Senior Project Urban Designer

Tustin
Tustin
1730 Flight Way
Suite 150
Tustin, CA 92782, USA

WATG is the world’s preeminent destination and hospitality design firm. We are employee-owned, home to more than 500 professionals globally, located remotely and in our offices in Atlantic City, California, Dallas, New York, Honolulu, London, Singapore, and Shanghai.

Our approach to design applies a hospitality ethos to the development of all shapes and sizes. From initial feasibility studies to finishing touches, we operate globally as an integrated, multidisciplinary practice. Along with our interior design studio, Wimberly Interiors, we specialize in hospitality, gaming + entertainment, urban + mixed‑use, and high-end residential design.

We were founded in Honolulu in 1945, and the spirit of the islands taught us to focus on community strength, self‑reliance, and sustainability – which we still prioritize today. We passionately believe that culture and heritage are the roots that lead to long‑term resilience. We stay true to our values of designing spaces that respect, protect, and enhance the natural magic of their surroundings while delivering long‑term value for our clients and their communities.

The Senior Project Urban Designer collaborates with architects, landscape architects, consultants, and other project members to plan, design, coordinate and present ideas for a variety of project disciplines, including hospitality, residential, mixed‑use, entertainment and support facilities. The position works closely with Project Managers, or depending on project size and complexity, Senior Project Urban Designers may act as Project Managers themselves to drive the delivery of project deadlines within established budgets and schedules.

These projects occur in various natural, rural and urban settings – from islands to mountains to deserts, across Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. While the Senior Project Urban Designer manages and directs other team members, it is a hands‑on position that involves research, analysis, and significant amounts of drawing.

• Leads the development of creative design concepts on a wide range of master planning and urban design projects, including large‑scale master planned development, mixed‑use and infill development, resort and hospitality destination master plans, community and neighborhood‑scale master planning and design, and vision master planning
• Demonstrates design competency and creativity in producing design sketches, site planning, analysis diagrams, site sections, footprint layouts, 3D models, and presentations for urban design and master planning projects
• Provides own expertise in writing and compiling a variety of document types, including planning reports, technical memoranda, design narratives, project approach and design guidelines
• Performs land use ideation and program development
• Interfaces with clients, sub‑consultants, and other professionals during all stages of complex and multi‑disciplinary project development to ensure a coordinated, cohesive, and informed engagement and appropriate guidance and response to project requirements
• Leads and supports project presentations, project coordination, and client communications
• Manages the work and manages the production of design concepts of other members of the team

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, urban design, landscape architecture, or architecture
• 15+ years of experience in urban design, urban planning, or architecture practices
• Proficient in MS Office, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch Up, Rhino, Enscape and other rendering software
• Knowledge of Grasshopper, Ladybug and other sustainability analysis software and mapping tools
• Knowledge of ArcGIS and GIS analysis
• Working knowledge of Revit
• Knowledge of Midjourney and other latest AI tools approved by WATG for project work
• Advanced knowledge and experience with land use planning, residential, retail, commercial and mixed‑use development typologies
• Extensive technical experience with physical design and planning, including site planning and programming, building layout, development yields, and massing modelling
• Excellent graphic skills, including hand‑sketching ability, visualization renderings, plans, and document layout
• Working knowledge of sustainable design and planning
• Proven project leadership and team management responsibilities, with the ability to effectively manage a team
• Ability to effectively meet deadlines while managing multiple priorities
• Highly effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills

* Please include a copy of your resume and portfolio to be considered for this position.

• Salary range: $ to $ per year
• Job type:
  Full‑time

WATG is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.