Urban Designer

Renaissance exists for one reason: to create cities that work.

We do this by developing visions, policies, plans and other strategies that help foster the evolution of built environment that results in more equitable, connected, prosperous and sustainable places. Our work is supported by analytically based decision-support tools and people-center engagement and storytelling approaches. And right now…we are growing. We have several new projects underway that present great opportunities to impact the places we live and work as well as provide opportunities for professional growth and leadership.

Renaissance Planning Group (www.citiesthatwork.com) is currently seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Urban Designer for our Tampa, Orlando, or Charlottesville, VA Office. The successful candidate will become part of the company’s dynamic team of planners with a focus on illustrating the ‘what-if’ design and visualizations for the evolution of the built environment at the site, streetscape, corridor and city-wide scales. This role will also support graphic design needs firmwide aimed at enhancing the visual quality and richness of our multimedia communication work products.

Renaissance takes a truly holistic approach to community planning. We work directly with the public, stakeholders, agency staff, and elected officials to help reframe issues and get agencies or communities unstuck. Our technical expertise comes from professionals with diverse experiences in transportation planning, land use and growth management policy, urban design and landscape architecture, computer science, geography, and multimedia communications. We seek people with insatiable curiosity, self-starter mindsets, collaborative natures, innate leadership capabilities and personal integrity. A summary of the key qualifications for the urban designer position is highlighted below.

Primary Responsibilities

• Engage and collaborate with staff on data-driven design efforts to conceptualize the urban design and landscape elements of the built environment at the site and corridor scales. Help visualize city-wide design elements of place at the regional and systems level scales. Support the creation of compelling graphics that illustrate different scenarios related to city form.
• Help translate design concepts into recommendations for regulatory policies and project development.
• Help support the entire graphic design cycle of projects including defining visual communication needs, interim and final work products in print and digital formats inclusive of illustrative mapping, project websites, reports, display boards, PowerPoint presentations, informational flyers, etc.
• Develop tight and accountable relationships with key internal stakeholders including the marketing team and project managers.
• Manage and deliver work products within tight deadlines and competing schedules to create error-free, high-quality work products calibrated to different levels of project budgets.

Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Visioning and master planning at various geographic scales.
• Computer-aided visualizations and written information to convey design concepts of the built environment.
• Working knowledge of the city planning and city system elements that influence the design of places relative to multimodal transportation networks, building form and massing, green infrastructure, open space, etc.
• Working knowledge of the latest design techniques to advance more sustainable and resilient city patterns.
• High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite – InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.
• High proficiency in ESRI’s City Engine platform and/or strong interest in advancing proficiency and application of this program to a wide range of planning projects.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational and time management skills required.
• Excellence in verbal and written communication, presentation skills and relationship management.
• A digital portfolio review will be requested. Portfolio should reflect the concepts in urban design and/or landscape architecture as well as visually compelling graphic design examples

Training and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, or related field.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in is required. Experience in transportation or community planning is preferred.
• Professional Landscape Architect (PLA) designation preferred.

Salary commensurate with experience and relevant expertise. Renaissance Planning offers a competitive benefits program inclusive of healthcare, 401(k) with employer match, and a profit-sharing plan. Opportunities for employee ownership with tenure.

Renaissance Planning seeks individuals that take initiative, are self-directed, and possess strong interpersonal communication skills. If you are passionate about what you do and wish to join a growing team of outstanding professionals, we would love the opportunity to talk with you.