Associate Director - Urban Design and Masterplanning

MADE Careers is working with a globally recognised architecture and design practice looking to appoint an Associate Director to join its London Masterplanning team. Working closely with the Head of Masterplanning, this is a senior design role for someone with a really strong urban design portfolio and the ability to lead complex masterplanning and regeneration projects across the UK and internationally. The quality of the design work is important here. They're looking for someone who can think at city and neighbourhood scale, develop strong ideas quickly and communicate them beautifully while having the experience to lead teams, workshops and senior client conversations. The Role You'll take a leading role across large scale masterplanning, regeneration and mixed-use projects, from early ideas and strategy through to more developed design. Alongside leading projects and clients, you'll work closely with the wider team to challenge ideas, develop younger designers and maintain a high level of design quality across the studio. Responsibilities

• Lead the design of major urban design and masterplanning projects
• Develop strong concepts, narratives and presentation material
• Lead client workshops, presentations and design reviews
• Direct and inspire multidisciplinary project teams
• Build strong relationships with clients and collaborators
• Mentor and develop junior designers
• Contribute to the wider creative direction of the team Requirements
• A standout portfolio of design led urban design and masterplanning work, ideally including major international projects
• Exceptional conceptual design ability, with the confidence to generate, test and develop ideas at scale
• Strong experience across large scale masterplanning, mixed-use, regeneration and new communities
• Excellent sketching, graphic communication and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas simply and beautifully
• Senior Associate / Associate Director level experience within a leading urban design, masterplanning or architecture practice
• Experience leading the design direction of major projects, not simply managing their delivery
• Confidence presenting to senior clients, leading workshops and inspiring multidisciplinary design teams
• International masterplanning experience is highly desirable, particularly across the Middle East and/or Asia
• Strong Rhino and Adobe Creative Suite skills
• Revit experience highly advantageous Benefits
• Competitive salary + extensive benefits package
• Employee owned practice
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Private healthcare
• Enhanced annual leave and pension
• Learning and professional development opportunities
• Major UK and international projects across the Middle East and Asia
• Established global masterplanning team with strong progression opportunities Why This Role A brilliant opportunity for a senior designer who wants to stay close to the creative work while stepping into a more influential leadership role. You'll lead the design direction of major international masterplanning projects, working directly with clients and teams while still being involved in the ideas, sketching and design thinking that shape the work. Apply We'd be keen to hear from Senior Associates and Associate Directors with a standout, design led urban design and masterplanning portfolio, particularly those with experience on major international projects. 📩 Elly Jowles | elly@madecareers.com