Senior Urban Designer

SUMMARY:
Shape Future Cities Through Design-Led, Contextual Urban Projects

POSITION INFO:

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