Senior Urban Designer

Company Description

dhk Architects is one of the largest and leading design-led architectural studios in Africa. Our strength comes from a unique blend of creative design thinking, technical capability, implementation expertise and strategic vision.

Our reputation is built not only on landmark architecture but also on our longstanding commitment to designing integrated environments. We believe architecture should enhance and shape its context – a philosophy rooted in urban design. At dhk, we foster a culture of progressive design, high-performance, and collaboration, where urban thinking drives innovation in built form.

We support personal and professional growth through mentorship, development initiatives, and a studio environment that encourages experimentation, leadership, and ambition.

Job Description

We’re looking for a Senior Urban Designer to join our Cape Town-based team.

You’ll engage in a variety of urban projects locally and internationally, collaborating with internal architecture and landscape teams as well as external consultants. This role is ideal for highly motivated urban designers, including those with a background or strong interest in landscape design who possess strong conceptual design abilities, an understanding of spatial and ecological systems, and a passion for how cities and public spaces function and evolve.

​What You’ll Do

• Lead urban design projects from inception through to report production and concept development.
• Integrate landscape and public realm design thinking into urban frameworks and master plans.
• Collaborate across disciplines to deliver cohesive, sustainable, and people-centered urban environments.
• Contribute to the strategic vision of urban interventions that align with dhk’s architectural and landscape ethos.
• Engage with clients, municipalities, and stakeholders on spatial development plans.
• Translate complex urban and environmental challenges into practical, innovative design responses.
• Prepare compelling design reports, visualisations, and presentations.
• Champion design excellence, sustainability, and contextual responsiveness across both built and natural systems.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A postgraduate qualification in Urban Design or Architecture with urban design focus.
• Minimum 5 years’ post-graduate experience specifically in urban design.
• A robust portfolio showcasing urban frameworks, master plans, and design reports.
• Registration with SACAP or UDISA (advantageous).
• South African citizenship (mandatory).

Technical Skills

• Strong graphic, drawing and illustrative communication skills.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Suite, and Microsoft Office.
• Report writing and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Competence in producing visual narratives and analytical mapping.
• Advantageous: GIS proficiency, Rhino or other parametric tools.

Key Attributes

• Self-driven, organised, and detail-oriented.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• A passion for place-making, spatial justice, and sustainable urbanism.
• Ability to mentor junior team members and foster a collaborative design environment.

Benefits

• A competitive salary commensurate with experience and expertise.
• Exposure to iconic urban and architectural projects across the continent.
• Career development opportunities in a progressive, design-led environment.
• A studio culture grounded in innovation, excellence, and collaboration.

Additional Information