Lead Urban Planner

2 weeks ago


Seattle, Washington, United States Olson Kundig Full time
Position Overview

Olson Kundig is a renowned design firm dedicated to the belief that architecture can harmonize with nature, culture, and community, positively influencing the lives of individuals. Our portfolio spans the globe, featuring a diverse array of projects, from intimate retreats to towering skyscrapers, residential spaces—often for art enthusiasts—to educational, cultural, civic projects, museums, exhibition design, sacred spaces, creative production, urban planning, and interior design.

We are currently in search of a Lead Urban Planner to join our Seattle Studio, contributing to the exceptional quality of work produced by Olson Kundig.

Role Description:

The Lead Urban Planner is responsible for overseeing the planning and development of various projects, ensuring compliance with zoning laws, land use regulations, and other pertinent codes. This role involves collaboration and leadership in discussions with architects, engineers, developers, and local government representatives to formulate comprehensive plans for the built environment. Additionally, the planner may manage project teams, delegate tasks, conduct research, analyze data, and present proposals to clients or stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

  • Planning and Coordination: Provide expert planning consultation for project design and coordination.
  • Collaborate with fellow planners, architects, and landscape architects to devise integrated, sustainable, and equitable solutions for complex land use challenges.
  • Lead discussions around research and analysis, including master planning and space planning studies.
  • Facilitate stakeholder outreach for community-focused land planning initiatives.
  • Attend to the diverse needs of private, public, institutional, and nonprofit clients.
  • Coordinate and lead discussions with multiple consultants, including those specializing in mobility, civil engineering, infrastructure, finance, and zoning.

Technical Expertise and Project Leadership:

  • Evaluate natural and constructed factors influencing site development suitability across various project types.
  • Collaborate with project management, architectural team members, and consultants.
  • Act as a subject matter expert on specialized systems.
  • Develop and articulate the lead technical perspective on projects.
  • Engage in discussions with partners or principals regarding appropriate technical solutions, products, and project delivery methods.
  • Guide junior team members on analytical and design graphics.
  • Oversee subject matter expertise and quality assurance of design documentation and client materials.

Communication, Presentation Skills, and Reporting:

  • Manage external project communications and prepare presentations with support from junior team members and subconsultants/clients.
  • Lead concept and technical presentations during project meetings and reports.
  • Collaborate closely with directors and partners to advance agendas related to urban design and planning trends, sustainability, resilience, mobility, ecology, and infrastructure.
  • Assist the business development team with urban planning and design proposals.

Supervision and Guidance:

  • Supervise and mentor junior team members.
  • Provide guidance throughout all project phases, regardless of scale or typology.

Qualifications

  • APA accredited degree in Urban Planning or a professional degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a closely related field.
  • 10+ years of relevant professional experience or equivalent work experience.
  • Proficient in design software, including AutoCAD, Revit, Enscape, ArcGIS, Rhino 3D, and Adobe Creative Cloud.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Experience with public realm projects, encompassing both horizontal (streets, landscapes, public spaces) and vertical (architecture, massing, façade design) elements.
  • Experience managing a variety of project scales, from comprehensive planning to smaller urban projects.
  • Experience mentoring junior staff and ensuring quality assurance of technical planning documents.
  • Extensive knowledge of zoning and development regulations.
  • Experience in design leadership and project management roles.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to integrate physical, social, economic, and sustainability considerations into responsible designs.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • AICP certification.
  • Active involvement in professional organizations such as APA, AIA, ASLA, or ULI.
  • Advanced understanding of systems thinking.
  • Experience with projects addressing sea level rise, community engagement, and equitable access to parks and open spaces.
  • Interest in sustainability, resilience, infrastructure, real estate, or higher education.
  • Familiarity with emerging technologies such as generative design, AI, AR/VR, and interactive data visualization tools.
  • Knowledge of large-scale sustainability rating systems like EcoDistricts, LEED-ND, or Living Community Challenge.

What We Offer:

  • A collaborative and creative work environment with inspiring colleagues.
  • Opportunities for professional growth through engaging projects.
  • A comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, health plans, 401k matching, bonuses, and more.

At Olson Kundig, we are committed to equitable pay practices that reflect internal equity and competitive market standards.


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