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Contract Urban Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ZGF Architects

Urban Designer 4

New York, NY · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Urban Designer 4 Location: 39 West 19th Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10011 (remote work within commuting distance permitted Fridays) Duties: * Independently design and present urban and ...

Perkins & Will

Senior Urban Designer

Boston, MA · On-site

$110K - $118K/yr

As a Senior Urban Designer , you will be responsible for leading all phases of the design process ... contract development process. * Participate in marketing opportunities and begins to develop ...

Perkins and Will

Senior Urban Designer

Boston, MA · On-site

$110K - $118K/yr

As a Senior Urban Designer , you will be responsible for leading all phases of the design process ... contract development process. * Participate in marketing opportunities and begins to develop ...

IQ Fiber

OSP Designer

Clearwater, FL · On-site

This role communicates with field and contract personnel to manage design changes, finalize as ... This role also supports and mentors other designers, contributing to quality and consistency across ...

IQ Fiber

OSP Designer

Clearwater, FL · On-site

This role communicates with field and contract personnel to manage design changes, finalize as ... This role also supports and mentors other designers, contributing to quality and consistency across ...

City of San Marino

Urban Forester

San Marino, CA

$6.5K - $7.9K/mo

... designed to optimize the health, beauty and safety of all city-owned, public trees, plants and ... Manage the tree maintenance contracts. Review tree removal and planting permits for approval ...

Perkins & Will

Landscape Designer II

Coral Gables, FL · On-site

Prepares contract documents including amendments, addenda, bulletins, details, sections, elevations ... dense urban environments at a planning level through detailed site design level. * Design and ...

Perkins and Will

Landscape Designer II

Coral Gables, FL · On-site

Prepares contract documents including amendments, addenda, bulletins, details, sections, elevations ... dense urban environments at a planning level through detailed site design level. * Design and ...

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All JobsContract Urban Designer Jobs

Contract Urban Designer information

See salary details

$53.5K

$72.7K

$89K

How much do contract urban designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract urban designer in the United States is $72,746.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,000.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Urban Designer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Contract Urban Designer, you need a solid background in urban planning, design principles, and site analysis, often supported by a relevant degree such as urban design, architecture, or landscape architecture. Familiarity with technical tools like GIS, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and 3D modeling software, as well as knowledge of local planning regulations, is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and project management skills help you collaborate with stakeholders and adapt to varying project scopes. These skills ensure that urban design solutions are both innovative and practical, meeting client needs and regulatory standards on diverse projects.

What is a Contract Urban Designer?

A Contract Urban Designer is a professional who is hired on a temporary or project basis to plan and design urban spaces, such as neighborhoods, parks, city centers, and public infrastructure. They work with local governments, developers, and architects to create functional, attractive, and sustainable urban environments. Their responsibilities may include site analysis, developing design concepts, preparing visual presentations, and ensuring that projects comply with zoning and environmental regulations. Contract Urban Designers typically bring specialized expertise to specific projects and may work independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team.

What are some common challenges faced by contract urban designers, and how can they be effectively managed?

Contract urban designers often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to new teams, understanding diverse local regulations, and managing tight project deadlines. To effectively manage these, it's important to establish clear communication with stakeholders, proactively seek out relevant planning documents, and stay organized through project management tools. Flexibility and a willingness to learn about each community's unique needs are key to succeeding in contract roles, as is building a strong professional network for support and collaboration.
More about Contract Urban Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Urban Designer jobs? Cities with the most Contract Urban Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Urban Designer jobs? The most popular types of Urban Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Urban Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Urban Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Urban Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Urban Designer jobs are:
Contract Urban Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Urban Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,746 per year, or $35 per hour.
Urban Designer 4

