Urban Designer

Lead Architect / Urban Designer – Masterplanning Focus

£50K – £55K per annum | Essex | Office-based role

Lead Architect / Urban Designer Role Summary

A respected design studio in Essex is looking for a talented and proactive Lead Architect / Urban Designer to join their growing team. With a strong portfolio in medium to large-scale masterplanning and urban regeneration projects, the studio is seeking someone with a passion for placemaking and the vision to shape high-quality, sustainable communities.

This is a hands-on, senior-level role, ideal for someone who thrives in collaborative environments and is confident in both design leadership and stakeholder engagement. You’ll play a key part in taking projects from concept through to planning and delivery, with a focus on high-quality urban and suburban residential schemes.

Lead Architect / Urban Designer Key Responsibilities

• Must have UK residential project experience.
• Lead and contribute to urban design and masterplanning projects, from concept to planning submission,
• Conduct in-depth site research, mapping, analysis and feasibility studies
• Produce detailed design proposals, diagrams, site layouts, and planning reports
• Prepare key documents including Design and Access Statements, Design Codes, and Parameter Plans
• Collaborate across disciplines within the practice and with external consultants
• Attend and present at client meetings, public consultations and stakeholder workshops
• Provide design-led solutions to urban development challenges
• Support the practice in growing its outline planning stage expertise

Skills and Experience

• Qualified Architect (RIBA Part III) or MA in Urban Design
• 5–10 years’ post-qualification experience in urban/suburban residential masterplanning
• Solid understanding of UK planning policy and best practice in urban design
• Strong analytical, presentation and report-writing skills
• Confident hand sketcher with excellent graphic and technical drawing abilities
• Proficient in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop), MS Office; Revit a bonus
• Proven ability to liaise with clients and community stakeholders effectively
• Calm under pressure with excellent time management and organisational skills
• Creative thinker with strong attention to detail and a collaborative approach

The Offer

• Salary: £50,000 – £55,000, dependent on experience
• Office-based role in Essex, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm
• Four weeks holiday plus additional time off over Christmas

This is a brilliant opportunity to join a friendly and dynamic team working on impactful and forward-thinking urban design projects across the UK. If you’re passionate about creating great places and ready to take the lead, we’d love to hear from you.

Job#25908