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Principal Urban Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

S9 ARCHITECTURE

Senior Designer

New York, NY · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

... urban response, spatial organization, design narrative, and architectural detail. * Guide multiple projects alongside junior designers, in close collaboration with Design Principals and technical ...

Toole Design

Senior or Principal Civil Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

... urban designers who believe streets should work for everyone . At Toole Design, you'll work ... Principal Engineer at Toole Design, you'll lead the design and delivery of highly visible ...

PUC SCHOOLS

Assistant Principal

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

... designed to significantly increase high school graduation rates, college entrance, and college ... urban communities with overcrowded and low-achieving schools. We create school programs and ...

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All JobsPrincipal Urban Designer Jobs

Principal Urban Designer information

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$36.5K

$109.4K

$182K

How much do principal urban designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 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 are Principal Urban Designers?

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, and why are they important?

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,393 per year, or $52.6 per hour.
Senior Designer

Senior Designer

S9 ARCHITECTURE

New York, NY • On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

About S9 Architecture
S9 Architecture is a 55+ person design practice grounded in modern contextualism-believing that architecture must engage its cultural, social, and environmental surroundings with intelligence and care. Our work spans a broad range of project types throughout New York City and across North America, including multifamily residential (100% affordable, market-rate rental, and luxury condominium), mixed-use developments, office and workplace design, adaptive reuse and repositioning, and cultural and institutional projects.
We are an open studio that encourages conversation, curiosity, and shared growth. Design direction is led collaboratively by our leadership but evolves through meaningful input and disciplined contributions from all levels. We value teaching, mentorship, and supportive critique, and we operate as a meritocracy where thoughtful ideas and strong performance are recognized.
At our core, we believe architecture carries a profound responsibility to improve neighborhoods and enhance the daily lives of the people who live in, work in, and use our buildings. Many of our projects have been recognized for design excellence and for enriching the human experience.
We work in person, side by side, because design is a dialogue-and the studio is our shared classroom, workshop, and laboratory.
SENIOR DESIGNER
New York City | In-Studio
Position Overview
S9 Architecture is seeking a Senior Designer to play a central role in shaping and advancing architectural ideas across a diverse range of project types and scales. This position is ideal for a design-driven architect with strong judgment, conceptual rigor, and a deep interest in architecture as a contextual, collaborative, and iterative practice.
Senior Designers at S9 work closely with Design Principals, technical leaders, and project teams in an open, dialogue-driven studio environment. The role involves generating and refining ideas from early concept through execution, while helping guide junior designers through shared authorship, critique, and mentorship. This is a long-term opportunity for a designer who wants to grow design leadership within a thoughtful, design-intensive studio culture.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead design exploration across multiple scales and project types, including massing, urban response, spatial organization, design narrative, and architectural detail.
  • Guide multiple projects alongside junior designers, in close collaboration with Design Principals and technical teams.
  • Participate in and lead client design presentations and consultant coordination meetings.
  • Ensure design intent is thoughtfully carried through design development and documentation.
  • Mentor and support junior designers through critique, guidance, and example.
  • Actively participate in studio pin-ups, reviews, and ongoing design dialogue.
  • Contribute to a studio culture that values design excellence, clear communication, and realistic project planning.

Qualifications
  • 10+ years of experience in design-forward architecture studios; NYC experience preferred.
  • Experience in design-oriented offices with a strong culture of critique, collaboration, and craft.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop strong architectural concepts and carry them through multiple project phases.
  • Strong understanding of urban context, zoning, massing, spatial sequencing, and architectural systems.
  • Clear verbal, graphic, and visual communication skills.
  • Comfort working within regulatory, structural, and programmatic constraints as part of a collaborative process.
  • Interest in mentorship, collaboration, and long-term growth within a studio environment.
  • Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

What We Offer
  • Salary range: $110,000-$140,000+, commensurate with experience
  • Comprehensive health, vision, and dental benefits
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Licensure support and continuing education
  • A collaborative, in-studio culture with direct access to leadership and meaningful design dialogue
  • A studio environment that values design rigor alongside sustainable work practices
  • Opportunities for meaningful design responsibility and professional growth

Why Join S9
  • Contribute to mission-driven, award-winning work rooted in urban context and architectural craft
  • Work in an engaged open studio where dialogue, mentorship, and collaboration fuel design
  • Grow as a designer and leader while helping shape the studio's future

To Apply
Please submit a resume and portfolio demonstrating strong conceptual work, design development, and collaborative project experience. Submissions without a work sample will not be reviewed.
S9 Architecture is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law.

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