At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to design and plan innovative urban spaces across the globe.
- Company: Award-winning urban design practice, part of a global multidisciplinary group.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, private medical insurance, and gym discounts.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable urban environments while travelling internationally.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in urban design, strong project management, and client engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Urban Initiatives is an award-winning urban design and masterplanning practice and, since 2024, part of one of the world's largest multidisciplinary design and engineering groups, Sidara. Through our integration within Sidara, we combine the creativity and agility of a specialist urban design practice with the resources and expertise of a global network of over 55,000 professionals. Due to continued growth across our international portfolio, we are seeking talented Mid-Level and Senior Urban Designers to support the delivery of an expanding workload of high-profile projects across the UK, Middle East, Africa and other international markets.
These are full-time positions based in Central London and are suited to enthusiastic, highly motivated professionals with significant post-qualification experience, typically around 5 years or more, in urban design and masterplanning within a recognised practice environment.
The Role
Successful candidates will work as part of our established urban design team, supported by the practice leadership team, delivering a diverse range of large-scale masterplanning, urban design and strategic planning projects. The roles will include opportunities for overseas travel. Senior Urban Designers will also take responsibility for project management, coordination of multidisciplinary teams, client liaison and the delivery of project outputs to programme, budget and quality requirements.
About You
Applicants should be able to demonstrate:
- Experience working on large-scale masterplanning and urban design commissions, particularly within the Middle East and/or Africa and for international clients, government agencies and public sector bodies;
- UK project experience, particularly in urban design, planning, regeneration or strategic masterplanning, would be advantageous;
- A creative, technically robust and design-led approach to urban design and masterplanning;
- Experience in client-facing roles, including presentations, workshops and report writing;
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail;
- A professional approach to client and stakeholder engagement;
- Fluent written and spoken English;
- The ability to work collaboratively and effectively under pressure;
- Initiative, adaptability and a positive team-oriented approach.
For Senior Urban Designer positions, applicants should also demonstrate:
- Experience leading urban design and masterplanning projects;
- Strong project management capabilities, including programme, budget and resource management;
- Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and coordinating sub-consultants;
- Responsibility for project delivery, quality assurance and client management;
- Excellent written, verbal and graphic communication skills;
- Strong people and project management skills;
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign);
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and SketchUp, or equivalent industry-standard software;
- Experience with ArcGIS;
- Experience with Civil 3D and other digital design or analytical tools;
- Experience working across multiple international markets and/or UK.
The successful candidates will share our passion for creating sustainable, distinctive and successful places and will be aligned with our Practice Ethos. Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK. Sponsorship may be considered for exceptional candidates.
Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience
- 10% to 16% pension contribution covered by Urban Initiatives
- Performance-related annual bonus
- Private medical insurance
- Life assurance
- Gym and retail discounts
- Cycle to work scheme
Commitment to Diversity
Urban Initiatives is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
Application Process
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview. Candidates will be expected to present a portfolio of relevant work and discuss key projects, career achievements and professional experience. To apply, please submit your CV, a covering letter and a concise portfolio to: (contact details). We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should suitable applications be received.
Senior Urban Designer and Urban Designer (Mid-Level) employer: Urban Design Group
Swansea Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can actively contribute to the city's regeneration and heritage initiatives. With flexible and hybrid working options, a supportive team culture, and clear pathways for career development, this role provides meaningful opportunities for professional growth while making a positive impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Urban Designer and Urban Designer (Mid-Level)
✨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 Urban Design Group 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 Senior Urban Designer and Urban Designer (Mid-Level)
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 Urban Design Group!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Urban Design Group. 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 Urban Design Group
✨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 Urban Design Group.
