Urban Planner/Urban Designer

On-site in Washington, DC

Our client is a respected design practice shaping vibrant places where people live, gather, shop, and connect. This is an opportunity to join a collaborative studio working on high-visibility planning and urban design assignments that influence how mixed-use environments and neighborhood destinations come to life. The team is looking for a design-minded professional who brings both conceptual strength and practical execution, someone who enjoys translating ideas into compelling plans, visuals, and client-ready deliverables.

What You Will Do

• Support planning and urban design work across a range of project types, including mixed-use districts, neighborhood centers, and community-focused environments
• Help develop site planning concepts, land use frameworks, and design narratives that align market goals with placemaking objectives
• Participate in collaborative design workshops and charrette-style sessions, helping turn ideas into clear diagrams, illustrative plans, and presentation materials
• Prepare polished graphics, reports, and presentation content for internal reviews, client meetings, and stakeholder discussions
• Work closely with architects, landscape architects, engineers, and other project contributors to advance coordinated design solutions
• Apply sound urban design judgment to questions of form, circulation, public realm quality, building relationships, and user experience
• Support project coordination efforts by managing schedules, tracking production timelines, and overseeing daily activities to ensure deadlines and deliverables stay on course.
• Contribute to a studio culture that values creativity, thoughtful problem-solving, and strong visual communication

What You Bring

• Professional experience in urban design, planning, architecture, landscape architecture, or a closely related discipline
• Background supporting master planning, site planning, or urban design efforts for complex development projects
• Experience contributing to mixed-use, neighborhood, town center, or destination-oriented work is highly valued
• Comfort working in a fast-moving, collaborative design environment with multiple priorities
• Strong graphic communication and presentation skills, including the ability to express ideas visually and clearly
• Working knowledge of urban form, public realm design, development patterns, and placemaking principles
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a polished, professional presence
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator
• Working knowledge of SketchUp and AutoCAD
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools
• Familiarity with Revit or GIS platforms is beneficial, but not required

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a related field
• Approximately 5 to 7 years of relevant professional experience
• Prior experience within a design consultancy, planning practice, or interdisciplinary studio setting is strongly preferred

What Is Offered

• Competitive compensation, depending on experience
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Exposure to a diverse portfolio of planning and design assignments
• Creative, team-focused workplace that fosters knowledge sharing, career development, and continuous learning opportunities.
• The chance to help shape thoughtful environments that strengthen communities and create lasting impact

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