Position Overview
We are seeking a Community Designer who will play an important role within our Studio, working directly with the Principal in Charge of our community design work to develop traditionally-inspired urban designs, neighborhood plans, and conceptual architectural solutions for all scales of mixed use and mixed income communities. This role combines creative design leadership with project management and client engagement, offering significant influence on our studio's growth and direction.
Key Responsibilities
Design Leadership
- Lead design efforts for small to medium-sized planning projects, from initial concept through implementation
- Collaborate with the Principal Studio Leader on larger, more complex community design initiatives
- Develop compelling traditional neighborhood designs that integrate missing middle housing typologies
- Create conceptual and schematic architectural designs for residential and mixed-use components
- Participate in firmwide design reviews, elevating the planning perspective across all projects
Project & Client Management
- Manage client relationships and expectations for assigned projects
- Participate in public engagement processes, including charrettes, workshops, and presentations
- Maintain project schedules, deliverables, and quality control standards
- Guide junior designers in producing visualization materials and planning documentation
Studio Development
- Work directly with the Principal director of community design to reinforce Union as a recognized leader in traditional neighborhood design and planning
- Contribute to business development efforts, including proposals and interviews
- Mentor junior team members in traditional planning principles and visualization techniques
- Advocate for traditional design approaches across the firm's portfolio
Qualifications
Required
- Professional degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, or related field
- 5+ years of experience in community planning and/or architectural design
- Demonstrated passion for traditional neighborhood development and urban design
- Strong understanding of missing middle housing typologies and mixed-use planning
- Exceptional hand drawing and digital visualization skills
- Ability to communicate design concepts to diverse audiences
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
Preferred
- Experience with form-based codes and zoning regulations
- Background with working charrettes and public engagement
- Knowledge of New Urbanism principles and practices
- Proficiency with SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and GIS tools
What We Offer
- Opportunity to shape communities through thoughtful, traditionally-inspired design
- Collaborative studio environment with direct mentorship from senior leadership
- Clear path for professional advancement within a growing practice
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
- Professional development support and continuing education