urban design jobs
Urban design is the process of shaping the physical setting for life in cities, towns and villages. It is the art of making places. It involves the design of buildings, groups of buildings, spaces and landscapes, and establishing the processes that make successful development possible.
Urban design jobs offer a great deal of variety. Throughout your career you can work around the world, for yourself or others whether in the public (for a local council) or private sectors (for a consultancy or a developer). Day-to-day activities are diverse, and there is huge scope to specialise and learn new skills.
Urban design jobs in the public sector
Public sector bodies are increasingly appointing urban design specialists, and many private practices are expanding their architecture and landscape teams with the addition of Urban Design candidates.
Creative and design led communicators who are interested in working to improve public spaces, and place-making are most suited to careers in urban design. Candidates should be able to draw up their designs using CAD and 3D presentation software. A high level of spatial awareness is essential.
Embark on an urban design career
It is important to understand that urban design is not an accredited profession. There is no professional body that decides what should be on the curriculum of an urban design course, or what expertise and knowledge you need to be able to practise as an urban designer. A university undergraduate degree in any subject relating to the built environment or spatial design is a good start.
You may then choose to take a postgraduate course in urban design or a related subject. These are offered by universities across the UK. Courses range from accessible certificate programmes to comprehensive masters degrees. Best subjects to study: architecture, town planning, landscape architecture, geography, engineering.
Continue your search for architecture jobs or contact your local Hays office to discuss our current urban design jobs in your area.
