Urban Designer/Planner (Town center & Neighborhoods)

Location: On-site in Washington, DC

A highly respected design practice is seeking an Urban Designer/Planner to help shape walkable neighborhoods, town centers, and mixed-use environments that leave a lasting impact on how people live, gather, and connect. This is an opportunity to join a collaborative studio where design thinking, hands-on problem solving, and strong visual communication come together to create memorable places. The person in this role will contribute to meaningful planning and urban design work, collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, and help bring ambitious development visions to life.

What You Will Do

• Shape master plans and site frameworks for walkable districts, neighborhood centers, and mixed-use destinations from early concept through client presentation.
• Translate ideas from design workshops and working sessions into diagrams, illustrative plans, and polished presentation materials.
• Partner with architecture, landscape architecture, and engineering teams to align design intent, circulation, land use, and public realm priorities.
• Apply strong urban design judgment related to block structure, streetscape experience, frontage conditions, and place identity.
• Support project delivery across several assignments by helping manage deadlines, meeting preparation, and team coordination.
• Contribute to planning strategies that balance market realities, user experience, and long-term community value.
• Communicate ideas clearly to clients and internal teams through graphics, storytelling, and thoughtful design rationale.
• Participate in collaborative charrettes and other intensive design sessions that move projects forward quickly and creatively.

What You Bring

• 8 or more years of experience in urban design, planning, architecture, landscape architecture, or a related field.
• Professional experience within a design firm, planning consultancy, or similar studio environment.
• A portfolio that demonstrates work on town centers, neighborhoods, mixed use developments, infill, or comparable placemaking assignments.
• Strong freehand sketching, visual thinking, and presentation development skills.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, along with working knowledge of SketchUp, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, highly collaborative studio setting.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfort traveling occasionally for charrettes or multi-day project sessions.
• Familiarity with Revit or ArcGIS is helpful, but not required.

Education

• Degree in urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, planning, or a closely related discipline.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Join a design-driven team focused on places that strengthen community life.
• Contribute to high-visibility work spanning planning, placemaking, and mixed use development.
• Work in a creative, team-oriented environment with strong exposure to clients and project leadership.
• Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Strong opportunity for continued growth, mentorship, and advancement.

About Blue Signal:  

Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly/46Gs4yS