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Principal Urban Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PlaceWorks

Entry-Level Urban Designer/Planner

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$27.88 - $41.83/hr

Job Title Entry-Level Urban Designer/Planner Location Santa Ana, CA - US (Primary) Category Urban ... Working in a collaborative and casual work environment under the guidance of principals, project ...

GFT.

Principal Designer - Signals

Audubon, PA · On-site +1

$180K - $195K/yr

GFT is seeking a Principal Designer, Signals to join our Transit & Rail Systems team. Working with ... Together, we're transforming urban landscapes, reducing environmental impact, andconnecting ...

GFT.

Principal Designer - Signals

Audubon, PA · On-site +1

$180K - $195K/yr

GFT is seeking a Principal Designer, Signals to join our Transit & Rail Systems team. Working with ... Together, we're transforming urban landscapes, reducing environmental impact, andconnecting ...

GFT.

Principal Designer - Signals

Audubon, PA · On-site

$180K - $195K/yr

GFT is seeking a Principal Designer, Signals to join our Transit & Rail Systems team. Working with ... Together, we're transforming urban landscapes, reducing environmental impact, and connecting ...

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All JobsPrincipal Urban Designer Jobs

Principal Urban Designer information

See salary details

$36.5K

$109.4K

$182K

How much do principal urban designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal urban designer in the United States is $109,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a principal urban designer typically collaborate with stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams during a project?

Principal Urban Designers regularly work with a diverse range of stakeholders, including city officials, community groups, architects, engineers, and developers. They facilitate workshops, lead design charrettes, and ensure that different perspectives are integrated into the final urban design proposals. This collaborative approach helps build consensus and ensures that projects are both innovative and responsive to community needs. Effective communication and negotiation skills are essential, as the Principal Urban Designer often acts as the key liaison among all parties involved.

What is a principal urban designer?

Principal Urban Designers are senior professionals who lead and oversee urban design projects, shaping the planning and development of cities and communities. They are responsible for creating design strategies, managing teams, and ensuring that projects meet both aesthetic and functional goals. Their work often involves collaborating with architects, planners, government officials, and the public to create sustainable and livable urban environments. Principal Urban Designers play a key role in influencing the long-term vision and development of urban spaces.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal urban designer?

To thrive as a Principal Urban Designer, you need expertise in urban planning, design principles, and project management, typically supported by a degree in urban design, architecture, or a related field. Proficiency with design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, GIS, and the Adobe Creative Suite, along with knowledge of relevant planning regulations and certifications like AICP or RIBA, is often required. Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills help drive collaborative design processes and lead multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure the creation of sustainable, innovative urban environments that meet community needs and regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Principal Urban Designer vs Urban Designer?

AspectPrincipal Urban DesignerUrban Designer
CredentialsTypically requires a master's degree in urban planning, landscape architecture, or related field, along with several years of experience.Usually holds a bachelor's or master's degree in urban design, architecture, or planning, with less experience required.
Work EnvironmentLeads projects, manages teams, and collaborates with stakeholders at a strategic level.Focuses on designing urban spaces, creating plans, and developing concepts under supervision.
Industry UsageCommonly used in large firms, government agencies, and consultancy roles for senior project leadership.Used across firms for entry to mid-level urban design roles.

The main difference between a Principal Urban Designer and an Urban Designer lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership scope. The Principal typically oversees projects and teams, while the Urban Designer focuses on creating design concepts and plans. Both roles require relevant education, but the Principal's role involves higher-level strategic decision-making and project management.

More about Principal Urban Designer jobs
What job categories do people searching Principal Urban Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Urban Designer jobs are:
Principal Urban Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Urban Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,393 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Entry-Level Urban Designer/Planner

PlaceWorks

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$27.88 - $41.83/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Title
Entry-Level Urban Designer/Planner
Location
Santa Ana, CA - US (Primary)
Category
Urban Design
Job Type
Full-time Non-exempt
Career Level
Entry Level
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Travel
Job Description
Job Description:
PlaceWorks is seeking a full-time Urban Designer/Planner to join our team in the Orange County (Santa Ana) office. We are looking for an entry-level individual or someone with a few years of urban design or planning experience within urban or urbanizing settings for public-sector and/or private-sector clients. Relevant experience includes familiarity with site planning and urban design for areas such as, but not limited to, development along corridors, within downtowns, near transit, and other areas in transition. Experience with planning documents such as specific plans, general plans, and master plans are a plus.
Working in a collaborative and casual work environment under the guidance of principals, project managers and other senior staff, this designer/planner would work on a variety of design-related projects, providing support to both our Southern and Northern California offices and working with team members across the state. Our firm is deeply involved throughout California in the acceleration of housing development and the revitalization of our built-out communities.
The pay range for this position is $27.88 - $41.83 per hour, dependent upon experience and other relevant factors.
Job Requirements:
You may be a great fit if some of the following describe you:
  • You love planning for the future of communities and making a difference with your work.
  • You want to learn more about urban building/development types, including commercial, mixed-use, and residential in an infill setting.
  • You are adept at collecting background documents, researching and summarizing information for existing conditions analysis.
  • With guidance, you can write and/or illustrate design standards and guidelines; how-to-guides and/or toolkits for both residential and non-residential development; and design-based zoning standards for specific plans or focused municipal code revisions.
  • You have some experience with opportunities/constraints mapping, site planning, and urban design framework plans.
  • With guidance, you can support preparation of build-out scenarios to test and illustrate draft standards/codes.
  • You're able to travel to and perform site visits as a project requires and attend client meetings with the project team.
  • Supporting authentic engagement with diverse communities excites you and you're willing to jump in to help with/participate in public outreach efforts, including evening, weekend, and multi-day design charrettes. You may be asked to coordinate events or meetings, prepare and assemble materials/supplies for workshops.
  • You're interested in assisting with and actively participating in marketing, business development, and proposal efforts to support our design team.
  • You can work both independently and in a highly collaborative environment with team members across the state.
  • You have a bachelor's degree or master's degree in architecture, urban design, planning or landscape architecture.
  • You are proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint), Adobe Creative Suite, and SketchUp. Proficiency with AutoCAD, Rhino and/or ArcGIS is desired, but not required. Hand drawing is a plus.
  • You have a reliable means of transportation to and from work, and to perform site visits and attend meetings when needed.
  • You can be in the office at least two days a week.

Application Instructions:
When applying, attach your cover letter, resume, and design portfolio as three (3) separate PDF attachments (may include written and design work for school projects). Each attachment must be under 500KB. Alternatively, you may include a link to your design portfolio if it exceeds 500KB.
Job Requirements
(see above job description)
We are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under state or local law.

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