Senior Urban Designer

Position Overview

As a Senior Urban Designer, you will be responsible for leading all phases of the design process with high proficiency and expertise while maintaining firm and project goals. You will manage project teams, foster collaboration, and demonstrate effective communication to inspire innovation and successful project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Define, monitor, and maintain control of the project scope, schedule, and work plan for both the project and client teams.
• Lead efforts in developing, validating, and negotiating project scope, fee, budget, and services during marketing and contract development.
• Participate in marketing opportunities and develop successful client experiences.
• Ensure financial goals are met or exceeded and provide timely invoicing information to the Project Accountant.
• Coordinate with local governments and recommend approvals or denials of proposals.
• Meet with public officials and community members regarding development plans and land use.
• Educate civic leaders and the public about upcoming projects and community developments.
• Interpret gathered data and research to inform project decisions.
• Analyze sites, programs, and other key project elements using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Develop analytical and design drawings utilizing both analog methods (sketching, physical modeling) and digital techniques (analyses, digital sketching, and modeling).
• Collaborate with clients and/or the public to create strategic planning options.
• Strategize, outline, mockup, and develop design documentation including maps, diagrams, master plan reports, design guidelines, and client-ready presentations.
• Coordinate all aspects of project deliverables.
• Review, evaluate, and integrate zoning and policy requirements into project designs.
• Develop strategies for key urban frameworks and systems, including circulation, open space, buildings, and infrastructure.
• Perform advanced development calculations according to specified standards and proposed controls.
• Lead client and public discussions and presentations related to project design.
• Monitor project team performance to ensure quality standards and design goals are met.
• Mentor staff and exercise creative judgment throughout the design process.
• Engage actively in collaborative team settings such as design charettes, reviews, and pin-ups.
• Maintain open communication within the team and effectively coordinate with design partners and consultants.

Required Qualifications

• Experience Required: 8-10+ years
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in urban design, landscape, architecture, or a related discipline required
• Proficiencies: Site and design research; site analytics; planning and zoning code analytics; concept and detailed design studies; production of drawings and deliverables; hand-drawn and digital sketching; computational analysis
• Software Experience: Functional knowledge of 2D/3D production software (Revit, Rhino); digital sketching/diagramming software (Illustrator); analytical tools (ArcGIS, Grasshopper); Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); visualization tools (Enscape, VRay); physical modeling methods; and presentation tools (InDesign, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional licensure is strongly preferred
• Certifications: AICP certification; LEED GA within 6 months of hire; and Professional Accreditation in one area of Living Design (e.g., LEED AP with Specialty, BREEAM AP, WELL AP, SITES AP, Passive House Consultant/Designer CPHC/CPHD, or ILFI Living Future Accreditation)

Benefits & Perks

• Salary: $114,500 - $168,300 per year (Boston)
• Competitive and equitable compensation practices, including performance-based merit increases, job promotions, and regular pay equity audits
• A diverse, inclusive work environment that values creativity and innovation