A Principal Urban Designer leads design quality, masterplanning and place-making work within UK local authorities. They oversee complex design projects, shape strategic design policy, mentor urban design teams and ensure new development delivers high-quality, sustainable and character-led places.
This senior role requires strong design leadership, project management, stakeholder engagement and the ability to influence major development proposals and strategic planning initiatives.
Main Responsibilities
Lead major design projects, masterplans and regeneration frameworks
Oversee design codes, guidance and strategic design policy
Review complex development proposals for design quality and placemaking
Provide expert design advice to planners, developers and architects
Mentor and support urban design and planning officers
Represent the authority at committees, design review panels and public events
Support heritage, conservation and character-led design work
Typical Employers
Local authorities
Combined authorities
Urban development corporations
National parks
Salary Range
Principal Urban Designer salaries typically range from £50,000 to £65,000, depending on location and project scale.