£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.