Principal Urban Designer
Due to recent internal promotions, we are seeking a talented and passionate urban designer to work within our award-winning Built and Natural Environment Team. This multidisciplinary team includes Urban Designers, Heritage Specialists, Ecologists, Landscape Designers, and Arboriculturists, all working within the Greater Cambridge Planning Service—a collaborative effort between Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council.
This is a fantastic opportunity for experienced practitioners looking to advance their careers in a high-profile growth area known for its exceptional quality of new developments.
The post holder will play an important role in positively influencing high quality design outcomes, working in one of the UK’s important historic cities and at the centre of one of the fastest growing economies in the Country. Projects include city extensions Marleigh and Springstead Village , redevelopment of City Centre sites, creation of two new towns at Northstowe and Waterbeach, development of various employment sites on Science and Research Parks and residential schemes in sensitive village locations. The team is pro-active, working closely with our communities, businesses, getting involved in policy formulation (The Greater Cambridge Joint Local Plan), production and implementation of design codes (The National Design Code Pathfinder Pilot) and guidance.
You will work on a wide variety of projects including pre-application and application advice on schemes of different complexities, design codes, assisting in the delivery of the Greater Cambridge Design Review Panel, advising on our Strategic Sites, inputting into the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, mentor/manage colleagues where required and help deliver the services that we provide to internal and external clients.
You will have at least 4 years’ experience practicing urban design on complex, small and large scale pre-application/planning applications in a variety of contexts be it urban/rural infill, city/village extensions or new settlements; producing, advising or implementing urban design strategies, masterplans, design codes independently.
However, what matters most is that you have an excellent understanding of urban design issues; solution focused, passionate place-shaper; effective negotiator, with a keen eye for detail and a desire to work collaboratively to positively influence great outcomes!
You will be a great communicator who can provide urban design direction using verbal, written, and drawing skills on a range of projects and be able to balance competing work pressures. You will need to be able to travel around the Greater Cambridge planning area to visit sites and attend meetings.
You will have a post graduate qualification in Urban Design and a first degree in architecture, landscape or planning. You should also be eligible for and/or working towards a full membership of a relevant professional body RIBA, RTPI or UDG or equivalent.
If you have the drive to embrace the exciting challenges of our busy Shared Planning Service, there is no better place to further your career!
For more information please contact Trovine Monteiro (Team Leader, Built Environment on phone: 07595247098 email: trovine.monteiro@greatercambridgeplanning.org)
Closing date: 9am 31 March 2025
Interview dates: Week Commencing 21 April 2025
