Category: 
Job


Location: Washington, DC

Urban Designer / Planner

Who We Are
Renaissance Planning (www.citiesthatwork.com) is a forward-thinking planning consultancy committed to creating cities that work. We specialize in developing comprehensive plans, policies, tools, designs, and strategies which integrate land use, urban design, environmental sustainability, economics, and multimodal transportation. Our approach combines rigorous technical analysis with genuine community engagement to foster livable, sustainable urban development. We take a holistic approach to city planning, considering streetscapes, corridors, subareas, and regional landscapes to craft visions, policies, and plans tailored to each location's distinct aspirations and heritage. Collaborating with a wide array of stakeholders including the public, government agencies, transportation entities, and private sector partners, we strive to reshape issues across the mid-Atlantic and southeast regions.

What We're Looking For
We are currently seeking a collaborative, self-directed Urban Designer/Planner with the passion and skills for designing and planning great urban places. The ideal candidate will have 3+ years of professional experience in a relevant design/planning practice with strong visual communication skills, a data-informed design approach, and a collaborative mindset for adeptly tackling design challenges in the built environment. The ideal candidate is dedicated, a strong listener, and eager to learn with a proven ability to work well with both designers and planners to deliver results. They will contribute to a variety of projects including master planning, transit- oriented development / design, feasibility studies, public engagement, and urban design initiatives.

Candidates should possess relevant knowledge and interest in:

  • Urban design theories and placemaking principles.
  • Principles, methodology and practices of research and mapping data.
  • Basic zoning regulations, land use and mobility planning standards.
  • Best and emerging practices in city planning and urban form.
  • Fundamentals of Transit Oriented Development (TOD).
  • Complete Streets and other multimodal transportation design concepts.

What Does Any Given Day Look Like
This role involves creating innovative planning and design solutions for diverse environments and producing visually captivating communications across various scales and disciplines. You'll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in a dynamic project setting, demanding strong interpersonal skills, time management, and a proactive approach. Projects often span planning, architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, and graphic design, with team members engaging on multiple projects simultaneously.

Daily tasks could include:

  • Urban Design – create compelling designs for both land use planning and transportation planning contexts.
  • Research and Analysis – conduct research and analysis to guide design and planning strategies; support integrated multimodal transportation and land use planning projects through research and analysis in a collaborative team setting.
  • Project Related Tasks – collaborate closely with clients, senior staff, and project teams at all project development stages, including conceptual designs, presentations, design refinement, QA/QC, and production.
  • Graphics Design and Presentation – create 2D and 3D computer-rendered conceptual plans, drawings, renderings, GIS-based mapping of urban and master-planned environments for staff, clients, and other public presentations.
  • Community Engagement – develop community and stakeholder engagement materials and participate in related events such as meetings, town halls, and open houses.

Required Qualifications
Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in combination of Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and/or Urban Design.
  • At least 3 years of professional experience in planning and/or urban design experience, including experience in transit-oriented design, community planning, mixed-use development, architecture, and master planning.
  • Proficient in urban and multi-building scale work, from conceptual diagramming to detailed design, including large-scale masterplans.
  • Demonstrates understanding of planning and urban design concepts, building typologies, infrastructure systems, land development, zoning codes, phasing considerations, and implementation techniques.
  • Conceptual grasp of multimodal transportation and land use planning within public decision-making processes to develop systemwide, subarea, and corridor-level plans and project priorities.

Technical

  • Proficiency in 2D and 3D graphic imaging and modeling methods, such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), SketchUp, Rhino (or comparable), and AutoCAD.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Suite products with strong report document production experience.
  • Strong GIS understanding and capabilities.
  • Strong presentation, graphic, and visualization skills to communicate design ideas at a variety of scales.

Relevant Skills

  • Understands and values public input processes, community engagement, and outreach techniques.
  • Ability to communicate in a clear, concise, and professional manner both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to work and collaborate in a team environment with a strong sense of responsibility.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects at the same time.
  • Ability to problem solve and apply innovative solutions to effectively meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Technical expertise in one or more of the following: transportation planning, transportation engineering, city planning, public policy, environmental studies, or other related disciplinary expertise.
  • Parametric modeling experience (City Engine, or comparable)
  • Proficient in relevant coding languages (Grasshopper, CGA, Python, etc.)
  • Project Management experience.
  • Professional Licensure or Certification (AICP, AIA, ASLA, etc.)
  • LEED Accreditation (AP with specialized designation)

How to Apply
Please submit a letter of interest and resume, with more information at www.citiesthatwork.com/careers .