Design Director – Urban Planning

Gensler is hiring a Design Director for their Urban Planning team in Los Angeles, CA. The role involves leading high-profile urban design projects, mentoring staff, and developing client relationships. Candidates should have a master's degree in a relevant field, 15+ years of experience, and strong skills in design and communication. Responsibilities include business development, project leadership, and engaging in design initiatives. Benefits include health coverage and paid time off.
About the position

Gensler is seeking an experienced Design Director to join our Cities + Urban Design / Mobility + Transportation Los Angeles studio to lead a range of high-profile public and private sector projects including urban design, streetscape, public realm, master plans, design guidelines, and other planning and design projects. Ideal candidates will possess a background in architecture, landscape architecture and/or urban design and planning and have demonstrated experience leading projects and teams. Strong interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills are critical. Ideal candidates will have experience working with and strong relationships with cities, public agencies, transit agencies, and developers throughout California. Candidates should be collaborative and excited to mentor and grow the next generation of design professionals. This candidate will be responsible for identifying business development opportunities, leading proposal responses, and delivering project work.

Responsibilities

Lead business development through building client relationships, identifying opportunities, and leading proposal responses to RFPsLead project teams in generating and delivering creative planning and design solutionsPrimary client contact on design issues accountable for design excellenceMentor for next generation design talent in the studioEngage in office and regional design initiatives, including leadership within the design communityRequirements

Master’s degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, City/Regional Planning, Urban Design, or other closely related fieldsLicensed in Architecture and/or Landscape ArchitectureAICP certified or eligible and willing to become AICP certified15 or more years of experience related to urban planning, urban design, and architectureProven experience successfully responding to public RFPs and winning projectsProven performance in directing design and delivery process on multiple projectsProven ability to create compelling design solutionsExperience leading collaborative project teams and mentoring staffExperience developing and leading client relationships with private and public sector clientsExperience leading community workshops and public presentationsExcellent written, verbal and graphic communication skills and organizational skillsProficiency in GIS and Mapping toolsProficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Sketch-Up, Rhino and/or other 3D modeling softwareProficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint) and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)Nice-to-haves

Thought leadership on urban design and planning (published blogs, papers, panels, teaching experience)Leadership in design industry professional organizations (AIA, APA, ASLA, ULI)Familiarity working with AI design and visualization toolsCertification in sustainable design (LEED, Envision, or other)Benefits

medicaldentalvisiondisabilitywellness programsflex spendingpaid holidayspaid time off401kprofit sharingemployee stock ownershiptwice annual bonus opportunitiesreimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam feesreimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes