Mid-level Urban Designer

Overview

Location(s):
Pasadena
Practice/Department:
Planning & Urban Design
Work Environment:
Hybrid
Compensation: $90,000-$125,000 annually*

Who You Are

As an employee-owner
, you embrace accountability, work safely, and collaborate while thinking resourcefully and independently. Like all Dudekians, you are curious and solution-oriented
, with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit of innovation
.

How You’ll Make an Impact

Dudek is looking for a mid‑level Urban Designer to join our Planning and Urban Design (PUD) practice. The ideal candidate will possess at least six years of experience and demonstrate a combination of urban planning expertise and architectural design skills. This is a role that places equal emphasis on strong drawing, writing, and analytical abilities.

Urban designers bridge planning policy and the built environment. Selected candidates will work alongside planners, architects, engineers, environmental specialists, and scientists to shape places, neighborhoods, and cities. This role supports a wide range of projects including master planning, mixed‑use and community development, transit‑oriented planning, public realm improvements, and long‑range planning initiatives for both public and private sector clients.

The ideal candidate understands how regulatory frameworks and environmental requirements influence design and can translate planning policy into clear, implementable design solutions (and vice versa). They will contribute to and manage projects from visioning and analyses phases through design development and implementation.

Urban Design and Planning Integration

• Develop conceptual architectural massing studies, urban design concepts, site layouts, and illustrative plans
• Translate planning policies, zoning regulations, and General Plan land‑use guidance into physical design solutions
• Support preparation of master plans, specific plans, objective design standards, and urban design frameworks
• Conduct site analysis and prepare development capacity studies based on industry‑standard building typologies

Advanced Planning and Policy Analysis

• Research and analyze land use, transportation, housing, and environmental planning policies
• Research state law, zoning codes, regulatory frameworks, and entitlement requirements to guide project decision‑making

Technical Documentation and Visualization

• Write and edit plans, reports, and regulatory documents
• Produce graphics, diagrams, renderings, maps, and visual storytelling materials for client deliverables and public engagement
• Develop presentations and exhibits that effectively communicate complex planning and design concepts to diverse audiences

Community Engagement and Collaboration

• Support and participate in public workshops, design charrettes, and stakeholder meetings
• Develop public‑facing materials including presentation boards, visualizations, and outreach content

Project Coordination and Team Collaboration

• Serve as a task lead and support project management for planning and urban design assignments
• Assist with scopes of work, proposals, and cost estimates
• Coordinate closely with multidisciplinary teams including planners, architects, environmental scientists, engineers, and transportation specialists

Geospatial and Data Analysis

• Utilize GIS and data visualization tools to analyze and illustrate spatial data, and prepare maps and infographics
• Analyze demographic, economic, and environmental data

Mentorship and Professional Development

• Provide guidance and knowledge sharing to junior staff
• Participate in professional organizations such as APA, AIA, ULI, AEP, or related industry groups

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture
• Approximately 6+ years of professional experience in urban design, planning, architecture, or related disciplines
• Demonstrated experience integrating design and planning expertise
• Working knowledge of zoning regulations, land‑use policy, and entitlement processes
• Proficiency with design and technical tools such as GIS, Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, Sketch Up, Rhino, or similar platforms
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have…