Category: 
Job
Organization: 
Lake|Flato Architects


Location: Austin, TX

Urban Design Lead

Description
Lake|Flato Architects, a nationally recognized architectural design firm based in San Antonio and Austin, Texas, has immediate openings for an Urban Design Lead position to join our urban design & planning studio in Austin, TX. We are looking for self-starting individuals who share our attitudes about creating great work in a collaborative environment. Our work seeks to balance the art and science of urban design, architecture, and interiors. Applicants should show experience and interest in all aspects of the design process and look forward to being part of an enthusiastic team. We are accepting applications for an Urban Design Lead with experience in solving complex projects in connection with architecture, urban design, planning, and landscape architecture.

Required Qualifications

  • 10+ years of professional experience urban design, with a proven track record of leadership and project management
  • Master’s degree in Urban Design or the equivalent
  • Degree in Architecture
  • Licensed Urban Designer / Planner (AICP)

Preferred Qualifications

  • Licensed Architect (AIA, RA)
  • Background or experience in planning / urban design / architecture
  • LEED GA or AP accreditation withing 6 months of hire

Essential Skills/Duties
Design

  • Demonstrate a well-developed understanding of conceptual urban design, planning theories, place making, urban form, and building typologies.
  • Ability and interest to work at various scales and tasks of urban design and architecture.
  • Analyze sites, programs, and project elements through quantitative and qualitative means.
  • Develop analytical and design drawings using analog (sketching, physical modeling) and digital means (digital analyses, sketching, modeling).
  • Strong knowledge of CAD, GIS, and 3D computer modeling and rendering (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, Enscape etc.).
  • Proficiency with digital graphic software such as Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).
  • Experience in sustainable design at building, district, and city scales.

Leadership and Project Management

  • Collaborate and communicate with Director of Urban Design & Planning consistently about all aspects of urban design studio and project logistics
  • Lead all phases of the design process with proficiency, adhering to firm and project goals and standards.
  • Manage project teams, foster collaboration, and demonstrate effective communication that inspires high performance, design ideas, and successful project delivery.
  • Define, monitor, and maintain control of the project scope, schedule, and work plan, directing both the project and client teams.
  • Lead efforts in developing, validating, and negotiating project scope, fee, budget, and services during marketing and contract development.
  • Responsible for meeting or exceeding the financial goals established for the project.
  • Mentor staff and monitor team performance to ensure quality standards and design goals are met.
  • Self-motivated with good time management skills.

Communication and Collaboration

  • Communicate urban design concepts, objectives, and critical issues, applying knowledge to tasks and assignments.
  • Lead client and public discussions and presentations related to projects.
  • Work collaboratively effectively communicate with multidisciplinary design teams on multiple aspects of urban design and planning.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for engaging with community, stakeholders, clients, and sub- consultants.

Client Relations and Business Development

  • Participate in marketing opportunities and begin to develop successful client relationships.
  • Working experience with a variety of client types, including public agencies, developers, and institutional organizations.

Documentation and Deliverables

  • Strategize, outline, mockup, and develop design documentation, including creating and interpreting maps, diagrams, master plan reports, design guidelines, and client-ready presentation materials.
  • Coordinate and engage with all aspects of the design process, including analysis, design iterations, and final deliverables.

How to Apply
Please send a digital copy of the required information below by e-mail to employment@lakeflato.com.

  • Format email with subject line ‘Urban Design Lead’
  • Resume & Cover Letter

Please visit our website at www.lakeflato.com for more information on our firm, our culture and our people. Upon receipt, we will review and contact you should your qualifications meet our staffing needs.

Additional Information

  • Salary – commensurate with experience and competitive in the marketplace.
  • Bonus – Up to 15% of salary.
  • 401K ‘Safe Harbor’ – Up to 3% of salary.
  • Benefits – personal days off, holidays, individual medical, dental and vision insurance, short and long term disability, flexible spending accounts, parking.

No phone calls, please.