Campus Planning Architect — Shape a Bold Campus

Duke Careers; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 79,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University is seeking a Planner/Architect to shape Duke's campus through strategic planning, space programming, and master planning. You will lead cross-disciplinary efforts across campus with faculty, staff, and leadership to translate needs into sustainable, inspiring spaces.

You will guide surveys, data collection, and concept development while ensuring alignment with the Duke Master Plan and regulatory requirements. Strong communication and project management are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Planning, Interior Design, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 4 to 6 years of relevant professional experience in planning, architecture, space planning, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience with programming, space planning, design, and master planning within a university, institutional, or complex campus environment.
• Strong understanding of space utilization metrics, benchmarking methodologies, and planning best practices.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite (including InDesign), Microsoft Office Suite, and related planning and design software.
• Strong graphic communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, presentations, planning studies, and recommendations.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize competing demands, and work independently while maintaining a high level of accountability.

Responsibilities

• Partner with campus departments, user groups, and university leadership to understand facility and space needs and translate them into planning solutions.
• Develop space programs, test fits, conceptual plans, and layouts for academic, administrative, and support functions both on and off campus.
• Design and distribute surveys, questionnaires, and data-gathering tools to collect planning and space utilization information.
• Analyze space utilization data and apply industry best practices and planning metrics to support informed decision-making.
• Utilize knowledge of building, accessibility, and regulatory requirements when developing planning concepts and space studies.
• Ensure proposed projects align with Duke University's Master Plan and long-term campus development objectives.
• Support planning committees, working groups, and stakeholder teams by providing planning expertise and recommendations.
• Stay informed on emerging trends, innovative planning practices, higher education pedagogy, and workplace strategies.
• Evaluate existing campus space and planning conditions and recommend solutions that support strategic and facilities planning initiatives.
• Conduct comprehensive space utilization studies and assessments for university clients.
• Assist with the selection and coordination of planning, design, and architectural consultants.
• Collaborate with project stakeholders to develop preliminary project budgets and implementation schedules.
• Prepare presentations, reports, graphics, and planning documentation to communicate recommendations and outcomes.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Skills

Strong graphic communication

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Presentation skills

Ability to manage multiple projects

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Planning, Interior Design, or a closely related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Adobe Creative Suite

InDesign

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Duke University is seeking a Planner/Architect to shape Duke's campus through strategic planning, space programming, and master planning. You will lead cross-disciplinary efforts across campus with faculty, staff, and leadership to translate needs into sustainable, inspiring spaces.

You will guide surveys, data collection, and concept development while ensuring alignment with the Duke Master Plan and regulatory requirements. Strong communication and project management are essential.