Urban Designer

Cape Town, South Africa | Posted on 06 / 14 / 2025

We’re seeking two Senior Urban Designers to join our Cape Town-based team. You’ll engage in a variety of urban projects—locally and internationally—collaborating with internal architecture teams and external consultants. This role is ideal for highly motivated urban designers who possess strong conceptual design abilities, an understanding of spatial systems, and a passion for how cities function and evolve.

What You’ll Do

Lead urban design projects from inception through to report production and concept development.

Collaborate across disciplines to deliver integrated master plans and urban frameworks.

Contribute to the strategic vision of urban interventions that align with dhk’s architectural ethos.

Engage with clients, municipalities, and stakeholders on spatial development plans.

Translate complex urban challenges into practical, innovative design responses.

Prepare compelling design reports, visualisations, and presentations.

Champion design excellence, sustainability, and contextual responsiveness.

Requirements

• A postgraduate qualification in Urban Design or Architecture with urban design focus.

Minimum 5 years’ post-graduate experience specifically in urban design.

A robust portfolio showcasing urban frameworks, master plans, and design reports.

Registration with SACAP or UDISA (advantageous).

South African citizenship (mandatory).

Technical Skills

Strong graphic, drawing and illustrative communication skills.

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

Report writing and strategic thinking capabilities.

Competence in producing visual narratives and analytical mapping.

Advantageous : GIS proficiency, Rhino or other parametric tools.

Key Attributes

Self-driven, organised, and detail-oriented.

Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.

A passion for place-making, spatial justice, and sustainable urbanism.

Ability to mentor junior team members and foster a collaborative design environment.

Exposure to iconic urban and architectural projects across the continent.

Career development opportunities in a progressive, design-led environment.

A studio culture grounded in innovation, excellence, and collaboration.

About dhk Architects

dhk Architects is one of the largest and leading design-led architectural studios in Africa. Our strength comes from a unique blend of creative design thinking, technical capability, implementation expertise and strategic vision.

Our reputation is built not only on landmark architecture but also on our longstanding commitment to designing integrated environments. We believe architecture should enhance and shape its context – a philosophy rooted in urban design. At dhk, we foster a culture of progressive design, high-performance, and collaboration, where urban thinking drives innovation in built form.

We support personal and professional growth through mentorship, development initiatives, and a studio environment that encourages experimentation, leadership, and ambition.

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