Lead Urban Designer

Ascent; San Diego, Sacramento (CA, CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascent is seeking a Lead Urban Designer to join their Urban Design + Planning Studio in San Diego, California. The ideal candidate will bring 12-15 years of urban design experience, ideally in California, and a collaborative approach to various projects including master plans and community engagement efforts.

Responsibilities include leading urban design initiatives, mentoring team members, and developing engaging visuals and plans. Ascent values creativity and effective design that drives community change, providing an excellent environment for career growth and meaningful project work.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 12-15 years of experience in urban design and planning.
• Experience managing complex projects and sub-consultant teams.
• Advanced graphic, drawing, and 3D modeling/rendering abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead urban design and planning projects from concept to delivery.
• Mentor junior members and collaborate across disciplines.
• Engage in community outreach and business development activities.

Skills

Project management

Graphic communication

Collaborative skills

AutoCAD proficiency

3D modeling/rendering skills

Community engagement

Education

Master's degree in Urban Design or Planning

Undergraduate degree in Architecture or Landscape Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

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.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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.

Why Ascent

We are an Urban Planning + Design Studio that goes beyond convention — immersing ourselves in every project, working collaboratively with our clients and colleagues across many scales from neighborhoods to regions, and producing user-friendly plans, easy-to-navigate codes, and effective design standards that actually get implemented. We encourage creative thinking, high-quality design, and implementable products that genuinely drive change in the communities we serve. At Ascent, you'll have the opportunity to lead meaningful projects, grow your career alongside talented colleagues, and help build something worth being proud of.

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

Benefits

A comprehensive listing of benefits offered can be found here.

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.