Senior Urban Designer I

Boston Planning & Development AgencyBOSTON RESIDENCY IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT AND MUST BE MET WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF START DATETITLE: Senior Urban Designer IGRADE: 8STATUS: EXEMPTDIVISION/DEPARTMENT: URBAN DESIGNThe Urban Design department is responsible for crafting and executing a beautiful, human-scale, and inclusive vision for the design of the built environment across Boston. We champion the transformative power of beautiful, sustainable, walkable communities for everyone that support social, mental, and physical health while improving resiliency and promoting equity.SUMMARY of RESPONSIBILITIES:Under direction of the Deputy Director for Design, the senior urban designer will lead urban design studies that include 2d and 3d analytical and conceptual drawings, graphics, presentation materials, research, and digital models. The senior urban designer will initiate urban design concepts and visual graphics and present design ideas during internal team and external meetings. In addition, the senior urban designer will work with and mentor urban designers in the development of urban design concepts and graphics.The senior urban designer will also conduct design review for development and planning projects of all scales. The senior urban designer will be a key member of project review teams, facilitating internal and interdepartmental conversations, and communicating clear and actionable feedback, guided by city goals and policies, to project proponents.GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:The general duties and responsibilities of the position are included in but not limited to the information listed below.Urban Design:

Engage in all aspects of planning and urban design processes including site and existing conditions analysis, conceptual ideas, and scenario development

Work across multiple scales and contexts including urban districts and neighborhoods, research and innovation clusters, campuses, etc.

Be responsible for creating, or directing the creation of, 2d and 3d analytical and conceptual drawings, graphics, digital and physical models, and other content that reflects city goals and community priorities

Work with and mentor staff in the development of urban design and planning concepts, guidelines, graphics, and other content

Initiate urban design concepts and visual graphics

Develop urban design guidelines, feasibility studies, zoning recommendations, and impact analyses for a range of scales, from individual parcels to citywide planning and zoning initiatives

Collaborate with other City departments on design problems and planning projects regarding urban design and the City’s public realm

Manage internal staff and/or consultants for urban design projects, which may range from site studies to design guidelines to design standards to citywide planning

Design Review:

As the lead design reviewer, review a wide range of large- and small-scale development projects, including signage and master plan developments, by analyzing project documents (plans, sections, elevations, etc.) and understanding the project context. Incorporate and apply urban design guidelines, planning goals, and applicable zoning regulations to evaluate a project.

Where required, provide comments on urban design, infrastructure, daylight analysis, resilience, and environmental performance of a project

Lead conversations with the project proponent or their representative, and other BPDA and City staff, including sustainability and resilience staff

Communicate design feedback in a professional and collaborative manner to external and internal stakeholders.

Conduct written and graphic analysis and evaluation of planning and design proposals, zoning initiatives and design-related environmental impacts. Solicit and consider input of community and civic groups, abutters, and other interested parties.

General:

Advise supervisor or other BPDA senior staff of politically sensitive or controversial project-related issues requiring their input and/or approval

Represent the BPDA at public meetings and meetings with other city, state, and federal agencies as required for assigned design review and planning projects

Dispense public information about specific projects and overall design and planning initiatives to private citizens, civic or community groups, and other interested parties. This may include conducting tours, discussing and explaining models, and interpreting the use and application of guidelines and zoning.

Participate in the development of Requests for Proposals (RFP) and the subsequent selection of engineering, planning, and/or design consultants

Prepare regular status reports of projects under review for supervisor and other senior staff

Perform other related duties as required

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:The position requires a master’s degree in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, or a closely related field, plus 10 years of related professional experience. Candidates holding a bachelor’s degree in architecture, urban design, urban planning, landscape architecture, or a closely related field with a minimum of 12 years of experience are also encouraged to apply. Massachusetts Architecture License or working towards registration is desired.The work requires the ability to:

Carry out design review in a professional and collaborative manner;

Solve complex urban design, planning, and zoning problems across a wide range of scales;

Effectively and clearly communicate with a range of stakeholders graphically and verbally;

Work on multiple projects and tasks simultaneously; and

Lead and/or collaborate as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Prior experience in conducting public design/development review is highly desirable. Prior experience designing complex architectural or urban design projects is also highly desirable.Proficiency with design and office software including AutoCAD, Rhino, SketchUp, PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite, Bluebeam, and/or equivalent programs is desired. Familiarity with ArcGIS Pro or equivalent software is a plus.Application Requirements:Applicants are required to submit work samples that illustrate strong graphic and written communication skills, or one graphic work sample and one written work sample. Work samples should be combined as a single PDF with the applicant's cover letter.WORK ENVIRONMENT:Normal office environment, occasional site visits.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :Little or no exertion, occasional local travel.BOSTON RESIDENCY IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT AND MUST BE MET WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF START DATE