Associate, Planning and Strategy (Built Environment)

MKThink; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

MKThink is seeking an Associate, Planning & Strategy to support consulting work at the intersection of space, data, and organizational strategy. The ideal candidate will transition from architecture or design into strategic advisory roles, contributing to project work with autonomy.

Key responsibilities include research, synthesis of data, and development of planning strategies. Candidates should have a Master's degree and 3-5 years of relevant experience. This position offers opportunities for interdisciplinary work and significant impact on organizational decision-making.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, or related discipline preferred.
• 3-5 years of relevant experience required.
• Interdisciplinary experience or experience in consulting/ planning is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to client engagements to define complex challenges related to space and performance.
• Synthesize qualitative and quantitative inputs into clear insights.
• Develop implementation roadmaps and contribute to policy frameworks.

Skills

Synthesize research and communicate insights clearly

Spatial thinking skills

Quantitative fluency

Excellent storytelling

Creative problem-solving

Education

Master’s degree in architecture or related discipline

Tools

Microsoft products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Adobe Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat)

Architectural design tools (CAD, 3D modeling software)

Job description

About MKThink

MKThink is a future-forward design firm grounded in spatial intelligence and dedicated to “Build Less, Solve More.” We work at the intersection of architecture, systems thinking, and strategy—helping institutions make better decisions about space, resources, and long-term impact. Our interdisciplinary team brings together designers, strategists, and analysts to solve complex challenges across workplaces, school districts, universities, and civic organizations.

The Role

We are seeking an Associate, Planning & Strategy (Built Environment) to support our consulting work at the intersection of space, data, and organizational strategy.

This role is suited for early-career professionals transitioning from architecture, planning or urban design practice into strategic advisory work who are ready to take on meaningful responsibility. Candidates should be able to work independently, think critically, and contribute to project work with limited oversight while continuing to grow within MKThink’s frameworks.

Rather than focusing primarily on designing buildings, this position centers on shaping the strategies, systems, and decisions that inform what gets built, and why.

Who This Role Is For

This role is for candidates who:

• Have a background in a design discipline and strong spatial intuition
• Are seeking to move beyond traditional design delivery into strategy and advisory work
• Are curious about how space influences performance, behavior, and outcomes
• Want to work across disciplines—integrating design, data, and systems thinking
• Are motivated to have broader impact at organizational or societal scales
• Are comfortable taking ownership of workstreams and contributing to client-facing deliverables early on

Responsibilities

Discovery and Problem Definition

• Contribute to client engagements to define and frame complex challenges related to space, performance, and organizational goals
• Conduct research to build a systems-level understanding of the problem context
• Help develop guiding principles and success metrics
• Identify data needs and opportunities to strengthen decision-making

Analysis & Insight Development

• Synthesize qualitative and quantitative inputs into clear, actionable insights
• Translate findings into organizational and spatial implications
• Develop scenario models to test strategies against key performance criteria
• Collaborate with analysts and designers to connect data with physical outcomes

Strategy & Recommendations

• Contribute to the development of space programs, organizational models, and planning strategies
• Develop implementation roadmaps
• Contribute to policy frameworks and design guidelines
• Produce clear, well-structured deliverables, including presentations, reports, and planning documents

Stakeholder Engagement

• Plan and facilitate interviews, workshops, focus groups, and surveys
• Communicate complex ideas clearly through verbal, visual, and written formats

Project & Client Support

• Support project planning and coordination
• Contribute to presentations and deliverables
• Assist with business development materials

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong ability to synthesize research and communicate insights clearly
• Spatial thinking skills and ability to visualize spatial concepts
• Quantitative fluency and ability to work with data teams
• Excellent storytelling across formats (written, verbal, visual)
• Creative problem-solving and systems thinking
• Ability to structure work, manage time effectively, and produce high-quality outputs with limited direction
• Proficiency with:

• Microsoft products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint)
• Adobe Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat)
• Architectural design tools (CAD and/or 3D modeling software)

• Exposure to GIS or analytics is a plus
• Experience in project management is a plus

Working with Others

• Self-awareness and the ability to reflect on performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and seek support when needed.
• Flexibility in collaborating with teams and clients; able to receive, clarify, and incorporate feedback.
• Demonstrates kindness and actively supports colleagues.

Interests

Demonstrated interest in at least one of the following:

• The relationship between architecture, the natural environment, and culture.
• The psychology behind human behavior in the built environment.
• The impact of built environment solutions on community strength, human health, environmental resiliency, or learning outcomes.

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, or related discipline preferred
• 3-5 years of relevant experience
• Interdisciplinary experience or experience in consulting, planning, or real estate development is a plus.

How to Apply

Applications should include:

• Cover letter.
• A single PDF with your resume and work samples demonstrating your fit for the role.