As a Senior Urban Designer, you will be responsible for leading all phases of the design process with a high level of proficiency and expertise while adhering to firm and project goals and standards of excellence in design, execution, and living design.
You will manage project teams, foster collaboration, and demonstrate strong and effective communication and direction which inspires high team performance, design ideas, and successful project delivery.
You will:
- Responsible for leading all phases of the design process with a high level of proficiency and expertise while adhering to firm and project goals and standards of excellence in design, execution, and living design.
- Manages project teams, fosters collaboration, and demonstrates strong and effective communication and direction which inspires high team performance, design ideas, and successful project delivery.
- Defines, monitors, and maintains control of the scope of work and services for the project including project schedule and work plan both to direct the project team and the client team.
- Leads efforts in developing, validating, and negotiating project scope and fee, budget, and scope of services during the marketing and contract development process.
- Participates in marketing opportunities and begins to develop successful client experiences.
- Responsible for meeting or exceeding the financial goals established for the project and providing timely and appropriate information to Project Accountant to initiate invoicing.
- Coordinates with other local governments and recommends approval or denials of proposals.
- Meets with public officials and the public regarding development plans and land use.
- Educates civic leaders and the public about the details of the projects scheduled for their communities.
- Interprets gathered data and research.
- Analyzes sites, programs, and other key project elements through quantitative and qualitative means.
- Develops analytical and design drawings throughout the design process using analog (through sketching and physical modeling) and digital means (through digital analyses, sketching, and modeling).
- Collaborates with client and/or public to create strategic planning options.
- Strategizes, outlines, mockups, and develops design documentation including creates and interprets maps and diagrams, master plan reports, design guidelines, and client-ready presentation materials.
- Coordinates all aspects of project deliverables.
- Reviews, evaluates, and integrates zoning and policy requirements into project design.
- Develops strategies for key urban frameworks and systems including but not limited to circulation, open space, buildings, and infrastructure.
- Performs advanced development calculations according to specified standards and proposed development controls.
- Leads project-related client and public discussions and presentations.
- Monitors the performance of the project team and approach to ensure our quality standards and design goals are being met.
- Mentors staff.
- Exercises creative judgment in all aspects of the design process.
- Participates actively within collaborative team settings such as: casual team interactions, design charettes, reviews, and pin-ups.
- Keeps open communication within the team.
- Communicates ideas and thoughts in a way that inspires others.
- Effectively coordinates with other design partners and consultants.
High-level Summary of Critical, Baseline Technical Skills and Certifications
Proficiencies:
- Site and design research
- Site analytics
- Planning and zoning code analytics
- Concept and detailed design studies
- Production of drawings and deliverables
- Hand-drawn and digital sketching
- Computational analysis
Software:
- Functional knowledge of 2D/3D production software (Revit, Rhino)
- Functional knowledge of digital sketching/diagramming software (Illustrator)
- Functional knowledge of analytical tools (ArcGIS, Grasshopper)
- Functional knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
- Functional knowledge of visualization tools (Enscape, VRay)
- Functional knowledge of physical modeling making
- Functional knowledge of presentation tools (InDesign, PowerPoint)
Licensure/Certifications/Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in urban design, landscape, architecture, or related discipline required
- Professional license is a plus
- LEED GA within 6 months of hire
- Professional Accreditation in one area of Living Design that interests you: LEED AP with Specialty, BREEAM AP, WELL AP, SITES AP, Passive House Institute Certified Passive House Consultant/Designer CPHC/CPHD, or ILFI Living Future Accreditation
Skills Required
- 10+ years of relevant experience
- Bachelor's degree in urban design, landscape, architecture, or related discipline
- Professional licensure
- LEED Green Associate (LEED GA) within 6 months of hire
- Professional accreditation in one area of Living Design (LEED AP, BREEAM AP, WELL AP, SITES AP, CPHC/CPHD, ILFI)
- Site and design research
- Site analytics
- Planning and zoning code analytics
- Concept and detailed design studies
- Production of drawings and deliverables
- Hand-drawn and digital sketching
- Computational analysis
- Functional knowledge of Revit and Rhino
- Functional knowledge of Illustrator and InDesign
- Functional knowledge of ArcGIS and Grasshopper
- Functional knowledge of visualization tools (Enscape, VRay)
- Functional knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Physical model-making skills
- Project team management and client/public presentation experience
Perkins&Will Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Perkins&Will and has not been reviewed or approved by Perkins&Will.
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Inclusive Benefits Coverage — Inclusive health benefits extend to same-sex spouses and domestic partners and include coverage for gender confirmation surgery, reinforced by repeated external recognition for LGBTQ equality.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage spans dental, vision, disability, life, and medical insurance, alongside FSA options and related support programs that broaden access to care.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support includes a 401(k) with employer matching and is complemented by performance bonuses that add to total rewards.
Perkins&Will Insights
What We Do
Since 1935, we’ve believed that design has the power to make the world a better, more beautiful place. That’s why clients and community members on nearly every continent partner with us to design healthy, happy places in which to live, learn, work, play, and heal. We’re passionate about Living Design, a philosophy that guides our work and emphasizes poetics and beauty; conceptual clarity; research and innovation; technology and tectonics; community and inclusion; resilience and regeneration; and health and well-being. Our team of over 2,500 professionals in 30 studios worldwide provides interdisciplinary services in architecture, interior design, branded environments, urban design, landscape architecture, and more. Our partners include Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects; Portland; Nelson\Nygaard; and Pierre-Yves Rochon (PYR). We’re also part of the Sidara Collaborative, a global network of leading designers, engineers, planners, and consultants.
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