Urban Planner/Urban Designer

Blue Signal Search; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Creative workplace

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Blue Signal Search is seeking a design-minded professional to join their team in Washington, DC, focusing on urban design and planning. This role involves collaborative project work, developing site planning concepts, and producing visual materials for client presentations.

The ideal candidate has a degree in a related field and 5-7 years of experience in urban design or planning. A strong communication skill set along with proficiency in design software tools is essential.

Qualifications

• 5 to 7 years of relevant professional experience in urban design or planning.
• Experience in supporting mixed-use and community-centered projects.
• Strong skills in graphic design and presentation.

Responsibilities

• Support planning and urban design for various project types.
• Develop site planning concepts and design narratives.
• Prepare polished graphics and presentation materials.

Skills

Urban design experience

Graphic communication

Presentation skills

Adobe Creative Suite

SketchUp knowledge

AutoCAD proficiency

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Planning or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator)

Microsoft Office

Revit or GIS platforms

Job description

Our client is a respected design practice shaping vibrant places where people live, gather, shop, and connect. This is an opportunity to join a collaborative studio working on high-visibility planning and urban design assignments that influence how mixed-use environments and neighborhood destinations come to life. The team is looking for a design-minded professional who brings both conceptual strength and practical execution, someone who enjoys translating ideas into compelling plans, visuals, and client-ready deliverables.

What You Will Do

• Support planning and urban design work across a range of project types, including mixed-use districts, neighborhood centers, and community-focused environments
• Help develop site planning concepts, land use frameworks, and design narratives that align market goals with placemaking objectives
• Participate in collaborative design workshops and charrette-style sessions, helping turn ideas into clear diagrams, illustrative plans, and presentation materials
• Prepare polished graphics, reports, and presentation content for internal reviews, client meetings, and stakeholder discussions
• Work closely with architects, landscape architects, engineers, and other project contributors to advance coordinated design solutions
• Apply sound urban design judgment to questions of form, circulation, public realm quality, building relationships, and user experience
• Support project coordination efforts by managing schedules, tracking production timelines, and overseeing daily activities to ensure deadlines and deliverables stay on course.
• Contribute to a studio culture that values creativity, thoughtful problem-solving, and strong visual communication

What You Bring

• Professional experience in urban design, planning, architecture, landscape architecture, or a closely related discipline
• Background supporting master planning, site planning, or urban design efforts for complex development projects
• Experience contributing to mixed-use, neighborhood, town center, or destination-oriented work is highly valued
• Comfort working in a fast-moving, collaborative design environment with multiple priorities
• Strong graphic communication and presentation skills, including the ability to express ideas visually and clearly
• Working knowledge of urban form, public realm design, development patterns, and placemaking principles
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a polished, professional presence
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator
• Working knowledge of SketchUp and AutoCAD
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools
• Familiarity with Revit or GIS platforms is beneficial, but not required

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a related field
• Approximately 5 to 7 years of relevant professional experience
• Prior experience within a design consultancy, planning practice, or interdisciplinary studio setting is strongly preferred

What Is Offered

• Competitive compensation, depending on experience
• Exposure to a diverse portfolio of planning and design assignments
• Creative, team-focused workplace that fosters knowledge sharing, career development, and continuous learning opportunities.
• The chance to help shape thoughtful environments that strengthen communities and create lasting impact