Principal Urban Designer/Masterplanner

Description

We are seeking a Principal Urban Designer to take on a senior project‑running role within our urban design and master‑planning team. This position offers a high degree of autonomy, leading defined projects or workstreams while being supported by Associate and Director‑level colleagues, and combines hands‑on design with day‑to‑day project leadership and client interaction.

• Lead the delivery of urban design and master‑planning projects from concept through completion, ensuring high design quality and clear narratives.
• Manage programmes, budgets and resources, coordinating multidisciplinary inputs from planning, transport, landscape, architecture, economics and engineering.
• Act as the primary client contact, leading meetings, design reviews, workshops and stakeholder sessions to build trusted relationships.
• Provide day‑to‑day guidance and mentoring to junior urban designers, supporting their development through informal and project‑based learning.
• Contribute to business development by assisting with bids, tenders, fee proposals and methodology writing.
• Manage projects or workstreams effectively, coordinating programmes and team inputs.
• Utilise GIS, hand sketching and 3D modelling software such as SketchUp or Rhino.

Requirements

AtkinsRéalis is committed to an inclusive, family‑friendly culture that supports flexible working, employee resource groups and a diverse workforce. The role may require UK security clearance, and candidates should be prepared to provide proof of five‑year UK residency if needed.

• Hold a master’s degree in urban design or a related discipline, preferably with a first degree in architecture or landscape architecture.
• Demonstrate strong experience on UK‑based and international residential‑led, regeneration or strategic land projects, with knowledge of the UK planning system.
• Exhibit strong spatial thinking, design judgement and the ability to communicate ideas through drawings, diagrams and written narratives.
• Communicate confidently in both written and verbal formats, with excellent graphic skills in AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Be proactive, organised, collaborative, supportive and curious about cities and infrastructure, with willingness to travel within the UK.

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance