Design Director - Urban Planning

Gensler is hiring a Design Director for their Los Angeles studio, focusing on urban planning and design projects. Candidates should have a Master's degree in relevant fields and 15+ years of experience. Responsibilities include leading project teams, business development, and mentoring junior staff. Strong communication skills and proficiency in design software are essential. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits, emphasizing a collaborative work environment.
Your Role

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.

What You Will Do
• Lead business development through building client relationships, identifying opportunities, and leading proposal responses to RFPs
• Lead project teams in generating and delivering creative planning and design solutions
• Primary client contact on design issues accountable for design excellence
• Mentor for next generation design talent in the studio
• Engage in office and regional design initiatives, including leadership within the design community

Your Qualifications
• Master's degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, City/Regional Planning, Urban Design, or other closely related fields
• Licensed in Architecture and/or Landscape Architecture
• AICP certified or eligible and willing to become AICP certified
• 15 or more years of experience related to urban planning, urban design, and architecture
• Proven experience successfully responding to public RFPs and winning projects
• Proven performance in directing design and delivery process on multiple projects
• Proven ability to create compelling design solutions
• Experience leading collaborative project teams and mentoring staff
• Experience developing and leading client relationships with private and public sector clients
• Experience leading community workshops and public presentations
• Excellent written, verbal and graphic communication skills and organizational skills
• Thought leadership on urban design and planning (published blogs, papers, panels, teaching experience)
• Leadership in design industry professional organizations (AIA, APA, ASLA, ULI)
• Proficiency in GIS and Mapping tools
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Sketch-Up, Rhino and/or other 3D modeling software
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint) and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
• Familiarity working with AI design and visualization tools
• Certification in sustainable design (LEED, Envision, or other)
• *The base salary will be estimated between $125,000-$195,000 annually, plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience. To learn more about our compensation philosophy and full benefits offerings, please visit Great People, Great Rewards | Gensler

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to "Well-being Awareness Week," our offices reflect our people's diverse interests.

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.

As part of the firm's commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.