The Senior Urban Designer is responsible for leading the design and delivery of high-quality urban environments across a range of scales. From masterplans to public realm and streetscape design. The role combines strong design capability, project coordination, and stakeholder engagement to deliver sustainable, context-driven, and implementable urban design solutions aligned with regional planning frameworks.


ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead and contribute to the preparation of urban design concepts, masterplans, and public realm strategies for a variety of projects (mixed-use, residential, commercial, waterfront, and civic developments).
  • Develop innovative, context-sensitive design solutions that enhance livability, sustainability, and place identity.
  • Translate strategic visions into detailed urban design guidelines, frameworks, and technical documentation.
  • Integrate land use, mobility, infrastructure, landscape, placemaking and built form into cohesive design proposals.
  • Conduct comprehensive site and context analysis, including land use, mobility, environmental factors, regulations, and socio-economic conditions.
  • Identify constraints and opportunities to inform design strategies and decision-making.
  • Collaborate and coordination with multidisciplinary teams (architects, planners, landscape architects, infrastructure and transport engineers, and environmental specialists).
  • Coordinate with clients, government authorities, and regulatory bodies across the UAE.
  • Support stakeholder workshops and presentations to communicate design intent and gain approvals.
  • Ensure designs comply with UAE local authority regulations, international best practices, and sustainability frameworks (e.g., Estidama, LEED, WELL where applicable).
  • Prepare and review design and master planning packages for authority submissions and approvals.
  • Produce high-quality drawings, diagrams, 3D models, and visualizations to effectively communicate design ideas.
  • Prepare compelling presentations, reports, and graphics for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Support the Urban Design Project Lead in managing project timelines, deliverables, and resources.
  • Mentor mid-level and junior team members and provide design and technical guidance.
  • Stay up to date with emerging trends in urban design, master planning, smart cities, sustainability, and resilience.
  • Contribute to internal knowledge sharing and design excellence initiatives

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Urban Design, Architecture, Urban Planning, or a related discipline  
  • Minimum 6–8 years of relevant experience, preferably within the Middle East/UAE.
  • Proven experience in master planning and urban design project delivery across multiple scales.  Strong portfolio demonstrating concept design, technical capability, and built project experience.
  • Experience working on projects in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, the Northern Emirates or other GCC cities.
  • Familiarity with local authority requirements and master planning stages (e.g., DM, DDA, DMT, ADM, Trakhees, etc).
  • Chartership or professional affiliation (RIBA, RTPI, ULI, or equivalent) is an advantage.
  • Strong proficiency when it comes to the following:
    • Adobe Creative Cloud
    • AutoCAD
    • Sketchup
    • Enscape
    • AI-integrated workflows
    • Hand sketching or digital sketching
  • Knowledge on the following would be advantageous:
    • Rhino + Grasshopper and/or Sketch Up
    • BIM Software
    • Climate modelling tools (Forma, etc)
    • GIS Software (QGIS, ArcGIS Pro, etc)

THE INDIVIDUAL

  • Strong design thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication and presentation abilities (verbal, written, and graphical).
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Collaborative mindset with the ability to lead and mentor junior staff.
  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational and coordination skills.

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