Urban Designer

Company Description

With eight design studios worldwide, chances are you've encountered our work. We specialise in architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, and urban design. Our diverse, multi-disciplinary team brings together a wealth of skills and perspectives that unlock the economic, social, and cultural potential of projects.

Across our studios we connect insight and creativity, creating a better future by designing the world’s best places – places people love, is what drives us.

At Hassell, we're dedicated to sustainability and regenerative design. Our designers play a pivotal role in shaping a better future for communities and our planet. Join us in making a lasting impact.

At Hassell, we believe great design transforms the everyday. Our landscape architects work at the intersection of design, environment and strategy—and right now, we’re looking for a Senior Associate to join our Shanghai studio and help lead our next chapter of place-shaping projects across China and the region.

Job Description

 

We have a role for an experienced Urban designer with an appreciation of the principles of architecture and/or landscape architecture, strong conceptual design thinking, excellent visual communication, the ability to work effectively and efficiently in a deadline-focused environment, and an understanding of regenerative urban development principles.

The role will:

• Contributes to the design and delivery of urban design and master planning projects across a range of scales, from community through to city and regional levels.
• Support the preparation of site and regional analyses, concept plans, design reports, diagrams, and presentations across multiple project stages.
• Work closely with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver integrated design outcomes, including coordination with specialist consultants.
• Demonstrate experience working within planning, regulatory, and approval frameworks in Mainland China, and collaborate with relevant consultants to develop a thorough understanding of urban functional strategies, transport planning, and ecological systems.

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Qualifications

• A degree in Urban Design, Architecture, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of professional experience; urban design-focused experience preferred.
• Strong interest in the built environment, particularly the interplay between buildings, public spaces, and urban systems, including innovative housing models and delivery methods.
• Demonstrated experience in urban design projects, including mixed-use urban developments and community-focused planning.
• Demonstrate an understanding of large-scale regional and urban planning analysis methodologies, including spatial structure, growth frameworks, and strategic development patterns.
• Proficient graphic communication and technical skills; experience with, and skilled in utilising, AI tools preferred (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino, Grasshopper, QGIS).
• Ability to collaborate in a team environment and contribute ideas enthusiastically.
• Experience preparing project documentation, design reports, and presentation materials, and presenting design ideas clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience contributing to early-stage stakeholder engagement, supporting consultation processes, and incorporating feedback into design outcomes.
• A self-motivated approach, with the confidence to seek feedback and continuously improve.

Additional Information

Why join Hassell?

Our Shanghai studio is a dynamic, design-led environment where local insight meets global collaboration. As a Senior Associate, you’ll play a visible role across projects, clients and people—supported by a global network of studios and design minds.

At Hassell, you’ll find:

• High-impact projects that shape public places, urban systems and cultural life

• A progressive culture that values curiosity, diversity and purpose-led design

• Room to grow as a design leader, mentor and collaborator

• Flexible and hybrid working, and support for sustainable working hours

• Pathways to leadership, learning and professional development

Ready to lead?

If you're a passionate and strategic designer ready to shape cities, coach teams, and influence the future of landscape architecture—we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now with your CV and portfolio.

We review applications as they arrive—so don’t wait.

Please note: We are not accepting speculative candidates from agencies or third parties at this time.
Hassell is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer. We’re committed to creating safe, culturally inclusive workplaces where everyone feels respected, valued and heard.