Project Planner - Architectural

Turner-; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend is seeking a Senior Architectural Project Planner in Cedar Rapids to lead strategic and logistical groundwork for complex commercial developments. You will bridge master planning, architectural design, and project delivery, translating client objectives, site conditions, zoning constraints, and budgets into actionable development frameworks.

The role requires coordinating interdisciplinary teams, managing phase gates from concept through Construction Documents, and ensuring

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, or related field.
• 4–8 years of professional experience in architectural design, master planning, or project architecture within commercial real estate.
• Registered Architect (RA/AIA) or AICP certification preferred, or on track for licensure.
• Advanced proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Knowledge of ArcGIS/QGIS and 3D terrain modeling software is valued.
• Experience with MS Project, Primavera P6, Smartsheet, or Asana for scheduling.

Responsibilities

• Conduct strategic planning, site analyses, and feasibility studies to support investment decisions.
• Develop master plans, spatial programs, massing studies, and preliminary site layouts.
• Coordinate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure integrated design and technical coordination.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, risks, and documentation for stakeholders and approvals.

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Rhino

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

MS Project

Primavera P6

Asana

ArcGIS

QGIS

Job description

Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries.

Working with our clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, we transform together delivering outcomes that improve people’s lives. Working in partnership makes it possible to deliver the world’s most impactful projects and program as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success.

Our capabilities include program, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions.

We are majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, with our partners holding a significant minority interest. Turner & Townsend and CBRE work together to provide clients with the premier program, project and cost management offering in markets around the world.

Job Description

The Senior Architectural Project Planner manages the strategic and logistical groundwork for complex commercial architectural developments. This role bridges the gap between master planning, architectural design, and project delivery, translating client objectives, site conditions, zoning constraints, and budget parameters into actionable development frameworks. The incumbent ensures that projects remain viable, compliant, and aligned with client expectations from inception through the design development phase.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Feasibility

• Conduct comprehensive site analyses, land-use evaluations, and feasibility studies to support investment decisions.
• Develop architectural master plans, spatial programs, massing studies, and preliminary site layouts.
• Evaluate local zoning codes, land-use bylaws, building regulations, and environmental impact guidelines to ensure early-stage project compliance.
• Advise clients on development risks, potential permit timelines, and design strategies to maximize asset value.

Project Management and Delivery

• Establish detailed project execution plans, including phase gates for Concept, Schematic Design, Design Development, and Construction Documentation.
• Manage interdisciplinary teams, including structural, MEP, civil, and landscape consultants, to ensure integrated workflows and technical coordination.
• Monitor project scope, track budget performance, and identify potential risks to schedule or cost, implementing mitigation strategies as required.
• Maintain accurate project documentation and progress reports for internal and external stakeholders.

Stakeholder Coordination and Permitting

• Prepare presentation materials, planning applications, and supporting technical documentation for public hearings and municipal zoning boards.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between internal design studios, external consultants, municipal authorities, and client project managers.
• Manage the formal approval process, including Requests for Information, design submittals, and regulatory negotiations.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, or a related field preferred.
• Experience: 4–8 years of professional experience in architectural design, master planning, or project architecture within the commercial real estate sector.
• Licensure: Registered Architect (RA/AIA) or AICP certification is preferred, or candidates currently on track for professional licensure.
• Design Software: Advanced proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Planning and GIS: Working knowledge of ArcGIS, QGIS, and 3D terrain modeling software is highly valued.
• Management Tools: Experience with MS Project, Primavera P6, Smartsheet, or Asana to manage project schedules and resource allocation.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Proficiency in IBC/IRC codes, ADA standards, local zoning ordinances, and sustainable frameworks such as LEED or WELL.
• Communication: Strong ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, including clients and municipal officials.

Additional Information

Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change.

We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.

Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

Join our social media conversations for more information about Turner & Townsend and our exciting future projects: