At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead multidisciplinary masterplanning projects and shape vibrant communities in the Middle East.
- Company: Award-winning design practice focused on urban design and sustainable communities.
- Benefits: Inclusive culture, social events, international trips, and enhanced pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on ambitious projects while collaborating with creative minds.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in urban design, strong leadership, and communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Studio Egret West is an award-winning transdisciplinary design‑led practice bringing together urban designers, landscape architects, architects, interior designers, and place creatives in the shaping of place and communities. We design and curate places with compelling narratives and identities, places that are firmly rooted in their context and grow naturally out of it. Places that cultivate sustainable communities, amplify local identity, prioritise the public realm, and evolve over time - Shaping Everyday Wonder. Since our founding in 2004, our 65‑strong practice has delivered some of the most exciting, high quality placemaking projects through the symbiosis of memorable architecture, strategic urban design and ecology‑driven landscape.
As our portfolio of international work continues to grow, we are seeking a Senior Level Project Lead: Masterplanning, Urban Design & Project Management (Associate / Senior Associate / Associate Director) to join our team and play a leading role within our growing urban design and landscape urbanism teams working on multidisciplinary masterplanning projects in the Middle East. In coordination with the Directors, you will lead the design and coordination of complex masterplanning projects, working closely with clients, consultants and multidisciplinary teams across strategic, concept and detailed design stages. This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in some of the studio’s most ambitious international masterplanning work, helping to shape complex places from early vision through to coordinated delivery, while working across SEW’s urban design, landscape, architecture and place‑shaping disciplines.
We want to hear from candidates with experience and a strong interest in leading masterplanning projects in the Middle East. This is a client‑facing role for someone with proven experience delivering complex masterplans and coordinating multidisciplinary teams across multiple stages. The role will be based in our London studio, with travel to the Middle East as required. The successful candidate will combine strong organisational and delivery capability with excellent communication skills and a collaborative, design‑led approach. You will be responsible for project & programme management, consultant coordination and project leadership across complex and fast‑moving projects, helping to maintain clarity, quality and momentum throughout the project lifecycle. Working alongside our Directors, you will support operational delivery of projects, balancing design ambition with programme, stakeholder and delivery requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Identifying and agreeing project objectives and developing a strategy for achieving these;
- As a key externally facing role, building strong relationships at all levels internally and externally;
- Client relationships across projects;
- Leading and overseeing integration of multidisciplinary teams to ensure cohesive and deliverable outcomes with high design quality and maintenance of place vision;
- Leading the project team – building, motivating, maintaining, coaching, guiding, and developing the team;
- Coordinating the urban design, landscape, and place‑shaping design leads and their workstreams across strategic, pre‑concept, concept and detailed design stages;
- Supporting and monitoring project planning, governance, programme, resourcing and delivery across multiple stages, proactively identifying challenges and proposing solutions;
- Supporting commercial and contract considerations of the projects;
- Identifying and managing any matters that could pose potential contractual/commercial risks;
- Negotiate and administer change control in accordance with the contract;
- Overseeing key project meetings, workshops and coordination;
- Leading key project presentations and reports;
- Contributing to bids and work‑winning activities;
- Contributing to a collaborative and ambitious studio culture;
- Willingness to travel as needed for project meetings.
About You
- Degree in urban design, landscape architecture, architecture or a related discipline;
- Demonstrated project leadership experience of multidisciplinary masterplanning within the Middle East, including a clear understanding of project workstages and approvals;
- A minimum of 8+ years’ experience working on fast‑paced multidisciplinary design‑led urban design & masterplanning projects;
- Experience delivering large‑scale, mixed‑use, district or regional masterplanning projects;
- Strong verbal, written, and graphic communication skills across client‑facing and multicultural environments;
- Strong project leadership, organisation, design, coordination and programme management skills with demonstrated experience facilitating high‑stakes meetings of complex stakeholder structures;
- An aptitude towards work winning through strong service delivery;
- Methodical, detail‑focused working style with strong time‑management skills;
- Experience supporting junior team members;
- Experience contributing to bids and business development;
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud software, Microsoft 365 software;
- Experience in key 3D modelling design platforms, including Rhino and Revit;
- Familiar with rendering software such as Enscape;
- Familiar with GIS software such as ArcGIS Pro or QGIS;
- Familiar with climate, wind and environmental modelling tools;
- Fluent in spoken and written English; Arabic language skills would be an advantage;
- Right to work in the UK.
If this sounds like you, please apply via email with your cover letter, CV, portfolio, and salary expectations to careers@egretwest.com. Only applications made directly to our recruitment mailbox will be considered for the position. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Studio Egret West is an equal opportunities employer. As an Employee‑Owned Trust, we operate a very inclusive culture, putting people at the centre of decision‑making. We offer a host of benefits in addition to social events, regional and international studio trips and an enhanced pension scheme.
Senior Level Project Lead: Masterplanning, Urban Design & Project Management (Associate / Senio[...] employer: Studio Egret West
At Studio Egret West, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture, where creativity thrives and every voice is valued. Our London studio offers unique opportunities for professional growth through engaging projects in the Middle East, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes social events, international trips, and an enhanced pension scheme, all while being part of a team dedicated to shaping sustainable communities and memorable places.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Level Project Lead: Masterplanning, Urban Design & Project Management (Associate / Senio[...]
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work. Make it visually appealing and easy to navigate. This is your chance to impress potential employers with your design prowess and project management experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews like it's a big presentation. Research the company, understand their projects, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision. Confidence is key, so practice your pitch!
✨Tip Number 4
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 engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Level Project Lead: Masterplanning, Urban Design & Project Management (Associate / Senio[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Place-Making:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for urban design and masterplanning shine through. We want to see how you connect with the idea of shaping communities and creating compelling narratives in your work.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in multidisciplinary projects, especially in the Middle East. We love seeing how your background aligns with our vision and the role's requirements.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to identify. Use bullet points where possible to break down your achievements.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for the position. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Studio Egret West
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into your past projects, especially those related to masterplanning and urban design. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the impact of your work. This will show your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Level Project Lead, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams, motivated team members, and managed client relationships. Highlight your ability to maintain clarity and quality throughout project lifecycles.
✨Understand the Local Context
Since this role involves working on projects in the Middle East, make sure you research the cultural, environmental, and regulatory aspects of the region. Being knowledgeable about local practices and challenges will impress your interviewers and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Client-Facing Scenarios
Expect questions about how you handle client interactions and stakeholder management. Think of scenarios where you've successfully navigated complex discussions or negotiations. Demonstrating your communication skills and ability to build strong relationships will be key to your success.
