Lead Urban Designer

Ascent is looking for a Lead Urban Designer to join our Urban Design + Planning Studio. Our ideal candidate is a seasoned urban designer with deep California experience, a collaborative attitude, and a track record of leading specific plans, master plans, community plans, zoning, form-based codes, design standards, feasibility studies, and community engagement. We are looking for someone with a collaborative attitude, the ability to go beyond convention and develop creative and elegant solutions, and an interest in being part of a fast-paced design studio.

This is a leadership role within our Urban Design + Planning Studio. In a typical week, you might:

• Drive the design vision – Lead specific plans, master plans, and other urban design and planning projects from concept to delivery, including visioning, site analysis, feasibility studies, and design concepts and strategies.
• Mentor and elevate the team – Provide guidance, technical expertise, and mentoring to more junior members of the Urban Design + Planning Studio, and collaborate across disciplines, including climate action planning, environmental planning, and natural resources.
• Develop compelling visuals – Develop 2D and 3D plans and graphics, massing studies, site plans, concept diagrams, 3D renderings, and before/after simulations that bring ideas to life.
• Prepare graphically rich reports – Produce graphically-rich reports, presentations, and planning documents using InDesign and PowerPoint.
• Engage the Community – Lead inclusive community engagement and outreach activities, workshops, and meetings for both in-person and virtual outreach.
• Help grow the practice – Lead business development activities, including identifying opportunities, preparing proposals, leading interviews, and cultivating client relationships.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.