Urban Designer 4

ZGF Architects

New York, NY • On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

ZIMMER GUNSUL FRASCA ARCHITECTS LLP (DBA ZGF ARCHITECTS)
POSITION AVAILABLE
Multiple openings
Position: Urban Designer 4
Location: 39 West 19th Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10011 (remote work within commuting distance permitted Fridays)
Duties:
  1. Independently design and present urban and architectural drawings and plans.
  2. Support Project Team Leadership and independently determine procedures for all phases of design and document production.
  3. Prepare and/or supervise preparation of plans and renderings, independently consult with other parties critical to the development of the project to independently evaluate and select materials / products and inspect features of project in the field.
  4. Independently develop design and technical design solutions for specific areas of project and ensure design integrity through the Design Development, Construction Document, and Construction Phases.
  5. Independently develop complete master plan reports for smaller projects or larger projects under supervision of Senior Urban Designer / Department Head.
  6. Present solutions in-house and externally; serve as liaison with consultants and government agencies; and coordinate design intent and documents with consultants.
  7. Determine appropriate use of building and site systems, materials, and technologies; show initiative in researching alternative systems and materials; and develop project specifications.
  8. Independently review completed reports, plans, estimates, and calculations.
  9. Demonstrate knowledge of building, planning and zoning codes, design guidelines and standards as they relate to the project and its design.
  10. Independently integrate building / site / district / regional performance goals into design solutions and document performance metrics.
  11. Coordinate cost estimating of design intent.
  12. Review shop drawings and submittals for technical and design intent compliance.
  13. Responsible for effective performance of the project relative to quality goals, production schedule and production budget, actively participate in development of scope, budget and schedules for small to moderate scale projects; assist on larger projects.
  14. Supervise less experienced staff members to effectively utilize their efforts on projects, provide positive design leadership to project teams and to the office, and contribute to overall professional development of other project team members.
  15. Develop computer and physical models.
  16. Develop construction documents using computer-aided design (REVIT) software.
  17. Perform graphic design work for Architecture, Urban Design, and Interior Design as well as marketing efforts, as needed.
  • Up to 5% domestic travel required per project needs.

Salary from: $90,260 to $105,301 / year
Benefits: ZGF Employees enjoy Medical, Dental and Vision coverage with a generous employer contribution, HSA with employer contribution, 401k with employer match, 4 weeks of PTO and 10 paid holidays per year, paid parental and family leave programs.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Urban Planning, or closely related degree (foreign equivalent also acceptable), and
Experience: Five years post-bachelor's progressive experience as an Urban Designer, Urban Planner, Interior Architect, Interior Designer, Architect, or similar position.
OR
Education: Master degree in Landscape Architecture, Architecture Urban Planning, or closely related degree (foreign equivalent also acceptable), and
Experience: Three years experience as an Urban Designer, Urban Planner, Interior Architect, Interior Designer, Architect, or similar position.
Skills/Requirements:
  1. 3 years of professional experience working in urban planning and design.
  2. 3 years of professional experience with Adobe Suite, Revit, Rhino, AutoCAD, Sketchup, and 3D Max.
  3. 3 years of professional experience in planning and urban design, or/and landscape architecture, developing concepts into detailed design solutions, outlining master plan content, developing planning narratives, implementing plans, and coordinating with other disciplines who contribute content to master plans.
  4. 3 years of professional experience performing work requiring independent judgment in evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation or modification of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria, and independently solving problems encountered.
  5. 3 years of professional experience independently performing assignments with instruction concerning general results.
  6. 2 years of professional experience with design tools managing the design, production and documentation phases of a project.
  7. 2 years of professional experience supporting project teams on all phases of design and document production, identifying areas of specific design process efficiencies and applying knowledge towards project goals.
  8. 2 years of professional experience providing written, graphic and drafting skills to communicate concepts and solutions to team members, clients, consultants and contractors.
  9. 2 years of professional experience working with building, planning and zoning codes as they relate to the project and its design.
  • Submission of resume, cover letter and portfolio containing all of the following: A) samples of at least two (2) sets of photo-realistic renderings of urban, district or public space projects suitable for use by an architectural firm (at least four renderings total), and B) a technical urban design plan and section drawing for at least four (4) different projects
  • Employment will be contingent upon passing reference check and a background check.

All experience, skills and requirements may be gained concurrently; employer will accept any suitable combination of education, experience or training to satisfy the minimum requirements.
If you're ready to contribute to meaningful work, we invite you to submit your cover letter and resume.
ZGF Architects is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate the unique qualities and perspectives that each individual brings to our team. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities to apply. Regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law, we are excited to consider qualified candidates.

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