Graduate Urban Designer

Graduate Urban Designer

Trainee 28000 - 35000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
myGwork - LGBTQ+ Business Community

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design sustainable urban environments and collaborate on innovative projects worldwide.
  • Company: Join ARUP, a diverse and inclusive employer committed to sustainability.
  • Benefits: Gain experience in a dynamic team with opportunities for growth and development.
  • Other info: Start in September 2026; apply by 5th June 2026.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on urban design and contribute to a better world.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Urban Design, Architecture, or Urban Planning with strong design skills.

The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.

This job is with ARUP, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.

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. Our Masterplanning and Urban Design Team design cities and places, influencing and shaping the physical, social, and economic infrastructures that underpin sustainable development. We are a diverse and experienced team of eighteen architects, masterplanners and urban designers committed to delivering meaningful places and more sustainable futures.

We Are:

  • 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.

Is this role right for you? 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 in 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: myGwork - LGBTQ+ Business Community

Arup is an exceptional employer that champions inclusivity and collaboration, making it a fantastic place for aspiring Urban Designers to thrive. With a strong focus on sustainable development and a diverse team of experts, employees benefit from a dynamic work culture that encourages innovation and personal growth while engaging in impactful projects that shape urban environments globally. Located in London, the company offers unique opportunities to work on a variety of large-scale projects, fostering both professional development and meaningful contributions to communities.
myGwork - LGBTQ+ Business Community

Contact Detail:

myGwork - LGBTQ+ Business Community Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Graduate Urban Designer

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with professionals in urban design. Attend industry events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work, especially those stunning graphics and 3D models. Make sure to tailor it to the kind of projects Arup is involved in. We want to see your creativity shine through!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! When you get that interview, be ready to discuss your ideas and how they align with Arup's vision for sustainable urban environments. We need to see your passion for creating meaningful places and your ability to communicate effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Arup. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a difference in urban design!

We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Urban Designer

Urban Design
Architecture
Urban Planning
Drawing Skills
Presentation Skills
3D Modelling
AutoCAD
Rhinoceros
Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
Microsoft Office Suite
GIS
Grasshopper
Lumion
Sustainability Qualifications
Knowledge of RIBA Work Stages

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 and people-focused environments, so share your experiences and projects that reflect this passion!

Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Urban Designer role. Highlight relevant skills like CAD proficiency and your understanding of RIBA Work Stages. We love seeing how your unique background fits with our team’s goals!

Be Visual: Since we value outstanding graphics and presentation skills, include a portfolio that showcases your best work. Whether it’s 3D models or hand drawings, make sure it’s visually appealing and demonstrates your design capabilities.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with our London team.

How to prepare for a job interview at myGwork - LGBTQ+ Business Community

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the principles of urban design and familiar with the RIBA Work Stages. Brush up on current UK Planning Policy too, as this will show your commitment to the field and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.

✨Showcase Your Skills

Prepare a portfolio that highlights your drawing and presentation skills, especially 3D modelling and graphics. Include examples of large-scale urban projects you've worked on, and be ready to discuss your thought process and the impact of your designs.

✨Be a Team Player

Since Arup values collaboration, be prepared to talk about your experiences working in teams. Share specific examples where you’ve integrated ideas from different disciplines or how you’ve contributed to a project’s success through teamwork.

✨Embrace the Challenge

Demonstrate your passion for sustainable development and your eagerness to tackle challenges. Be ready to discuss how you approach problem-solving and your willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment.

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