Urban Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Location(s): PasadenaPractice/Department: Planning & Urban DesignWork 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. 

Today, we are a 100% employee-owned firm supporting clients nationwide and delivering projects that improve and protect the built and natural environments of communities throughout the United States. Our work has been recognized by leading industry organizations, and we've been honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards. 

Our employee-owners are unified by a singular commitment to supporting projects that address key societal issues, such as the transition to renewable energy, infrastructure hardening and repair, environmental protection, and community resilience. 

Learn more about our award-winning culture, the benefits and perks of being a Dudekian, and the projects you will have the opportunity to shape.  

Who You Are 

As an employee-owner, you embrace accountability, working safely, and collaboration while thinking resourcefully and independently. 

Like all Dudekians, you are curious and solution-oriented, with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit of innovation.  

How You'll Make an Impact 

Dudek is looking for an Urban Designer to join our Planning and Urban Design (PUD) practice. The ideal candidate will possess at least six years of experience and demonstrate a combination of urban planning expertise and architectural design skills. This is a role that places equal emphasis on strong drawing, writing, and analytical abilities.

At Dudek, urban designers bridge planning policy and the built environment. The selected candidate will work alongside planners, architects, engineers, environmental specialists, and scientists to shape places, neighborhoods, and cities. This role supports a wide range of projects including master planning, mixed-use and community development, transit-oriented planning, public realm improvements, and long-range planning initiatives for both public and private sector clients.

The ideal candidate understands how regulatory frameworks and environmental requirements influence design and can translate planning policy into clear, implementable design solutions (and vice versa). They will contribute to and manage projects from visioning and analyses phases through design development and implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities  

Urban Design and Planning Integration

• Develop conceptual architectural massing studies, urban design concepts, site layouts, and illustrative plans
• Translate planning policies, zoning regulations, and General Plan land use guidance into physical design solutions.
• Support preparation of master plans, specific plans, objective design standards, and urban design frameworks.
• Conduct site analysis and prepare development capacity studies based on industry-standard building typologies.

Advanced Planning and Policy Analysis

• Research and analyze land use, transportation, housing, and environmental planning policies.
• Research state law, zoning codes, regulatory frameworks, and entitlement requirements to guide project decision-making.

Technical Documentation and Visualization

• Write and edit plans, reports, and regulatory documents.
• Produce graphics, diagrams, renderings, maps, and visual storytelling materials for client deliverables and public engagement.
• Develop presentations and exhibits that effectively communicate complex planning and design concepts to diverse audiences.

Community Engagement and Collaboration

• Support and participate in public workshops, design charrettes, and stakeholder meetings.
• Develop public-facing materials including presentation boards, visualizations, and outreach content.

Project Coordination and Team Collaboration

• Serve as a task lead and support project management for planning and urban design assignments.
• Assist with scopes of work, proposals, and cost estimates.
• Coordinate closely with multidisciplinary teams including planners, architects, environmental scientists, engineers, and transportation specialists.

Geospatial and Data Analysis

• Utilize GIS and data visualization tools to analyze and illustrate spatial data, and prepare maps and infographics.
• Analyze demographic, economic, and environmental data.

Mentorship and Professional Development

• Provide guidance and knowledge sharing to junior staff.
• Participate in professional organizations such as APA, AIA, ULI, AEP, or related industry groups.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture.
• Approximately 6+ years of professional experience in urban design, planning, architecture, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience integrating design and planning expertise.
• Working knowledge of zoning regulations, land use policy, and entitlement processes.
• Proficiency with design and technical tools such as GIS, Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, or similar platforms.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by the first day of employment 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Professional licensure or certification (AICP, architectural licensure, or progress toward licensure).
• Experience working in a consulting environment serving public agency and private development clients.
• Demonstrated expertise in writing and drawing abilities.
• Experience with community engagement and facilitation processes.
• Ability to manage project tasks, schedules, and deliverables with increasing independence.

Compensation: $90,000-$125,000 annually* 

*Final agreed-upon compensation will be based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, an individual's related experience, education, certifications, skills, and work location. Successful candidates must pass a pre-employment drug test and background check prior to beginning employment. 

Working Conditions  

• This job operates in a remote or office-based environment and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc. 

• This job requires occasional project site visits, based outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment. 

Physical Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This job requires the following:  

• Working on a computer, sitting, or standing for long periods of time in an office or remote office setting. 

• Attending meetings, both in person and virtually, and speaking on the phone with peers, clients, etc.  
• Specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

Connect with us! 

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Dudek is committed to creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of their background, feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities to succeed. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our business success, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We are committed to fair and equitable processes, based on merit, free from any discrimination. 

Dudek is genuinely committed to equal employment opportunities within our company and on our project teams. Dudek is also committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Dudek's operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of Dudek, including supervisors and coworkers. Equal employment opportunities will be extended to all persons (including those with disability and veteran status) in all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination. Any employee who violates this policy and Dudek's commitment to equal employment opportunities will be subject to disciplinary action. 

Dudek is a U.S.-based employer. All positions are based in the United States and require U.S. work authorization.