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Urban Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Entry-Level Urban Designer/Planner

Santa Ana, CA ยท Hybrid

$27.88 - $41.83/hr

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.

Founded in 1969, Design Workshop, Inc. (a 100% ESOP-Owned Company) is an international landscape architecture, land planning, urban design and strategic services firm with seven offices in the U.S ...

NV

$22 - $24/hr

Those with dual degrees in both landscape architecture and urban design or planning are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and be able to ...

Founded in 1969, Design Workshop, Inc. (a 100% ESOP-Owned Company) is an international landscape architecture, land planning, urban design and strategic services firm with seven offices in the U.S ...

Urban Designer 4

New York, NY ยท On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Independently design and present urban and architectural drawings and plans. * Support Project Team Leadership and independently determine procedures for all phases of design and document production.

Those with dual degrees in both landscape architecture and urban design or planning are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and be able to ...

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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 to create proposals that enhance community livability and infrastructure.

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.

Is urban design oversaturated?

Urban design as a profession is competitive due to increasing interest in sustainable and smart city development, but opportunities remain in government agencies, private firms, and non-profit organizations. Success often depends on advanced skills in GIS, CAD, and planning, as well as relevant certifications. Job growth is influenced by urbanization trends and infrastructure projects, making continuous skill development important for job seekers.

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 jobs can you get with an urban design degree?

With an urban design degree, you can pursue roles such as urban planner, city designer, transportation planner, landscape architect, or development consultant. These jobs typically involve skills in spatial analysis, CAD software, and knowledge of zoning regulations, often requiring collaboration with government agencies, private firms, or community organizations.

What are the 7 types of urban planning?

Urban designers and planners typically recognize seven main types of urban planning: strategic, comprehensive, land use, transportation, environmental, urban design, and zoning planning. Each type focuses on different aspects of city development, such as infrastructure, land allocation, sustainability, and community needs, often requiring knowledge of planning tools and regulations. Understanding these types helps urban design professionals create functional and sustainable urban environments.

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:
Landscape Architecture / Urban Design Market Leader - Northern California

Landscape Architecture / Urban Design Market Leader - Northern California

Trilon Group

Oakland, CA โ€ข On-site

$135K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Landscape Architecture / Urban Design Market Leader - Northern California
Department: Landscape Architecture
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Oakland, CA
Compensation: $135,000 - $155,000 / year
Description
Alta is looking for a Landscape Architecture/Urban Design Market Leader to join our growing Oakland office design team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who believes in the power of design and placemaking to create vibrant, active communities, and engaging public spaces.
In this role, you will drive business development and strategic growth throughout Northern California, establishing Alta's presence and reputation with local city and regional government clients. You will be responsible for leading client relationship building, identifying new opportunities, and positioning Alta as a leader in sustainable landscape design and active transportation. This role requires a strategic thinker who can expand our market share while maintaining the high-quality, collaborative approach that defines our work.
You will also work on the design of projects with a focus on sustainability and active communities around California and across the country. Design professionals who enjoy working closely with other disciplines will appreciate our Oakland team's multi-disciplinary approach that encourages collaboration with our planners, engineers, graphics designers, outreach specialists, and data analysts. If you are looking to join an innovative organization and do work that connects people to places while advancing social justice, safety, and environmental resilience, apply with Alta today!
Day to Day
Day-to-day responsibilities for this role would include:
  • Leading business development efforts throughout Northern California, including identifying opportunities, cultivating client relationships with local city and regional government agencies, and developing winning proposals and presentations.
  • Driving strategic market growth and positioning Alta as a leader in sustainable landscape architecture, urban design, and active transportation within the region.
  • Contributing to revenue growth targets for the Landscape Architecture business line in Northern California.
  • Building and maintaining relationships with key decision-makers at public agencies, participating in industry events, and representing Alta in the professional community.
  • Providing leadership and technical expertise to the California Landscape Architecture design teams. In addition, collaborate with other disciplines (planning, engineering, data) as needed.
  • Mentoring design staff and contributing to internal professional development and training to design team.
  • Implementing best practices and process improvements to enhance project delivery efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Workload balancing for the California Design team.
  • Preparing schedules, budgets, and scope of services for projects.
  • Providing quality control over team deliverables.

Qualifications
Required
This position requires a combination of skills, experience and education including, but not limited to
  • 15+ years of experience as a Landscape Architect or Urban Designer in a consulting environment or public entity
  • Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture or Urban Design
  • Professional Landscape Architect (PLA)
  • Experience in, or knowledge of corridors, such as greenways, trails, streets, or canals.
  • Demonstrated understanding of the design process and working collaboratively with other design disciplines and a detailed understanding of project management principles, methods and techniques.
  • Business acumen and demonstrated experience in business development and managing large contracts.
  • Ability to guide staff members and manage internal team expectations.
  • Exhibits strong initiative and ability to capitalize on opportunities to enhance Alta's position in the marketplace.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities, multiple simultaneous projects involving cross-functional project teams within budgetary and schedule constraints.
  • Excellent professional ethics, leadership skills, accountability, and decision-making capabilities.
  • Good presentation skills.
  • Proficiency in an enterprise-wide resource planning and project management tool.
  • Ability and willingness to travel.

There are a number of additional skills, experience, and education that would be beneficial to this position including, but not limited to:
  • Experience managing large projects for both private and public clients.
  • Experience working in urban, rural, suburban, land use contexts.
  • Experience using Deltek Vision.
  • Active participation in industry-relevant professional associations and committees, such as ASLA or ULI.

What We Offer
Flexible Schedule
Alta offers a flexible, hybrid work schedule where most employees work from home three days per week. In-office days support our collaborative culture, one of our core values.
Compensation
The pay range for this job in Oakland is $135,000-$155,000 annually. Placement within the range is based upon experience, skill-sets, and qualifications.
Benefits
Alta offers comprehensive benefits to all full-time employees:
  • Medical: PPO or HSA medical plans, Alta pays 75% of the cost
  • Dental/Vision: PPO, Alta pays 90% of the cost
  • Life Insurance: Alta pays 100% of the premium for life and AD&D, equal to your base compensation
  • 401(k): Alta provides a match up to 3%
  • PTO: 21 days accrued annually to start
  • Holidays: 11 total company paid holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave/Short-Term Disability
  • Additional Benefits: Wellness reimbursement up to $800 annually, Alta Gets Around benefit of up to $900 annually, 5-year travel award, and professional development opportunities

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