Urban Designer - (AD-L5.11) at Zutari

Role responsibilities

Design and Planning Support

• Assist in the preparation of urban design proposals, concept plans, and visualizations for a range of public and private development projects across scales.
• Apply and integrate sustainability and urban design principles across all projects.
• Develop analysis and design drawings, diagrams, and 3D models using design software
• Assist with presentation compilation and project documentation of project outputs
• Assist with tender compilation and proposals

Sustainability Integration

• Assist with the incorporation of of climate resilience strategies into design solutions, aligning with organisational sustainability frameworks and client goals.
• Integrate sustainability principles and performance criteria across all projects

Research and Analysis

• Conduct site and contextual analyses to inform design decisions.
• Research emerging trends in sustainable urban design and City and place-making practices
• Assist with project specific research ranging from technical design to policy, strategy and best practice investigation.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Support stakeholder consultation processes, preparing presentation materials for workshops and stakeholder meetings.
• Gather and document thorough feedback to ensure designs reflect social inclusivity and cultural/environmental context.
• Assist with consultation reporting (minutes, meetings agendas etc.)

Compliance and Documentation

• Assist in preparing project reports, presentations and any other project documentation.

Collaboration and Teamwork

• Work closely with multidisciplinary team and specialists to deliver integrated multidisciplinary solutions.
• Participate in internal design reviews and contribute to knowledge-sharing within the urban design and sustainability team.

Minimum requirements

• Undergraduate and honours degree in a related profession (landscape architecture, city and regional/urban planning, architecture). - Essential
• Urban Design degree from a recognised institution - Advantageous
• Candidate or professional registration (UDISA/SACPLAN/SACLAP)
• 3 – 7 years relevant experience
• International experience, either work or study, would be advantageous
• Ability to technically apply him/herself to a wide variety or urban design projects.
• Ability to work within tight timeframes and the parameters of individual projects
• Ability to learn and adapt in a dynamic environment
• Willing to travel to African and Middle Eastern countries
• Ability to work both independently and within a larger team setting

Skills, and characteristics 

• Must have excellent drawing skills
• Must have excellent written report writing and verbal communication skills
• Detail-oriented, adaptable and innovative.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite (specifically Illustrator), and Microsoft Office Suite is required. Knowledge of Revit, GIS, SketchUp and rending tools would be an added advantage.

Competencies

• Adaptability and Growth Mindset
  Ability to embrace ambiguity and adapt to evolving project requirements, technologies, and sustainability trends. This is critical in dynamic urban environments.
• Collaboration and Communication
  Competence in working within multidisciplinary teams and engaging stakeholders effectively, including community consultation and client presentations.
• Design Thinking and Problem-Solving
  Applying creative and structured approaches to solve complex urban challenges