Senior Planner

Job Summary

The Senior Urban Planner leads significant components of urban design projects, guiding concept development, design iteration, and the production of high-quality planning and design deliverables. This role synthesizes analytical research, urban systems, regulatory frameworks, and client priorities into impactful design solutions. The Senior Urban Planner works closely with multidisciplinary teams, participates in client and stakeholder meetings, and supports community engagement efforts.

The position provides mentorship to junior staff while supporting project managers in coordinating schedules, deliverables, and design strategy.

• Lead major portions of urban design projects, including concept development, site and district framework planning, streetscape design, and public-realm strategy.
• Translate complex site analysis, code requirements, and community feedback into coherent and innovative design recommendations.
• Develop and refine advanced 2D and 3D models, including detailed massing studies, development scenarios, and public realm compositions.
• Produce high-quality diagrams, renderings, maps, presentations, and reports that effectively communicate design intent to clients and stakeholders.
• Prepare narrative and graphic content for planning documents, design guidelines, development frameworks, and master plans.
• Participate in client meetings, presenting design options, summarizing findings, and incorporating feedback into project iterations.
• Support community engagement efforts, preparing materials, attending meetings, presenting design concepts, and summarizing public input.
• Coordinate design tasks with architects, planners, landscape architects, and engineers, ensuring alignment between technical requirements and design outcomes.
• Interpret zoning codes, development regulations, environmental constraints, and policy frameworks to inform design decisions.
• Assist with project planning and task coordination, supporting schedule development, deliverable planning, and resource allocation.
• Mentor Urban Designer I-IV staff, offering guidance on software workflows, design approaches, analysis techniques, and graphic quality.
• Conduct quality-control checks on drawings, diagrams, reports, and presentation materials for accuracy and design consistency.

• Perform all other duties as assigned.
• Work collaboratively and effectively with clients and colleagues including cross-functional teams, peers, direct reports, and leadership, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Adapt to changing business needs and priorities, demonstrating flexibility in taking on new responsibilities and adjusting to evolving challenges.

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of urban design principles, public realm frameworks, and placemaking strategies.
• Knowledge of zoning, land development regulations, and applicable planning policy frameworks.
• Understanding of sustainable and resilient design practices.
• Familiarity with architectural, landscape, and engineering concepts relevant to urban design.

Skills

• Strong understanding of urban design principles, public realm frameworks, and placemaking strategies.
• Knowledge of zoning, land development regulations, and applicable planning policy frameworks.
• Understanding of sustainable and resilient design practices.
• Familiarity with architectural, landscape, and engineering concepts relevant to urban design.

Abilities

• Ability to independently lead complex components of design projects.
• Ability to communicate design ideas clearly in written, graphic, and verbal formats.
• Ability to mentor and elevate the work of junior designers.
• Ability to engage confidently in meetings with clients, stakeholders, and community members.

Required

• Bachelor s degree in Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in urban design or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience leading portions of master plans, public realm designs, or large-scale design studies.
• Strong portfolio showcasing advanced design, modeling, and presentation capabilities.

Preferred

• Master s degree in Urban Design or related discipline.
• Experience with development guidelines, form-based codes, or public engagement processes.
• Experience presenting to clients, community groups, or public agencies.
• Familiarity with advanced visualization tools or rendering workflows.

• Ability to remain seated for extended periods while working at a computer or attending meetings.
• Frequent use of standard office equipment, including computers, keyboards, telephones, and printers.
• Occasional light physical activity such as walking, standing, or carrying materials (up to 25 lbs.).
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person, over the phone, and through written communication.

Stratus is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on…