Urban Designer II

Perkins&Will•Minneapolis, MN

About The Position

The Urban Designer II uses planning and design experience to contribute to team and project success while meeting firm standards for design, execution, and living design. The role conducts research and site analysis, develops analytical and design drawings using analog and digital methods, and prepares design documentation such as master plan reports, design guidelines, and client-ready presentations. It also coordinates revisions and integrates zoning and policy requirements into project design, while developing urban frameworks for circulation, open space, buildings, and infrastructure. The position performs development calculations, supports client and public discussions and presentations, and takes increasing ownership of project tasks and studio activities. The Urban Designer II collaborates with project teams, design partners, and consultants; communicates ideas effectively; and checks work for accuracy, legibility, completeness, and compliance with the Project Delivery Manual. Work is completed within project scope, schedule, and budget. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in urban design, landscape, architecture, or a related discipline, and 3–5+ years of experience showcasing work in urban design. LEED Green Associate certification is required within six months of hire. Candidates are also expected to pursue professional licensure and work toward AICP certification, and to obtain a professional accreditation in an area of Living Design. The annual salary range for the Minneapolis position is $63,000–$80,300, commensurate with qualifications. Benefits listed include medical, dental, vision, wellness, LTD, life insurance, 401(k), and PTO.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in urban design, landscape, architecture, or a related discipline.
3–5+ years of experience showcasing work in urban design.
Obtain LEED Green Associate (LEED GA) within six months of hire.
Prepare for professional licensure.
Work toward AICP certification.
Functional knowledge of 2D/3D production software such as Revit and Rhino.
Functional knowledge of digital sketching and diagramming software such as Illustrator.
Functional knowledge of analytical tools such as ArcGIS and Grasshopper.
Functional knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Functional knowledge of visualization tools such as Enscape and VRay.
Functional knowledge of physical model making.
Functional knowledge of presentation tools such as InDesign and PowerPoint.
Proficiency in site and design research, site analytics, planning and zoning code analytics, concept and detailed design studies, production of drawings and deliverables, hand-drawn and digital sketching, and computational analysis.

Nice To Haves

Professional accreditation in an area of Living Design, such as LEED AP with Specialty, BREEAM AP, WELL AP, SITES AP, Passive House Institute Certified Passive House Consultant/Designer (CPHC/CPHD), or ILFI Living Future Accreditation.

Responsibilities

Conduct data gathering, research, and creative exploration.
Analyze sites, programs, and other key project elements using quantitative and qualitative methods.
Develop analytical and design drawings throughout the design process using sketching, physical modeling, digital analyses, and digital modeling.
Prepare design documentation, including master plan reports, design guidelines, and client-ready presentation materials.
Coordinate input and produce revisions to drawings, project deliverables, mock-ups, and other project materials.
Review, evaluate, and integrate zoning and policy requirements into project design.
Develop strategies for urban frameworks and systems, including circulation, open space, buildings, and infrastructure.
Perform advanced development calculations according to specified standards and proposed development controls.
Assist with project-related client and public discussions and presentations.
Take increasing ownership of tasks within project teams and studio activities.
Exercise creative judgment throughout the design process and participate actively in collaborative team settings, including design charrettes, reviews, and pin-ups.
Maintain open communication with the team and designated team leader, and communicate ideas in a way that inspires others.
Coordinate effectively with design partners and consultants.
Check work for accuracy, omissions, legibility, and compliance with the Project Delivery Manual.
Complete project tasks within scope, schedule, and budget in an organized, timely, and consistent manner.