Assistant Consultant - Urban Design

Role Overview

Assistant Consultant - Urban Design at WSP Middle East. The role is based in the Middle East region, with emphasis on UAE/GCC location experience.

Role Purpose

Support the delivery of innovative, sustainable urban design projects by contributing to all phases of design development, from research and conceptual work through technical documentation and authority submissions. The role is suited to a highly motivated junior designer with local UAE experience and a foundation in climate-responsive design, who can operate across conceptual, technical, and visual communication workflows.

Key Responsibilities

Design Development & Conceptualization

• Contribute to the design and documentation of concepts for mixed-use and master planning projects, including research, site analysis, precedent studies, sketches, diagrams, and design development.
• Integrate sustainable and climate-responsive solutions into urban and architectural design proposals.
• Undertake project-specific research, environmental and site analysis to inform design decisions.

Digital Modelling & Visualization

• Prepare 3D models and spatial studies using CAD, GIS, Rhino, SketchUp, Grasshopper, Blender, or equivalent tools.
• Produce high-quality renderings, diagrams, graphics, and presentations using Adobe Creative Suite and tools such as Enscape, D5, Lumion, Twinmotion, and emerging AI tools.
• Contribute to the use of generative design, AI, and emerging digital workflows to improve design quality and efficiency.

Technical Documentation & Coordination

• Prepare coordinated technical drawings, documentation, and submittals for project and authority submissions.
• Support GIS and CAD coordination, ensuring drawings, models, and datasets are accurate and aligned with project standards.
• Support compliance with planning regulations, design codes, DCR requirements, municipality standards, and other authority requirements.

Project Support & Collaboration

• Support senior designers with project coordination, design development, workshops, authority coordination, and client presentations.
• Operate effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture, or a related discipline.
• 1–3 years of relevant professional experience in urban design, architecture, planning, or master planning.
• UAE/GCC experience is desirable, with familiarity with local regulations, municipality requirements, DCR, and authority submission processes.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong skills in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino/SketchUp, and GIS.
• Experience with visualization tools such as Enscape, D5, Lumion, and Twinmotion.
• Understanding of urban design, mixed-use development, sustainable design, public realm, and spatial planning principles.
• Strong visual communication, technical documentation, attention to detail, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and manage multiple tasks to deadlines.
• Interest in emerging technologies, AI, generative design, and innovative urban design approaches.
• Proven ability to adapt quickly to new tools and methodologies.