Interested applicants must include a resume, cover letter and a link to your portfolio.
Center City District, a business improvement district located in Center City Philadelphia, is seeking an Urban Designer/Planner to join our dynamic team.
The Urban Designer/Planner supports the planning, design, and implementation of public realm projects throughout Center City. Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, this position assists with projects from concept through implementation, helping deliver thoughtful, high-quality planning and urban design solutions for CCD parks, streetscapes, and other public space initiatives that enhance the downtown experience.
- Work closely with other departments to develop site layouts and renderings that support programming and placemaking initiatives at CCD Parks and other public spaces within the district.
- Develop site analyses, feasibility and mapping studies that range from the city block to the district-wide scale.
- Identify, evaluate, and develop design/planning solutions for site, streetscape, and public realm improvements.
- Develop and communicate design concepts through 2D and 3D drawings, diagrams, and renderings for internal use and presentations to stakeholders.
- Create schematic level drawings that can be used as design guidelines for outside contractors and cost estimating.
- Conduct field evaluations and observations of CCD parks, programs and public spaces.
- Assist in project management, permitting, and coordination with outside parties on CCD led projects.
- Work with team members to periodically evaluate the quality, condition, and functionality of CCD streetscape assets and other public realm infrastructure.
- Other duties as assigned
Bachelor’s Degree/Master's Degree in Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Planning, or related fields.
Years of experience:1-3 years of professional experience supporting the planning, design, and implementation of urban-focused projects.
Knowledges, Skills, Abilities required for success:- Exceptional creative thinking, design skills, and strong organizational abilities.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration, strong communication skills, and ability to balance multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
- Excellent written, verbal, and graphic communication skills.
- Strong creative problem-solving skills and ability to excel in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
- Ability to review and evaluate project proposals, scopes of work, and project budgets.
- Ability to create diagrams, mapping, conceptual and schematic plans, and renderings to communicate design intent and support project implementation.
- Experience in research-based design, pre- and post-occupancy studies, and data gathering is a plus.
- Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, 3D modeling programs (e.g. Sketchup or Rhino), and AutoCad; experience with GIS software is a plus.
Physical Demands: Ability to conduct on-site inspections of projects, which may include walking, standing, or navigating uneven terrain for extended periods. Occasional lifting or carrying of materials and equipment up to 25 pounds. Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions for site visits, public engagement events, or project oversight. Ability to sit for prolonged periods while working at a desk and attending meetings.
Normal business hours, Monday through Friday, with flexibility to work early mornings, nights and weekends when needed.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Planning, or related field
- 1-3 years professional experience in planning, design, and implementation of urban-focused projects
- Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite
- Proficiency with 3D modeling programs (SketchUp or Rhino)
- Proficiency with AutoCAD
- Experience with GIS software
- Strong creative design skills, graphic communication, and ability to produce diagrams, mapping, conceptual and schematic plans
- Excellent written, verbal, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills; ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Ability to review and evaluate project proposals, scopes of work, and budgets; assist with project management and permitting
- Experience with research-based design, pre- and post-occupancy studies, and data gathering
- Ability to conduct on-site inspections, walk/stand on uneven terrain, lift up to 25 pounds, and work outdoors as needed
What We Do
Center City District (CCD) is Philadelphia's first and largest business improvement district. Its mission is to enhance the vitality of Center City Philadelphia as a thriving 24-hour downtown and a great place to live, work, or have fun. CCD acts as a steward and advocate for a clean, safe, and thriving city center through operational excellence in cleaning, public safety, and park management.
