Design Director – Urban Planning
About The Position
Gensler is seeking an experienced Design Director to join our Cities + Urban Design / Mobility + Transportation Los Angeles studio to lead a range of high-profile public and private sector projects including urban design, streetscape, public realm, master plans, design guidelines, and other planning and design projects. Ideal candidates will possess a background in architecture, landscape architecture and/or urban design and planning and have demonstrated experience leading projects and teams. Strong interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills are critical. Ideal candidates will have experience working with and strong relationships with cities, public agencies, transit agencies, and developers throughout California. Candidates should be collaborative and excited to mentor and grow the next generation of design professionals. This candidate will be responsible for identifying business development opportunities, leading proposal responses, and delivering project work.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, City/Regional Planning, Urban Design, or other closely related fields
- Licensed in Architecture and/or Landscape Architecture
- AICP certified or eligible and willing to become AICP certified
- 15 or more years of experience related to urban planning, urban design, and architecture
- Proven experience successfully responding to public RFPs and winning projects
- Proven performance in directing design and delivery process on multiple projects
- Proven ability to create compelling design solutions
- Experience leading collaborative project teams and mentoring staff
- Experience developing and leading client relationships with private and public sector clients
- Experience leading community workshops and public presentations
- Excellent written, verbal and graphic communication skills and organizational skills
- Proficiency in GIS and Mapping tools
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Sketch-Up, Rhino and/or other 3D modeling software
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint) and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
Nice To Haves
- Thought leadership on urban design and planning (published blogs, papers, panels, teaching experience)
- Leadership in design industry professional organizations (AIA, APA, ASLA, ULI)
- Familiarity working with AI design and visualization tools
- Certification in sustainable design (LEED, Envision, or other)
Responsibilities
- Lead business development through building client relationships, identifying opportunities, and leading proposal responses to RFPs
- Lead project teams in generating and delivering creative planning and design solutions
- Primary client contact on design issues accountable for design excellence
- Mentor for next generation design talent in the studio
- Engage in office and regional design initiatives, including leadership within the design community
Benefits
- medical
- dental
- vision
- disability
- wellness programs
- flex spending
- paid holidays
- paid time off
- 401k
- profit sharing
- employee stock ownership
- twice annual bonus opportunities
- reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees
- reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
