the challenges you faced, and how you navigated complex stakeholder environments.
✨Showcase Your Client Management Skills
Since this role involves being a trusted client-facing lead, prepare examples of how you've built long-term relationships with clients. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve successfully led client meetings in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Design Process
Be prepared to walk through your design process from concept to delivery. Discuss how you ensure design quality while meeting programme and commercial objectives, and be ready to share your hands-on experience with design tools like Rhino and Revit.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Mentorship
This role requires a collaborative spirit, so think of examples where you’ve mentored or developed teams. Share how you balance strategic leadership with hands-on involvement, and how you contribute to shaping studio culture and strategy.
