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Principal Urban Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Designer

New York, NY ยท 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 ...

Intermediate Designer

New York, NY ยท On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

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

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

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

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

Senior Designer

New York, NY ยท 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 ...

Showing results 21-40

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:
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.

Senior or Principal Engineer - Traffic

EmergencyMD

Columbus, OH โ€ข On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Other

PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

At Toole Design, we're leading the way in creating safer, more connected communities through sustainable multimodal transportation design. We're looking for a Senior or Principal Traffic Engineer to join our Columbus, OH team, someone who is excited to lead traffic engineering design and analysis, to create resilient, multimodal networks reflecting our mission and values.

Why Youโ€™ll Love Working Here

We're not just another firm, we're a purpose-driven team of engineers, planners, landscape architects, and urban designers who believe streets should work for everyone. At Toole Design, youโ€™ll work alongside thought leaders and industry experts who are committed to mentoring and helping you grow your expertise.

  • A collaborative, inclusive culture that supports your growth and advancement
  • A hybrid schedule with shared team days in office (Tu/W/Th)
  • 8 paid holidays; and at least 16 days of PTO accrual annually
  • Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and transportation perks
  • Projects that truly improve lives through safe, inclusive design rooted in ethics, empathy, and equity
What Youโ€™ll Do

As a Senior or Principal Traffic Engineer, you will lead creative, data-driven solutions to make streets saferโ€”designing traffic signals, pavement markings, signage, and traffic calming plans. You will also dive into traffic and safety studies or mentor junior staff along the way, using tools like Synchro, Highway Capacity Software, MicroStation, and AutoCAD to turn ideas into action. In Ohio, the Midwest, and across the country, youโ€™ll help shape safer, more sustainable multimodal infrastructure in a wide range of communities, building your reputation as a trusted expert and contributing to business development.

What You Bring
  • A Professional Engineering license in OH (other Midwest states a plus)
  • Proficiency in one or more of the following: MicroStation, Synchro, Highway Capacity Software, AutoCAD, SIDRA, and/or VISSIM
  • Interest in multimodal, safety, and active transportation design
  • Experience developing conceptual designs for intersections and corridors
  • Understanding of MUTCD standards at the state and federal level
  • Understanding of basic geometric design principles of roadways and industry roadway design standards
  • Experience developing construction documents and cost estimates
  • 10+ years of experience (Senior Engineer) or 15+ years of experience (Principal Engineer)
Nice to Have
  • 5+ years managing projects and/or design work, developing traffic engineering design plans, operational and safety analyses, and/or design documents (signing and pavement marking, maintenance of traffic, traffic signals)
  • Experience with MicroStation OpenRoads
  • An interest in managing and mentoring staff
  • Bonus: PTOE, Complete Streets, bikeway, and crossing design, construction support services, Agi32 lighting design, experience supervising staff
  • Experience in business development, including networking at public, agency, and industry events (e.g., ACEC, ITE, ASHE, ASCE)

Join Us. Make an Impact.

At Toole Design, we foster a collaborative culture and welcome people of all backgrounds to help build more inclusive communities. We strongly encourage applicants from underrepresented communities โ€“ women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, immigrants, first-generation college students/graduates, those with disabilities, and people at all the intersections in between โ€“ to apply. Toole Design is a woman-owned, equal opportunity employer (EO/AA/VEV/Disabled employer).

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