Senior Urban Designer

Senior Urban Designer

Shape Future Cities Through Design-Led, Contextual Urban Projects

Cape Town Competitive Salary Based on Experience

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established, design-led architectural and urban design studio with a strong presence in local and international projects. The studio is recognised for its commitment to progressive, integrated urban environments that are grounded in sustainability, innovation, and contextual sensitivity.

With a collaborative, high-performance culture, the team offers exciting opportunities for professionals who are passionate about how cities evolve and how urban design can influence social, economic, and environmental outcomes.

The Role : Senior Urban Designer

As a Senior Urban Designer, you will lead the design and strategic development of urban frameworks and masterplans, collaborating closely with architectural teams and external consultants. Your ability to translate complex spatial challenges into innovative, actionable urban design responses will play a vital role in shaping cities and communities for the future.

Key Responsibilities

Lead urban design projects from concept through to documentation and reporting

Develop integrated masterplans and frameworks in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams

Engage with clients, municipalities, and stakeholders on spatial development initiatives

Translate strategic objectives into compelling urban design proposals

Prepare visual narratives, concept drawings, and design reports

Advocate for sustainability, place-making, and spatial justice in all design work

Contribute to a culture of design excellence and collaborative problem-solving

About You

Postgraduate qualification in Urban Design or Architecture with an urban design focus

Minimum 5 years of post-graduate experience specifically in urban design

Proven portfolio of master plans, urban frameworks, and urban design documentation

Experience leading complex urban design projects and working with diverse teams

Registration with SACAP or UDISA is advantageous

South African citizenship required

Technical Skills

Strong visual communication skills, including sketching, diagramming, and illustrative drawing

Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office

Strong report writing and strategic thinking capabilities

Experience producing visual narratives and analytical urban maps

Advantageous : GIS proficiency and familiarity with Rhino or parametric tools

Key Attributes

Self-motivated and highly organised with an eye for detail

Effective communicator with strong interpersonal and leadership abilities

Passionate about sustainable urbanism, spatial justice, and transformative design

Supportive team player with the ability to mentor junior designers

Committed to continuous learning and contributing to a collaborative studio environment

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience and skills

Opportunities to work on iconic urban projects across Africa and beyond

A clear path for career development in a dynamic, design-led environment

A studio culture that encourages innovation, learning, and collaboration