Urban Design Associate

Regional Plan Association, Inc.; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Work-life balance

Benefits package

Job summary

Regional Plan Association, Inc. is seeking a Design Associate with a strong interest in urban design and its intersection with our core values of health, equity, prosperity and sustainability.

You will report to the Land Use Director and collaborate with senior staff on urban design planning and public engagement efforts. Qualifications include a master’s in architecture/urban design or a BA with 2+ years experience, strong GIS/visualization skills, and excellent writing/presentation abilities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in architecture, landscape architecture, or urban design; 2+ years experience with a BA is acceptable.
• Proficiency with visualization software, GIS, Adobe Creative Suite, and 3D modeling software; teamwork and communication are essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop urban design solutions for place-based and regional planning initiatives.
• Develop visualizations depicting urban design solutions, built & natural environments, and urban systems.
• Assist in public engagement efforts around urban design issues, including charrettes.
• Manage the RPA design committee of practitioners and academics.
• Keep staff up-to-date on the latest trends in architecture and urban design.
• Maintain a repository of best urban design practices and resources.
• Organize meetings, forums, and events with staff and partners.

Skills

Urban design

Visualization software

GIS

Adobe Creative Suite

3D modeling

Public engagement

Presentation skills

Team collaboration

Education

Master's in architecture/urban design

Bachelor's in architecture

Tools

ArcGIS

AutoCAD

3D modeling software

Job description

The Design Associate should have a strong interest in urban design and its intersection with RPA’s core values of health, equity, prosperity and sustainability. The Design Associate will also bring an urban design lens to RPA’s planning work. The position will report to RPA’s Land Use Director and will work closely with the rest of the staff and RPA’s Senior Fellow for Urban Design. Depending on experience, the Design Associate may also be responsible for leading RPA reports focused on specific urban design solutions - past report topics have included NYCHA, Rikers Island, and New Jersey Meadowlands.

We are looking for someone who shares our passion for fostering equitable, healthy, and sustainable cities and communities. We encourage a challenging, collaborative, and fun work environment. We also believe in work-life balance.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop urban design solutions for place-based and regional planning initiatives
• Develop visualizations depicting urban design solutions, built & natural environments, and urban systems
• Assist in developing and executing public engagement efforts around urban design issues, including conducting public-facing charrettes and internal planning exercises
• Manage the RPA design committee, made up of leading urban design practitioners and academics
• Keep RPA staff up-to-date on the latest trends and innovations in architecture and urban design
• Maintain a repository of best urban design practices and resources
• Work with both RPA staff and project partners to organize meetings, forums, and events

Qualifications

Candidates should have a master’s degree in architecture, landscape architecture, or urban design. A bachelor’s degree in architecture and at least two years of professional experience will be considered in lieu of a master’s degree.

High proficiency with current visualization software, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Adobe Creative Suite, and 3D modeling software is essential. Attention to detail and a commitment to creating quality and compelling visualizations is a must. Excellent organizational, analytical, writing and presentation skills, as well as experience working in teams, are essential. Candidates should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of political and civic stakeholders in the urban design realm. Candidates should be able to take initiative and balance multiple responsibilities as well as both short-term and long-term projects.

This is a full time position based in New York City, with some flexibility in work-from-home opportunities and/or working from RPA offices in New Haven, Princeton and Newark. Salary range is $65,000-$70,000, flexible with experience. RPA provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package.

Application deadline: October 31st, 2026.

About RPA

RPA is based in New York City, with offices in Newark, NJ, Princeton, NJ, and New Haven, CT. The organization encourages a challenging, collaborative, and fun work environment. We believe in work-life balance and value diversity and equity. Employment and promotional opportunities are equal opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected class as established by law.