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Urban Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Urban Designer

Pasadena, CA · Hybrid

$90K - $125K/yr

Planning & Urban Design Work Environment: Hybrid Compensation: $90,000-$125,000 annually* Dudek's journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California's water and wastewater agencies.

Urban Designer

Pasadena, CA · Hybrid

$90K - $125K/yr

Planning & Urban Design Work Environment: Hybrid Compensation: $90,000-$125,000 annually* Dudek's journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California's water and wastewater agencies.

Urban Designer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

Planning & Urban Design Work Environment: Hybrid Compensation: $90,000-$125,000 annually* Dudek's journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California's water and wastewater agencies.

The Urban Designer will draw from expertise in architecture, landscape architecture and/or urban design to advocate for excellence in urban design across the Borough President's portfolio of projects ...

The Urban Designer will draw from expertise in architecture, landscape architecture and/or urban design to advocate for excellence in urban design across the Borough President's portfolio of projects ...

Urban Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

The Urban Designer will draw from expertise in architecture, landscape architecture and/or urban design to advocate for excellence in urban design across the Borough President's portfolio of projects ...

Your Role Gensler is seeking an experienced Design Director to join our Cities + Urban Design / Mobility + Transportation Los Angeles studio to lead a range of high-profile public and private sector ...

Urban Designer - Austin Halff seeks an experienced urban designer to join our growing Planning and ... Design and Planning Abilities Candidate should be comfortable working at a wide range of scales ...

Instructors of Urban Design Compensation: $1,500-$9,000 per class Department: Landscape Architecture - Temp Start Date: 08/16/2026 About this opportunity: The Department of Landscape Architecture, R.

Your Role Gensler is seeking an experienced Design Director to join ourCities+ Urban Design / Mobility + Transportation Los Angeles studio to lead a range of high-profile public and private sector ...

Are you ready to design your future? Be our next: Urban Planner The Urban Planner will be responsible for planning, designing, and managing land-use projects, urban development programs, and ...

Are you ready to design your future? Be our next: Urban Planner The Urban Planner will be responsible for planning, designing, and managing land-use projects, urban development programs, and ...

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Urban Design information

How does an urban designer typically collaborate with other professionals during a project?

Urban designers frequently work in multidisciplinary teams, collaborating closely with architects, landscape architects, civil engineers, city planners, and community stakeholders. During a project, they are responsible for integrating diverse perspectives and technical requirements to develop cohesive and sustainable urban spaces. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as urban designers often facilitate workshops, present design proposals, and incorporate feedback from various collaborators to refine their plans. This collaborative environment not only enriches the design process but also helps ensure that the final outcomes meet both functional and community needs.

What do you do as an urban designer?

An urban designer develops plans and designs for the layout and appearance of urban spaces, focusing on improving functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. They analyze land use, collaborate with stakeholders, and use design tools like CAD and GIS to create master plans for cities and neighborhoods.

What is urban design?

Urban design is the process of shaping the physical features of cities, towns, and villages, focusing on the arrangement, appearance, and functionality of public spaces. Urban designers work to create environments that are attractive, sustainable, and livable by integrating buildings, landscapes, streets, and public spaces. Their work includes planning new developments, revitalizing existing areas, and ensuring that urban spaces meet the needs of communities while promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability.

How much are urban designers paid?

Urban designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $80,000, with experienced professionals earning over $100,000. Salaries vary based on location, experience, education, and the complexity of projects they handle.

Is urban design a major?

Urban design is an academic major that focuses on the planning and development of urban spaces, combining principles from architecture, planning, and landscape design. Students typically study topics like city planning, sustainability, and design tools such as GIS. A degree in urban design can lead to careers in city planning, landscape architecture, and related fields.

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

To thrive as an Urban Designer, you need a solid background in architecture, urban planning, spatial analysis, and typically a relevant degree such as urban design, architecture, or landscape architecture. Familiarity with GIS software, CAD programs, and visualization tools like SketchUp or Adobe Creative Suite is often required. Strong communication, creativity, and collaboration skills help urban designers engage stakeholders and develop innovative solutions. These abilities are crucial to creating functional, sustainable, and attractive urban environments that meet community needs.

What are the 7 types of urban planning?

Urban designers and planners recognize several types of urban planning, including strategic planning, land use planning, transportation planning, environmental planning, urban design, zoning, and regional planning. These types help shape the development, sustainability, and functionality of urban areas by addressing different aspects such as infrastructure, community needs, and environmental impact.

What is the difference between Urban Design vs Urban Planning?

AspectUrban DesignUrban Planning
CredentialsDegree in Urban Design, Architecture, or Landscape ArchitectureDegree in Urban Planning, Geography, or Public Policy
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, city centers, public spacesGovernment agencies, planning departments, consulting firms
Industry UsageFocuses on the aesthetic and functional design of urban spacesFocuses on policy, zoning, and land use regulations

Urban Design and Urban Planning are closely related fields, but Urban Design emphasizes the visual and functional aspects of city spaces, while Urban Planning involves broader policy and land use decisions. Both roles often collaborate to create sustainable, functional, and attractive urban environments.

More about Urban Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Urban Design jobs? Cities with the most Urban Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Urban Design jobs? The most popular types of Urban Design jobs are:
What states have the most Urban Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Urban Design jobs include:
Infographic showing various Urban Design job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.
Professor of Urban Design

Professor of Urban Design

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$185K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Harvard University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 539 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position
Details
Title
Professor of Urban Design
School
Harvard Graduate School of Design
Department/Area
Urban Planning and Design
Position Description
The Department of Urban Planning and Design at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design (GSD) invites applications for a faculty position at the rank of Professor of Urban Design with tenure from distinguished scholars and practitioners. We seek candidates whose record of research, scholarship, and/or professional practice is recognized by peers as constituting exemplary, innovative approaches that critically engage with key challenges facing cities, including sustainable spatial patterns, conflicts facing the public realm, transformations of work and living environments, and growing economic and social inequalities while integrating these challenges within an epistemology of urban-architectural design.
In addressing these challenges, we are interested in candidates who are committed to interdisciplinary engagement in a school that hosts the fields of urban planning, landscape architecture, architecture, and real estate, as well as with schools within Harvard University at large. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to engage with a full range of urban design methods such as the deployment of digital platforms, new technologies including AI, and the latest innovations in spatial analysis and representation. Applicants should have a forward-looking agenda combining design research with studio and/or classroom pedagogy.
Basic Qualifications
Applicants must have an advanced terminal degree in urban design, architecture, or a related design field focused on cities.
The school aims to attract and retain individuals who possess a quality of mind demonstrating high levels of intelligence, clarity of expression, analytical ability, critical judgment, creativity, and initiative. We also value individuals who support free inquiry and expression by others and constructive, collegial collaborations with faculty, staff, and students. In the school's evaluation of candidates, desirable individual qualities and high potential are not substitutes for a record of academic and creative achievement. Accomplished contributions to the field through scholarship and/or design are essential to effective teaching over time. Continued study and investigation with public exposition of research and professional accomplishments are normal obligations for Harvard faculty members.
The position of tenured professor is intended for individuals pursuing full-time academic careers who are highly effective teachers and whose creative work in scholarship, design research/work, professional practice, or a combination thereof, is recognized by peers as a preeminent and enduring intellectual contribution to their field. Individuals in this position will employ their time teaching, conducting creative work in scholarship or design research/work, and fulfilling their responsibilities for academic service. Appointments are made with tenure on a full-time basis. The appointment for a full-time position requires residency in Cambridge/Boston, MA.
Additional Qualifications
Special Instructions
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in August 2026.
Applicants should submit:
  • A cover letter
  • A Curriculum Vitae
  • Design and research work samples - selected material from your portfolio, including publications, research statement, design work (up to 15 mb).

Subsequent Submission: Candidates advancing in the selection process will be asked to provide additional material later.
If visa sponsorship is needed, Harvard retains the discretion to determine which visa status is appropriate and whether a visa sponsorship application will ultimately be submitted, including payment of any applicable fees.
Contact Information
Emmy Ly, Senior Coordinator, Faculty Affairs
Contact Email
ely@gsd.harvard.edu
Salary Range
Professor (full-time, tenured) hiring range: $185,000+
Minimum Number of References Required
Maximum Number of References Allowed
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