Associate, Planning & Strategy (Built Environment)

MKThink•San Francisco, CA

20d

About The Position

MKThink is a future-forward design firm grounded in spatial intelligence and dedicated to “Build Less, Solve More.” The firm works at the intersection of architecture, systems thinking, and strategy, helping institutions make better decisions about space, resources, and long-term impact. Their interdisciplinary team includes designers, strategists, and analysts who solve complex challenges across workplaces, school districts, universities, and civic organizations. The company is seeking an Associate, Planning & Strategy (Built Environment) to support consulting work at the intersection of space, data, and organizational strategy. This role is ideal for early-career professionals transitioning from architecture, planning, or urban design practice into strategic advisory work, who are ready to take on meaningful responsibility. Candidates should be able to work independently, think critically, and contribute to project work with limited oversight while growing within MKThink’s frameworks. The position focuses on shaping the strategies, systems, and decisions that inform what gets built and why, rather than primarily designing buildings. This role is for candidates with a design background and strong spatial intuition, who are looking to move beyond traditional design delivery into strategy and advisory work. They should be curious about how space influences performance, behavior, and outcomes, and motivated to work across disciplines—integrating design, data, and systems thinking—to have a broader impact at organizational or societal scales. Comfort in taking ownership of workstreams and contributing to client-facing deliverables early on is also important.

Requirements

Strong ability to synthesize research and communicate insights clearly
Spatial thinking skills and ability to visualize spatial concepts
Quantitative fluency and ability to work with data teams
Excellent storytelling across formats (written, verbal, visual)
Creative problem-solving and systems thinking
Ability to structure work, manage time effectively, and produce high-quality outputs with limited direction
Proficiency with Microsoft products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint)
Proficiency with Adobe Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat)
Proficiency with Architectural design tools (CAD and/or 3D modeling software)
Self-awareness and the ability to reflect on performance and drive continuous improvement
Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and seek support when needed
Flexibility in collaborating with teams and clients; able to receive, clarify, and incorporate feedback
Demonstrates kindness and actively supports colleagues
Demonstrated interest in at least one of the following: The relationship between architecture, the natural environment, and culture; The psychology behind human behavior in the built environment; The impact of built environment solutions on community strength, human health, environmental resiliency, or learning outcomes
3-5 years of relevant experience

Nice To Haves

Exposure to GIS or analytics is a plus
Experience in project management is a plus
Master’s degree in architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, or related discipline preferred
Interdisciplinary experience or experience in consulting, planning, or real estate development is a plus

Responsibilities

Contribute to client engagements to define and frame complex challenges related to space, performance, and organizational goals
Conduct research to build a systems-level understanding of the problem context
Help develop guiding principles and success metrics
Identify data needs and opportunities to strengthen decision-making
Synthesize qualitative and quantitative inputs into clear, actionable insights
Translate findings into organizational and spatial implications
Develop scenario models to test strategies against key performance criteria
Collaborate with analysts and designers to connect data with physical outcomes
Contribute to the development of space programs, organizational models, and planning strategies
Develop implementation roadmaps
Contribute to policy frameworks and design guidelines
Produce clear, well-structured deliverables, including presentations, reports, and planning documents
Plan and facilitate interviews, workshops, focus groups, and surveys
Communicate complex ideas clearly through verbal, visual, and written formats
Support project planning and coordination
Contribute to presentations and deliverables
Assist with business development materials