Senior Urban Designer

Job Summary:

The Senior Urban Designer plays a key leadership role in the conception, development, and execution of urban design projects across a wide range of scales. This individual is responsible for managing complex projects, guiding multidisciplinary teams, shaping visionary planning strategies, and translating urban research into impactful design solutions. The role requires strong communication skills, design acumen, and the ability to collaborate with both internal teams and external stakeholders to deliver sustainable, community-oriented results aligned with firm and client goals.

Primary Essential Functions:

• Manage the full lifecycle of urban design projects with a strong emphasis on design quality, innovation, and alignment with client objectives and firm standards.
• Lead and inspire multidisciplinary project teams by fostering clear communication, accountability, and collaboration throughout all project phases.
• Define project scope and objectives; develop schedules, work plans, and resource allocations to maintain alignment across internal teams and client stakeholders.
• Take ownership of negotiating project scope, fees, and service agreements to support proposal development and business development efforts.
• Participate in client engagement efforts, cultivating relationships and contributing to marketing strategies, proposal responses, and interview presentations.
• Interface with local government officials, stakeholders, and community members to advocate for, review, or advise on development proposals.
• Represent the firm in public settings, presenting project insights and facilitating conversations around land use, community development, and urban design.
• Conduct comprehensive research to inform planning and design strategies, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data sources.
• Translate site analysis and research into impactful urban design concepts and documentation using a combination of analog and digital tools.
• Collaborate with clients, consultants, and internal stakeholders to develop integrated planning strategies and compelling design narratives.
• Produce a range of high-quality deliverables-including maps, diagrams, reports, and presentations-that clearly communicate planning and design intent.
• Ensure all design outputs meet applicable zoning codes, urban design regulations, and project-specific requirements.
• Integrate planning for urban systems such as mobility, infrastructure, open space, and built form into comprehensive design solutions.
• Lead client and community-facing presentations, clearly articulating design concepts and gathering meaningful feedback to inform project evolution.
• Contribute to a collaborative, creative studio culture by supporting knowledge-sharing, team charrettes, and open dialogue.

• Act as a liaison between internal teams, consultants, and project stakeholders to facilitate seamless coordination and project execution.
• Monitor project budgets and financial performance in collaboration with accounting, ensuring accurate invoicing and overall financial health.

Secondary Essential Functions:

• Perform all other duties as assigned.
• Work collaboratively and effectively with clients and colleagues including cross-functional teams, peers, direct reports, and leadership, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Adapt to changing business needs and priorities, demonstrating flexibility in taking on new responsibilities and adjusting to evolving challenges.

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities):

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of urban planning principles, land use regulations, and zoning frameworks.
• Proficient in public and private sector urban development processes, including entitlement strategies.
• Familiarity with infrastructure systems, environmental planning, and resilience strategies.
• Knowledge of South Florida's development patterns and regulatory context.

Skills

• Proficient in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), and Microsoft Office.
• Competent in 3D modeling and visualization software such as Rhino, SketchUp, Lumion, and V-Ray.
• Skilled in preparing compelling presentations for clients, community stakeholders, and government agencies.

• Effective in managing competing project deadlines, team workflows, and client communications.

Abilities

• Ability to synthesize research and community input into innovative, site-responsive urban designs.
• Ability to lead multi-disciplinary design charrettes and collaborative planning sessions.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly in verbal, written, and visual formats.
• Ability to act as a liaison between technical experts, clients, and public stakeholders.

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture, or Landscape Architecture.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in urban planning/design, including leadership on large-scale projects.
• Proven experience managing design teams and navigating multi-stakeholder processes.
• Portfolio demonstrating successful execution of visionary urban design projects.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Urban Design, Planning, or a related discipline.
• AICP certification or equivalent professional licensure.
• Familiarity with local codes and permitting processes in South Florida.

• Experience facilitating public engagement and community design sessions.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to remain seated for extended periods while working at a computer or attending meetings.
• Frequent use of standard office equipment, including computers, keyboards, telephones, and printers.
• Occasional light physical activity such as walking, standing, or carrying materials (up to 25 lbs.).
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person, over the phone, and through written communication.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Stratus is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Stratus Team's management Team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.