At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to design sustainable urban environments and tackle complex challenges.
- Company: Arup, a global consultancy shaping the future of the built environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, profit share scheme, wellbeing benefits, and extensive learning opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth and hybrid work flexibility.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities and the environment through innovative urban design.
- Qualifications: Degree in Urban Design, Architecture or Planning with strong drawing and presentation skills.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
See it differently. You see the world through a unique lens and that’s exactly what we need. We embrace how you see things differently – it’s essential for creating a sustainable future. Arup is a global consultancy with advisory and technical expertise across more than 150 disciplines. We guide, plan and design the future of the built environment. Globally, each year we recruit hundreds of graduates to help us see things differently and solve the most complex challenges facing our clients, climate and communities.
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.
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.
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.
Qualifications:
- 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 ability 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 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.
Start Date: You should be able to start this opportunity in September 2026.
Benefits: Beyond a great salary and stimulating, technically challenging work, Arup offers a range of additional benefits to its people. As a membership organisation, everyone shares in our success through a global profit share scheme. Our members also have access to a range of broader wellbeing benefits. You’ll have access to lots of learning and development opportunities. This includes a structured induction and ongoing training through Arup university. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to utilise your technical expertise to do meaningful work that strengthens the resilience of communities and places to improve lives through Arup's community engagement programme. Our hybrid work model creates an environment that accommodates different needs and allows members to integrate their work and personal lives alongside the needs of our business, clients and communities.
Graduate Masterplanning employer: TargetJobs UK
Contact Detail:
TargetJobs UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Masterplanning
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to alumni from your university. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Urban Designer role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work, especially those stunning graphics and 3D models. Make sure it’s easy to access online, so potential employers can see how you can contribute to their projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Arup and their projects. Understand their approach to sustainable design and be ready to discuss how your unique perspective can help them tackle complex urban challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search and genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Masterplanning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Unique Perspective: When you're writing your application, let your individuality shine through! We want to see how you view the world and how that can contribute to our mission of creating sustainable environments. Don’t be afraid to share your unique insights and experiences.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Urban Designer role. Highlight your relevant skills in urban design, architecture, or planning, and connect them to the projects we work on at Arup. This shows us you understand what we do and how you can fit into our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to highlight your skills and experiences, making it easier for us to see why you’d be a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the information you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at TargetJobs UK
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of an Urban Designer at Arup. Familiarise yourself with their projects and how they integrate sustainability into urban planning. This will help you articulate how your unique perspective aligns with their vision.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your drawing, presentation, and 3D modelling skills. Include examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to tackle large-scale urban projects. Be ready to discuss your design process and how you approach problem-solving in your projects.
✨Engage with Current Trends
Stay updated on current UK Planning Policy and the RIBA Work Stages. Being able to discuss these topics during your interview shows that you’re not only knowledgeable but also passionate about the field. It’s a great way to demonstrate your commitment to sustainable development.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions to ask your interviewers about their projects and the team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if Arup is the right fit for you. Think about how you can contribute to their collaborative approach and innovative mindset.