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 projects including urban design, streetscape, public realm, master plans, design guidelines, and other planning and design projects. Ideal candidates will possess a background in architecture, landscape architecture and/or urban design and planning and have demonstrated experience leading projects and teams. Strong interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills are critical. Ideal candidates will have experience working with and strong relationships with cities, public agencies, transit agencies, and developers throughout California. Candidates should be collaborative and excited to mentor and grow the next generation of design professionals. This candidate will be responsible for identifying business development opportunities, leading proposal responses, and delivering project work.
What You Will Do
Lead business development through building client relationships, identifying opportunities, and leading proposal responses to RFPs
Lead project teams in generating and delivering creative planning and design solutions
Primary client contact on design issues accountable for design excellence
Mentor for next generation design talent in the studio
Engage in office and regional design initiatives, including leadership within the design community
Your Qualifications
Master’s degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, City/Regional Planning, Urban Design, or other closely related fields
Licensed in Architecture and/or Landscape Architecture
AICP certified or eligible and willing to become AICP certified
15 or more years of experience related to urban planning, urban design, and architecture
Proven experience successfully responding to public RFPs and winning projects
Proven performance in directing design and delivery process on multiple projects
Proven ability to create compelling design solutions
Experience leading collaborative project teams and mentoring staff
Experience developing and leading client relationships with private and public sector clients
Experience leading community workshops and public presentations
Excellent written, verbal and graphic communication skills and organizational skills
Thought leadership on urban design and planning (published blogs, papers, panels, teaching experience)
Leadership in design industry professional organizations (AIA, APA, ASLA, ULI)
Proficiency in GIS and Mapping tools
Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Sketch-Up, Rhino and/or other 3D modeling software
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint) and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
Familiarity working with AI design and visualization tools
Certification in sustainable design (LEED, Envision, or other)
**The base salary will be estimated between $125,000-$195,000 annually, plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience. To learn more about our compensation philosophy and full benefits offerings, please visit Great People, Great Rewards | Gensler
Life at Gensler
At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Awareness Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests.
We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.
As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.
Skills Required
- Master's degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, City/Regional Planning, Urban Design, or closely related fields
- Licensed in Architecture and/or Landscape Architecture
- AICP certified or willing to become AICP certified
- 15 or more years of experience related to urban planning, urban design, and architecture
- Experience leading collaborative project teams and mentoring staff
- Proficiency in GIS and Mapping tools
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Sketch-Up, Rhino, and other 3D modeling software
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite
- Certification in sustainable design (LEED or other)
Gensler Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Gensler and has not been reviewed or approved by Gensler.
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Strong & Reliable Incentives — Incentive programs include twice‑yearly bonuses and profit sharing that are positioned as meaningful parts of total compensation. Employee ownership elements can reward longer tenure and contribute to overall earnings beyond base pay.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Employee stock ownership and stock appreciation programs provide wealth‑building avenues beyond salary. These equity mechanisms are highlighted as part of the standard package.
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Healthcare Strength — Core coverage spans medical, dental, and vision alongside life and disability, EAP/mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Benefits breadth is described as solid within the industry context.
Gensler Insights
What We Do
Gensler is a global architecture, design, and planning firm with 53 locations and more than 6,000+ professionals networked across the Americas, Europe, Greater China, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. Founded in 1965, the firm works globally with more than 4,000 clients across more than 33 practice areas spanning the work, lifestyle, community, and health sectors. Everything we do is guided by our mission: To create a better world through the power of design. We believe the power of design can spark positive change and create a future that promotes equity, resilience, and wellbeing for everyone. Gensler was named one of Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work in 2020, 2019, 2017 and 2016, and our award-winning culture has been recognized by Fast Company as one of the 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2021. Our people-first philosophy is centered on the core ideas of diversity empowerment, impact, community, respect, and growth. You can learn more about our commitment to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace at https://www.gensler.com/careers#diversity.
