Entry-Level Urban Designer

ZGF Architects; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 69,250 - 70,787; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

HSA contributions

401k with employer match

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

ZGF Architects in Portland is seeking an entry-level urban designer to join our multidisciplinary team working at the intersection of architecture and urban design. You will assist with design ideas, prepare design drawings and reports, and participate from concept through construction administration, collaborating with designers and engineers.

The position offers exposure to large-scale projects, with mentoring, growth opportunities, and a commitment to diverse, inclusive design.

Qualifications

• You have a Landscape Architecture, Architecture Degree and/or Urban Design Degree.
• A basic understanding of design and construction principles and building types.
• A creative problem solver with well-rounded urban design skills and the ability to work independently, with multi-disciplinary teams, and balance multiple projects with short schedules and quick deadlines.
• Experience with complex multi-phased higher education, large transit, healthcare, civic and/or commercial development projects is desired.
• Interest in honing technical ability with materials and constructability.
• Proficient in Adobe Suite, Revit, Rhino, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to illustrate urban planning and design concepts graphically in a clear and effective manner.
• Organizational and critical thinking skills to create materials for engaging and creative presentations through storytelling.

Responsibilities

• Be part of a community focused on design excellence and innovation.
• Collaborate with the design team for generating and developing design ideas.
• Perform elementary planning or landscape assignments and work collaboratively with others toward design solutions, compile data, develop elementary design studies and options, consider material and assembly cost data, prepare reports, plans and renderings, and inspect existing conditions and work in the field.
• Work on projects from concept design through construction administration.
• Produce design drawings, construction documents, presentation drawings, graphic design work, and digital and physical modeling in support of Urban Design, as well as marketing efforts.
• Research products and materials, observe existing projects and those under construction to inform the production of reports and design documentation.
• Help tell the story of our projects through various media.
• Work under design supervision and receive instruction and mentoring.
• Perform fundamental planning and urban design tasks and collaborate with others toward design solutions for our projects.

Skills

Adobe Suite

Revit

Rhino

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Microsoft Office

Education

Landscape Architecture, Architecture Degree and/or Urban Design Degree

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Rhino

SketchUp

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

ZGF is seeking an Entry-Level Urban Designer based in our Portland office. We thrive on multi-disciplinary engagement at the intersection of architecture and urban design, distinguished by creative and intellectual curiosity. We are looking for thoughtful individuals with excellent communication and design skills.

Responsibilities

• Be part of a community focused on design excellence and innovation.
• Collaborate with the design team for generating and developing design ideas.
• Perform elementary planning or landscape assignments and work collaboratively with others toward design solutions, compile data, develop elementary design studies and options, consider material and assembly cost data, prepare reports, plans and renderings, and inspect existing conditions and work in the field.
• Work on projects from concept design through construction administration.
• Produce design drawings, construction documents, presentation drawings, graphic design work, and digital and physical modeling in support of Urban Design, as well as marketing efforts.
• Research products and materials, observe existing projects and those under construction to inform the production of reports and design documentation.
• Help tell the story of our projects through various media.
• Work under design supervision and receive instruction and mentoring.
• Perform fundamental planning and urban design tasks and collaborate with others toward design solutions for our projects.

Qualifications

• You have a Landscape Architecture, Architecture Degree and/or Urban Design Degree.
• A basic understanding of design and construction principles and building types.
• A creative problem solver with well-rounded urban design skills and the ability to work independently, with multi-disciplinary teams, and balance multiple projects with short schedules and quick deadlines.
• Experience with complex multi-phased higher education, large transit, healthcare, civic and/or commercial development projects is desired.
• Interest in honing technical ability with materials and constructability.
• Proficient in Adobe Suite, Revit, Rhino, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to illustrate urban planning and design concepts graphically in a clear and effective manner.
• Organizational and critical thinking skills to create materials for engaging and creative presentations through storytelling.

Base Salary Range

$69,250/yr - $70,787/yr

Benefits

ZGF Employees Enjoy Medical, Dental and Vision coverage with a generous employer contribution, HSA with employer contribution, 401k with employer match, 4 weeks of PTO and 10 paid holidays per year, paid parental and family leave programs.

Apply With

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Portfolio

We know that great projects take more than a design team to become a reality. Studies show that women and people from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t check every box—your skills and experiences may be exactly what we need.

ZGF Architects is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate the unique qualities and perspectives that each individual brings to our team. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities to apply. Regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law, we are excited to consider qualified candidates.

If you’re ready to contribute to meaningful work, we invite you to submit your cover letter and resume online.