Urban Design Associate - Masterplanning​/Architecture Led

We have an exciting opportunity for an Urban Design Associate (Masterplan /Architecture led) to join our growing team in Reading . This is a rare opportunity to plan and deliver projects of the highest quality, making a real difference to the communities around you, whilst also enjoying fantastic progression opportunities. You will be an integral part of our innovative inter‑disciplinary environment and share responsibilities as part of the management team in winning new projects, developing the culture and design ethos of the studio, alongside supporting and actively mentoring and developing the junior talent in our team and across the wider design business.

Our multi‑disciplinary team based at The Blade, Abbey Square in Reading brings together expertise in Urban Design, Town Planning, Architecture, Graphics, and Landscape. We work in a vibrant, open‑plan office designed to foster creativity and collaboration, with breakout spaces and dedicated drawing areas that reflect the inclusive and innovative culture we live by at Stantec.

Major residential‑led, mixed‑use development masterplans and layouts, and public realm work of the highest quality. This includes new communities, new settlements, urban extensions as well as town and city centre master planning, and regeneration.

Landowners and promoters, residential developers (including house builders), local authorities and government agencies providing an enviable and loyal client list. Projects are typically those considered by clients to be more complex and challenging, needing the innovative and creative technical expertise and approach that we pride ourselves on.

• Drive business growth by generating new work opportunities, building client relationships, and attending networking events.
• Prepare fee proposals and actively contribute to winning work for the studio.
• Promote our expertise across the business and externally, including marketing services on digital platforms and contributing to thought leadership pieces.
• Bring creativity and innovation to every aspect of your design work and project involvement.
• Lead UK projects, supporting planning applications and masterplans for new communities ranging from 200 to 10,000 homes.
• Develop visionary, place‑led concepts for new settlements and town extensions, ensuring designs are both exciting and deliverable.
• Work confidently across scales, from strategic frameworks to detailed development parcels and building footprints.
• Produce masterplan drawings, design strategies, and detailed illustrations in both 2D and 3D to clearly communicate design principles.
• Create indicative and proving layouts to test feasibility and capacity using CAD and hand‑drawn techniques.
• Generate urban design concepts with robust design rationales, balancing creativity with technical constraints.
• Produce high‑quality rendered drawings, by hand or using design software, employing a variety of techniques.
• Develop land‑use strategies and development schedules, ensuring effective integration of uses on site.
• Lead the production of Design and Access Statements and Vision Documents, combining written and graphic outputs, and manage coordination with consultants and client teams.
• Take ownership of comprehensive Design Codes and Guidelines, setting clear standards for delivery.
• Manage small teams and mentor junior team members, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Engage with communities and stakeholders through design workshops and public exhibitions.
• Deliver outstanding work to brief and within deadlines, maintaining attention to detail and design excellence.

• Show clear leadership and management skills, with the business development acumen to help lead the studio and contribute to its positive financial performance.
• Bring substantial experience in large‑scale UK development masterplans, including new settlements and urban extensions, within an Urban Design or Master planning role.
• Have significant consultancy experience, managing small teams and leading cross‑disciplinary projects.
• Demonstrate strong project management capabilities,…