At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to design sustainable communities and contribute to impactful projects.
- Company: Stantec, a leading firm in community development with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical insurance, and professional progression opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant team, with a focus on sustainability and community impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of urban spaces while gaining hands-on experience in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Urban Design; adaptability and collaboration skills are key.
The predicted salary is between 25650 - 31350 £ per year.
With every community, Stantec redefines what’s possible. Recruitment is ongoing. Please apply as soon as possible as the advert may close once we have sufficient applicants.
The Opportunity
Join our 2027 Graduate Programme as a Graduate Urban Designer in our Manchester office, where you'll be part of a market-leading Community Development discipline.
As a Graduate Urban Designer, you'll join a team of 4 urban design professionals based primarily in Manchester, working on a diverse range of projects that help shape sustainable, high-quality places. Supported by experienced Senior Urban Designers, Associates and Directors, you'll develop your technical and creative skills while gaining hands-on project experience. You'll also collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of Architects, Landscape Architects and Planners, giving you exposure to different perspectives and the opportunity to contribute to innovative design solutions from day one. You'll have the opportunity to contribute to a diverse portfolio of residential and mixed-use developments, including urban extensions, new settlements and regeneration projects. Working across a range of project stages, you'll gain valuable experience from early-stage feasibility and visioning through to masterplanning, detailed design and project delivery, developing a broad understanding of the urban design process.
About The Role
Day-to-day, you'll:
- Support the delivery of residential-led placemaking projects across the North of England and wider UK, helping to guide schemes through the planning process.
- Assist with the preparation of masterplans, vision documents and other design-led project outputs.
- Contribute to the production of Design and Access Statements and related planning documentation.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to develop design codes and place-based design guidance.
- Support Senior and Associate Urban Designers in the delivery of projects, gaining hands-on experience across a variety of project stages and scales.
We are committed to supporting employees in achieving relevant professional qualifications and accreditation. The applicable professional qualification for this role is with the RTPI, LI or RIBA charterships.
Your Impact
This role will help deliver sustainable, resilient infrastructure and community developments that create lasting benefits for people, places and the environment. Working across a range of projects, you will support the planning, design and delivery of infrastructure solutions that enhance communities, promote sustainable growth and improve quality of life. Your work will contribute to addressing key challenges such as climate resilience, resource efficiency and environmental stewardship, helping clients deliver innovative, future-ready solutions that meet the needs of both local communities and wider society.
About You
At Stantec, we value your potential over past experience. Along with your Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Urban Design, we’d love to receive your application if you are:
- An Adapter - You’re able to remain calm in new and changing situations, comfortably switching between a variety of dynamic and exciting tasks.
- A Perseverer - You stay composed in the face of setbacks, approaching challenges with confidence and determination.
- An Eager Learner - You learn from your experiences and the world around you, using this knowledge to anticipate how situations may unfold.
- A Collaborator - You work effectively with lots of different people, considering others’ perspectives to shape better outcomes.
- A Problem-Solver - You love to give your thoughts based on what you see, being unafraid to challenge conventional thinking.
Please note, we ask our graduates to come into the office 4 days per week, to ensure that you receive sufficient time with your team and receive the appropriate level of support.
Applicants must have an unconditional right to live and work in the UK for an indefinite period without limitation.
Why Join Us?
What we can offer you:
- A competitive salary
- Private medical insurance
- A range of benefits, including holiday buy and sell, group income protection and life assurance
- Permanent employment contract to demonstrate our commitment to your long-term career at Stantec
- Professional progression plan, supporting you to gain professional chartership
- A supportive and collaborative team environment and Early Careers peer group and wider ERG network
Please take a look at our Graduate FAQs if you have any questions. We look forward to receiving your application!
About Stantec
The Stantec community unites more than 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities.
Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Graduate Urban Designer - Community Development - 2027 (Manchester) employer: Stantec UK
Stantec is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and well-being. With award-winning recognition for its workplace environment and a commitment to sustainability, employees enjoy competitive benefits, flexible working arrangements, and access to industry-leading training opportunities. Join our Birmingham or London offices to be part of a collaborative team dedicated to shaping sustainable landscapes and thriving communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Urban Designer - Community Development - 2027 (Manchester)
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Stantec UK who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Urban Designer - Community Development - 2027 (Manchester)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Stantec UK!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Stantec UK. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stantec UK
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Stantec UK.
