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.

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