The practice of urban design, and its role in creating cities, is a contested space. In this original article Judith Ryser examines tensions between professional disciplines in the creation and delivery of urban design in European cities. Drawing on the work of Francis Tibbalds, Ryser uses three key city issues - climate change, ICT and public participation - to identify ways through these tensions and new opportunities for the urban design profession. Ryser tests conceptions of urban design in the shaping of cities, and identifies new ways for the profession to help achieve sustainable urban development.