Senior Urban Designer
Dubai, UAE
Design led studio
An innovative and design-led architecture studio in Dubai is continuing to grow and is now looking for a Senior Urban Designer to join its talented team.
About the Practice:
An innovative and design-led architecture studio in Dubai is continuing to grow and is now looking for a Senior Urban Designer to join its talented team. With a strong commitment to delivering context-sensitive, human-scale urban environments, the studio is known for its work on large-scale masterplans and public realm strategies that blend creativity with urban clarity.
Founded over 5 years ago by a UK-qualified architect and former global practice partner, the studio has expanded to a 25-person team comprising architects, designers, and associates. The studio operates with agility, often bringing in freelancers to support its active portfolio of 3–5 major projects at any given time. Current work includes a landmark 400,000 sqft mixed-use scheme in the UAE and several public realm interventions across the Gulf region.
The practice fosters a collaborative studio environment focused on high-quality design thinking and innovation. This role offers the opportunity to engage with meaningful, city-shaping projects and contribute to an emerging area of expertise within the studio.
role overview:
This is a key position for a Senior Urban Designer with strong design sensibilities and a deep understanding of how cities function. The successful candidate will work closely with the Creative Director and Associate leadership to drive the urban design agenda across the studio’s projects—from early strategic thinking through to concept development and masterplanning. This role offers real potential for career growth, with a clear path toward leadership as the urban design function expands.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in building the studio’s urban design capability, contributing to projects with significant cultural and civic impact. You will be part of a young, growing studio with a clear design vision and a collaborative culture, with the potential to grow into a future leadership or Associate role. In this position, you will have the chance to influence the studio’s design direction and help shape Dubai’s evolving urban fabric.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the design and development of urban design, strategies, frameworks, and masterplans
Collaborate with architecture teams from initial concept to spatial design resolution
Translate complex briefs into compelling design solutions that are sustainable and human-focused
Contribute to mixed-use, regeneration, and large-scale public realm projects in the Gulf region
Deliver well-articulated visual presentations and narratives, including diagrams, plans, and 3D visuals
Represent the studio in client meetings, design reviews, and multidisciplinary workshops
Maintain design quality and ensure urban coherence across all phases of work
Support the Associate Urban Designer and mentor junior staff where needed
Stay informed on emerging urban trends, technologies, and best practices
Qualifications & Experience:
Degree in Urban Design, Architecture, or a related field
7–10+ years’ professional experience, preferably with exposure to both strategy and design execution
Proven experience working on large-scale mixed-use or public realm projects
Strong software proficiency, particularly in Rhino, Enscape, Adobe Suite; working knowledge of AutoCAD and Revit advantageous
Exceptional graphic and verbal communication skills
A deep understanding of placemaking, spatial design, and urban movement
Middle East experience preferred but not essential
Experience working in collaborative studio environments with multidisciplinary teams
Offer:
Competitive, tax-free salary (based on experience)
Discretionary annual bonus (paid in January)
Healthcare allowance
22 days paid leave + UAE public holidays
Relocation support (flights and temporary accommodation covered; relocation lump sum provided)
5-day office working week
Visa sponsorship provided
