Urban Designer

Job Summary:

The Urban Designer II contributes to a variety of site, district, and community-scale planning and design projects with increasing independence and technical proficiency. This role supports project teams through advanced graphic production, design iteration, research, and analysis while helping develop well-coordinated deliverables that align with project goals and client expectations. The Urban Designer II engages more deeply in design development, participates in client and stakeholder meetings as needed, and provides mentorship to early-career designers.

Primary Essential Functions:

• Develop design concepts and iterative alternatives for master plans, streetscapes, development frameworks, and public realm projects with moderate independence.

• Perform advanced research and analysis, such as development capacity studies, spatial metrics, mobility networks, land-use patterns, and demographic profiles.

• Produce high-quality diagrams, renderings, maps, and design documents that support internal reviews, client meetings, and public engagement efforts.

• Prepare 2D and 3D models and assist in refining massing studies, site layouts, and urban form analyses.

• Support the development of planning reports and design narratives, contributing both written and graphic content.

• Participate in internal and external meetings, presenting design updates, analysis, or draft deliverables where appropriate.

• Assist with community engagement tasks, including the creation of visual materials, workshop content, and presentation graphics.

• Review applicable zoning, land development regulations, and planning policies, integrating them into design recommendations.

• Help maintain project schedules and deliverables, coordinating with project managers to ensure timely and accurate production of materials.

• Contribute to multidisciplinary coordination, working with engineering, architecture, landscape, and planning teams to align design components.

• Incorporate feedback from senior designers and project managers to enhance design intent, technical accuracy, and visual clarity.

• Mentor Urban Designer I staff, providing guidance on graphics, software techniques, and design best practices.

Secondary Essential Functions:

• Perform all other duties as assigned.

• Work collaboratively and effectively with clients and colleagues including cross-functional teams, peers, direct reports, and leadership, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.

• Adapt to changing business needs and priorities, demonstrating flexibility in taking on new responsibilities and adjusting to evolving challenges.

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities):

Knowledge

• Solid understanding of urban design principles, multimodal mobility, and public realm planning.

• Knowledge of zoning codes, land-use regulations, and development feasibility considerations.

• Awareness of sustainability, resilience, and equitable planning strategies.

• Understanding of urban infrastructure systems and their relationship to built form.

Skills

• Proficiency in ArcGIS, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, and 3D modeling tools such as SketchUp or Rhino.

• Skilled in preparing analytical diagrams, urban design visualizations, and presentation graphics.

• Strong writing skills to contribute to planning documents, reports, and client-facing materials.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work within complex project workflows.

Abilities

• Ability to translate analytical insights into clear, design-forward recommendations.

• Ability to work independently while balancing direction from senior staff.

• Ability to communicate design ideas effectively in visual, written, and verbal formats.

• Ability to coordinate with cross-disciplinary teams and support integrated design solutions.

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning, or related field.

• 1–3 years of professional experience in urban design, planning, architecture, or equivalent.

• Demonstrated proficiency in design software and graphic representation.

• Portfolio showing design capability, analytical reasoning, and production experience.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Urban Design or a related discipline.

• Experience with GIS analysis, rendering tools (Lumion, V-Ray), or data visualization software.

• Experience preparing materials for client presentations or public engagement.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to remain seated for extended periods while working at a computer or attending meetings.

• Frequent use of standard office equipment, including computers, keyboards, telephones, and printers.

• Occasional light physical activity such as walking, standing, or carrying materials (up to 25 lbs.).

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person, over the phone, and through written communication.