Senior Urban Designer I

Overview:

The Urban Design Division is responsible for crafting and executing a beautiful, human-scale, and inclusive vision for the design of the built environment across Boston. We champion the transformative power of beautiful, sustainable, walkable communities for everyone that support social, mental, and physical health while improving resiliency and promoting equity.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

In addition, the senior urban designer will work with and mentor urban designers in the development of urban design concepts and graphics.

The Senior Urban Designer will conduct a design review for development and planning projects of all scales. The Senior Urban Designer will be a key member of project review teams, facilitating internal and interdepartmental conversations and communicating clear and actionable feedback, guided by city goals and policies, to project proponents.

Responsibilities:

The general duties and responsibilites of the position are included in but not limited to the information listed below.

Urban Design:

• Engage in all aspects of planning and urban design processes, including site and existing conditions analysis, conceptual ideas, and scenario development.
• Work across multiple scales and contexts, including urban districts and neighborhoods, research and innovation clusters, campuses, etc.
• Be responsible for creating or directing the creation of 2d and 3d analytical and conceptual drawings, graphics, digital and physical models, and other content that reflects city goals and community priorities.
• Work with and mentor staff in the development of urban design and planning concepts, guidelines, graphics, and other content.
• Initiate urban design concepts and visual graphics.
• Develop urban design guidelines, feasibility studies, and impact analyses for a range of scales, from individual parcels to citywide planning and zoning initiatives.
• Collaborate with other City departments on design problems and planning projects regarding urban design and the City’s public realm.
• Manage internal staff and/or consultants for urban design projects, which may range from site studies to design guidelines to design standards to citywide planning.

Design Review:

• As the lead design reviewer, review a wide range of large- and small-scale development projects, including signage and master plan developments, by analyzing project documents (plans, sections, elevations, etc.) and understanding the project context. Incorporate and apply urban design guidelines, planning goals, and applicable zoning regulations to evaluate a project.
• Where required, provide comments on urban design, infrastructure, daylight analysis, resilience, and environmental performance of a project.
• Lead conversations with the project proponent or their representative, as well as other City staff, including sustainability and resilience staff.
• Communicate design feedback in a professional and collaborative manner to external and internal stakeholders.
• Conduct written and graphic analysis and evaluation of planning and design proposals, zoning initiatives, and design-related environmental impacts. Solicit and consider input from community and civic groups, abutters, and other interested parties.

General:

• Advise supervisor or other senior staff of politically sensitive or controversial project-related issues requiring their input and/or approval.
• Represent the City at public meetings and meetings with other city, state, and federal agencies as required for assigned design review and planning projects.
• Dispense public information about specific projects and overall design and planning initiatives to private citizens, civic or community groups, and other interested parties. This may include conducting tours, discussing and explaining models, and interpreting the use and application of guidelines and zoning.
• Participate in the development of Requests for Proposals (RFP) and the subsequent selection of engineering, planning, and/or design consultants.
• Prepare regular status reports of projects under review for supervisor and other senior staff.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, or a closely related field, plus ten (10) years of related professional experience. Candidates holding a bachelor’s degree in architecture, urban design, urban planning, landscape architecture, or a closely related field with a minimum of twelve (12) years of experience are also encouraged to apply.
• Massachusetts Architecture License or working towards registration is desired.
• The work requires the ability to:
• Carry out design reviews in a professional and collaborative manner.
• Understand and discuss technical details and constraints of both buildings and public realm projects.
• Solve complex urban design, planning, and zoning problems across a wide range of scales.
• Effectively and clearly communicate with a range of stakeholders graphically and verbally.
• Work on multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
• Lead and/or collaborate as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Prior experience in conducting public design/development reviews is highly desirable. Prior experience designing complex architectural or urban design projects is also highly desirable.
• Proficiency with design and office software, including AutoCAD, Rhino, SketchUp, PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite, Bluebeam, and/or equivalent programs, is desired. Familiarity with ArcGIS Pro or equivalent software is a plus.

Application Requirements:

Applicants are required to submit work samples that illustrate strong graphic and written communication skills or one graphic work sample and one written work sample. Applicant’s Resume, Cover Letter, and Work Samples need to be combined as a single PDF and uploaded together.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Hours per week: 35