Urban Design Lead

Your Role

At Gensler, the Urban Design Lead is an integral part of the team who specialise in experiences in the context of Urban Design. We take pride in our collaborative approach and one-firm-firm mindset to meet our client’s goals, objectives, and overall project vision. It is in this spirit and as a UD Lead, it will be your role to lead the team through the delivery of a variety of project types and sizes, across all phases.

Successful candidates will be focused on master planning projects in the UK and Internationally, while also gaining exposure to a wide range of design experiences within our full portfolio of integrated disciplines: architecture, interiors, graphic/industrial design and consulting.

What You Will Do

• Extensive business development across the Urban Design Sector
• Actively engage in the market as a thought leader and client relationship developer
• Collaborate with Practice Area leaders across the office and firm to maximise and convert work-winning opportunities
• Integrate creative strategy, marketing plans and budget constraints to serve client needs
• Facilitate design critiques and forums
• Prioritise workflow and resource allocations to meet internal and external deadlines
• Create an environment that fosters mentorship, creativity, and professional team growth
• Oversee performance, set expectations, uphold morale, and measure and improve productivity of the creative team
• Ensure the Firm’s culture is maintained
• Develop and nurture positive relationships with existing client contacts, optimising all potential opportunities
• Maintain an awareness of existing clients’ business objectives, plans, target audience and market trends, and ensure that appropriate opportunities are identified to generate further Lead and facilitate the overall cross-functional project team
• Focus on the smooth management of the project process, ensuring clarity of requirements, deliverables, timelines, and visibility against fees throughout the project life cycle
• Prepare, communicate, and monitor project work plans, budgets, and deliverables for client and internal teams
• Prepare and review proposals, contracts, and consultant agreements
• Actively take ownership of problems and successful resolution planning in consultation with Urban Design leadership and Studio leader.
• Support and contribute to new business development with both current and potential clients
• Contribute positively to Project reports and staffing meetings with concise and accurate information to continually improve the studio’s delivery and financial objectives

Your Qualifications

• Design Management experience, preferably in the Urban Design/Landscape Industry
• Degree in Urban Design or Planning is essential, Master’s qualification preferred
• LEED qualification advantageous
• Relevant experience as an Urban Designer with proven background in creative collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams, from concept through later stages
• Knowledge and passion for working on a variety of urban design & masterplanning project across multiple sectors
• Minimum of ten (10) years of Design experience is essential
• Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
• Knowledge and experience in all phases of interior design / architectural projects
• Experience managing consultant teams and resolving complex technical and design issues
• Proven ability to provide excellent client service and account leadership
• Be proactive and adaptable with the ability to work in a fast paced environment
• Strong programming and space planning skills
• High level of design competence with knowledge of building codes.
• Experience working on Middle Eastern projects an advantage
• Proficiency in Revit desirable

This job description reflects the core activities of the role although there will be changes in the emphasis of duties as required from time to time.

Life at Gensler

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical and dental insurance, season ticket loans, pension, profit sharing and twice annual bonus opportunities. 

As part of the firm’s commitment to professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional qualifications and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programmes or classes. We view our professional development programmes as strategic investments in our future.

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