Principal Urban Designer

Placements24; United States; Remote; USD 120,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Executive salary

Health benefits

Performance-based bonus

Professional development budgets

Global urbanist network

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Urban Designer to lead the evolution of transformative urban development globally. This fully remote senior role focuses on shaping sustainable, inclusive cities through master planning, design strategy, and stakeholder engagement.

You will mentor teams, oversee complex projects, and help drive business development while ensuring equity, sustainability, and economic viability in all solutions.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a related field.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in urban design and planning, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating a track record of delivered urban design projects at various scales.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of visionary urban design concepts, master plans, and strategic frameworks for complex development projects.
• Oversee the design process from initial research through to detailed design and implementation strategies.
• Engage with clients, public sector bodies, community organizations, and stakeholders to build consensus and foster collaboration.
• Mentor and guide junior urban designers, planners, and project teams, promoting design excellence and innovation.
• Conduct urban analysis, site assessments, and feasibility studies to inform design decisions.
• Prepare high-quality presentation materials, including graphics, reports, and visualizations, to communicate proposals.
• Stay updated with global best practices, trends, and approaches in urban design, sustainability, and placemaking.
• Contribute to business development including proposal writing and client relationship management.
• Ensure designs align with social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic viability.

Skills

Leadership

Urban design

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Remote collaboration

Project management

Education

Master's degree in Urban Design/Planning

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Rhino

GIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized urban planning and design consultancy, is seeking an exceptional Principal Urban Designer to join their fully remote team. This senior leadership position will focus on shaping transformative urban development projects across various scales and contexts. You will be instrumental in leading the conceptualization, design, and strategic planning of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban environments. The role demands a visionary thinker with a proven ability to translate complex urban challenges into compelling design solutions and master plans. As a remote team member, you will collaborate with diverse stakeholders, government agencies, and community groups to foster innovative urban futures. This is a premier opportunity for a seasoned urban designer to drive impactful change in cities, working from anywhere, and contributing to the evolution of urban living standards globally.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of visionary urban design concepts, master plans, and strategic frameworks for complex development projects.
• Oversee the design process from initial research and analysis through to detailed design and implementation strategies.
• Engage effectively with clients, public sector bodies, community organizations, and other stakeholders to build consensus and foster collaboration.
• Mentor and guide junior urban designers, planners, and project teams, fostering a culture of design excellence and innovation.
• Conduct urban analysis, site assessments, and feasibility studies to inform design decisions.
• Prepare high-quality presentation materials, including graphics, reports, and visualizations, to effectively communicate design proposals.
• Stay abreast of global best practices, emerging trends, and innovative approaches in urban design, sustainability, and placemaking.
• Contribute to business development efforts, including proposal writing and client relationship management.
• Ensure designs are aligned with principles of social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic viability.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a related field.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in urban design and planning, with at least 5 years in a leadership or principal role.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating a track record of successfully delivered urban design projects at various scales.
• Expertise in urban design principles, theories, and methodologies, with a deep understanding of urban systems and processes.
• Proficiency in relevant design and visualization software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino, GIS).
• Exceptional analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects.
• Experience working effectively in a remote team environment.

Benefits

• This is a fully remote position offering unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to work on world‑class projects.
• Our client provides a highly competitive executive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and a generous performance‑based bonus program.
• Professional development is actively supported with budgets for training, conferences, and continuous learning.
• You will be part of a global network of leading urbanists, contributing to shaping cities of the future.
• Experience a dynamic and collaborative virtual work culture that values creativity, innovation, and impactful design.
• This role offers the chance to significantly influence the built environment from your chosen location.