Senior Urban Designer and Urban Designer (Mid-Level)

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.

Essential Skills

• 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.

Desirable Skills

• 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 include

• Competitive salary based on experience
• 10% to 16% pension contribution covered by Urban Initiatives
• Performance-related annual bonus
• Private medical insurance
• Per diem payments during overseas assignments
• Life assurance
• Gym and retail discounts
• Cycle to work scheme
• Hybrid working

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:

new@urbaninitiatives.co.uk, add Senior Urban Designer or Urban Designer in the subject line.

Deadline: 31/07/2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should suitable applications be received.