A shared space designer is an urban designer or transport planner who specialises in streets and public spaces where vehicles and pedestrians share the same surface without traditional kerb separation. The approach - described in the Department for Transport's Manual for Streets - is increasingly used on residential developments, town centre regeneration schemes and public realm improvements to create places that are safe, attractive and sociable rather than simply efficient for traffic. Their designs must still satisfy the highway authority's adoption requirements under Section 38 and pass a Road Safety Audit at all design stages.
What they do
- Design shared surface streets and home zones to Manual for Streets principles
- Specify surface materials, colours and textures for traffic calming
- Design horizontal geometry to naturally slow vehicle speeds
- Incorporate planting, furniture and play features as traffic calming measures
- Prepare Road Safety Audit briefs and manage RSA consultants
- Produce swept path analyses for refuse vehicles and delivery access
- Manage community engagement and public consultation
- Prepare Section 38 home zone adoption packages for highway authorities
When you need one
A shared space designer is needed when a development or public realm project proposes a street or space where vehicles and pedestrians will share the carriageway surface without kerb separation.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Job type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Shared space concept design | £1,500 - £4,000 |
| Detailed design | £2,500 - £8,000 |
| Stage 1 and 2 RSA for shared surface | £1,500 - £3,000 |
| Swept path and geometry check | £400 - £900 |
| Community engagement and consultation | £800 - £2,500 |
| Post-opening monitoring | £500 - £1,500 |
| Hourly rate | £70 - £120 / hr |
Costs for shared surface streets are often higher than conventional roads due to the materials specification, RSA process and more intensive highway authority liaison. Confirm whether the RSA is included in the fee.
Qualifications to look for
Many shared space designers hold MCIHT alongside urban design or landscape qualifications. MCIHT is recognised by highway authorities for shared surface street adoption submissions.
The Urban Design Group is a professional network for urban designers working on streets and public realm. UDG membership indicates a commitment to place-making and quality design in the urban environment.
How to find a reputable shared space designer
Frequently asked questions
What is a home zone?
A home zone is a residential street where the design gives priority to pedestrians and cyclists over vehicles - through surface materials, level surfaces, planting, play features and horizontal geometry that naturally slows traffic. Home zones are adopted as public highway under Section 38 and must be approved by the highway authority. The key design principle is that the street is a social space first and a traffic corridor second.
What is the difference between a shared surface and a pavement?
A shared surface has no kerb separation between pedestrians and vehicles - all road users share the same level surface. Research shows they work well in low-traffic environments but can be confusing for visually impaired pedestrians who cannot rely on kerb detection. The DfT guidance Manual for Streets provides design principles and recommends careful design including flush kerbs and tactile surfaces at key locations.
Do shared surfaces require Road Safety Audits?
Yes - all new public roads including shared surfaces require a Road Safety Audit (RSA) at design stages 1, 2 and 3. The audit team must consider all user types, particularly visually impaired pedestrians who cannot rely on tactile kerbs for navigation. The RSA often results in the introduction of flush kerbs or tactile surfaces at key crossing points and building frontages to assist navigation.