Lead Urban Designer

Ascent; California (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design firm in California is seeking a Lead Urban Designer to drive urban design and planning projects. The ideal candidate will have 12-15 years of experience, advanced graphic and modeling skills, and a collaborative spirit. Responsibilities include leading design vision, developing community engagement initiatives, and mentoring junior staff. Familiarity with tools like AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite is crucial. The position is based in an office environment with limited travel required.

Qualifications

• 12-15 years of experience in urban design and planning, particularly for California.
• Experience managing complex urban design projects and supervising staff.
• Advanced graphic, drawing, and modeling/rendering abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead urban design projects from concept to delivery.
• Mentor junior team members.
• Develop 2D and 3D visuals and reports.
• Engage the community through outreach activities.
• Lead business development efforts.

Skills

Urban design experience

Collaboration

Presentation skills

Graphic communication

3D modeling and rendering

Business development

Education

Master's degree in urban design or planning

Undergraduate degree in architecture or landscape architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Rhino

Adobe Creative Suite

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

Ascent is looking for a Lead Urban Designer to join our Urban Design + Planning Studio. Our ideal candidate is a seasoned urban designer with deep California experience, a collaborative attitude, and a track record of leading specific plans, master plans, community plans, zoning, form-based codes, design standards, feasibility studies, and community engagement. We are looking for someone with a collaborative attitude, the ability to go beyond convention and develop creative and elegant solutions, and an interest in being part of a fast-paced design studio.

Responsibilities

• Drive the design vision – Lead specific plans, master plans, and other urban design and planning projects from concept to delivery, including visioning, site analysis, feasibility studies, and design concepts and strategies.
• Mentor and elevate the team – Provide guidance, technical expertise, and mentoring to more junior members of the Urban Design + Planning Studio, and collaborate across disciplines, including climate action planning, environmental planning, and natural resources.
• Develop compelling visuals – Develop 2D and 3D plans and graphics, massing studies, site plans, concept diagrams, 3D renderings, and before/after simulations that bring ideas to life.
• Prepare graphically rich reports – Produce graphically-rich reports, presentations, and planning documents using InDesign and PowerPoint.
• Engage the Community – Lead inclusive community engagement and outreach activities, workshops, and meetings for both in-person and virtual outreach.
• Help grow the practice – Lead business development activities, including identifying opportunities, preparing proposals, leading interviews, and cultivating client relationships.

Requirements

• A minimum of 12-15 years of consulting experience in urban design and planning, with advanced knowledge of the profession as practiced in the State of California, including planning for housing and mixed-use infill, transit-oriented development, and complete streets.
• A master’s degree or other advanced degree in urban design or planning and an undergraduate degree in architecture or landscape architecture, or a similar combination.
• Experience managing complex urban design and planning projects, including managing sub-consultant teams, supervising early career staff, and leading business development activities.
• Excellent presentation skills, including strong design and graphic communication skills, as well as the ability to present design concepts to the client, community, and others through compelling presentations and storytelling.
• Advanced graphic, drawing, and 3D modeling/rendering abilities, with demonstrated proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino (or similar 3D modeling/ rendering tools), Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign), PowerPoint, and Excel are required. Advanced knowledge of Lumion or other rendering platforms is preferred.

Work environment

• Typical office environment
• In-office

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at a time

Travel

• Limited travel will be required

Work authorization/security clearance requirements

Not eligible for sponsorship

Additional eligibility requirements

N/A

EEO Statement

Ascent provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Ascent is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact [e-mail].

Ascent strives for equity in every area at Ascent, including compensation. To ensure candidates are paid fairly, the offered salary will fall within this range and will be determined based on the candidate's demonstrated qualifications and alignment with the requirements of the position outlined above.