Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or closely related field
Minimum of 10 years experience in urban design and project management
Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite, and rendering software
Strong design and critical thinking skills
Exceptional visual storytelling and communication skills
AICP certification desired
Highly motivated self-starter with leadership abilities
Responsibilities
Lead urban design projects for public and private sector clients
Develop design concepts and foster a creative studio culture
Create detailed drawings using various digital and hand-drawing techniques
Communicate design concepts effectively in writing and presentations
Champion urban design as a collaborative framework across disciplines
Mentor and inspire junior urban designers
Build relationships with clients and industry peers to identify new opportunities
Benefits
Opportunity to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team
Engagement with diverse projects across various sectors
Professional development and mentorship opportunities
Employee-owned culture fostering collaboration and innovation
Access to cutting-edge design tools and technologies
Full Job Description
Position Description:
HDR is looking for an energetic, team-oriented urban designer to join our interdisciplinary architecture studio in Denver, CO. Our design and planning teams work with diverse private and public sector clients to create vibrant places ranging from transit-oriented developments, urban mobility corridors, redevelopment districts, campuses, and waterfronts, to highly sustainable mixed-use communities. The successful candidate would augment and collaborate with a growing team of designers locally as well as across our matrix organization to provide leadership, seek new business development opportunities and contribute to our design culture with innovative and creative thinking.
In the role of Senior Urban Designer, we'll count on you to:
Lead and support the urban design discipline and within a variety of project types for both public and private sector clients. Simultaneously engage in multiple projects and collaborate effectively with other team members, including architects, engineers and other disciplines
Lead the development of design thinking and concepts in project work and studio culture.
Create concept and detailed drawings using 2D and 3D digital illustration tools, free hand drawing, and rendering.
Clearly communicate design and planning concepts in writing and in spoken presentations.Leverage the design and graphic talents of others from within the project team, including computer and hand graphic skills, to support the design process, visual communication and storytelling.
Champion urban design as a unifying framework that enhances planning, engineering, and architectural work through collaboration, creativity, and systems-based thinking.
Mentor and develop other urban designers, challenging, inspiring and motivating them to deliver high quality design solutions for our clients.
Retain professional licensure and continue professional development, as appropriate.
Build and maintain meaningful relationships across HDR's internal network, connecting people, expertise, and ideas across disciplines and geographies to identify opportunities, strengthen teams, and strategically position urban design expertise in support of pursuits and broader business development efforts.
Build and strengthen relationships with clients, partners, and industry peers, leveraging urban design expertise and a strong understanding of client needs to identify opportunities, shape pursuit strategies, differentiate HDR's capabilities, and position the firm for new work.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree in urban design or related field from an accredited university. Candidates with both bachelor's and master's degrees may receive elevated consideration.
Minimum of 10 years professional work experience as an urban designer leading community and city-building projects
Proficiency with AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite, and rendering software such as RiNo, Grasshopper, Lumion, Enscape and VRay, and the ability to direct others to apply a variety of digital tools to develop urban design solutions, visual communication and storytelling
Revit and GIS skills
Hand sketching and drawing skills
Strong design and critical thinking skills: ideation, concept iteration and exploration through multiple platforms
Strong design rigor, clear visual communication
Exceptional visual storytelling and communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives that translate complex ideas into clear, persuasive, and emotionally resonant visual presentations that inspire people, strengthen community identity, and communicate a compelling vision to clients, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams.
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Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or closely related field
A minimum of 10 years experience in environmental consulting with a successful track record of marketing, urban design project management, staff management and client satisfaction, business development skills and familiarity of local clients and markets; advance degree may offset years of experience
AICP certification desired
Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs
Extensive graphics and report document production experience
Experience with GIS
Highly motivated self-starter
Leadership skills and ability to manage in a team environment
Public speaking and strong verbal and written communication skills
May require the ability to travel
An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
About HDR
HDR is an architecture, engineering, and consulting firm based in Omaha, Nebraska. The company was founded in 1917 as Henningson Engineering Company and has since grown to become one of the largest engineering firms in the United States. HDR provides a wide range of services, including architecture, engineering, environmental consulting, and construction management. The company has worked on a number of high-profile projects, including the Hoover Dam Bypass and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. HDR is committed to sustainability and has been recognized for its efforts in this area by organizations such as the U.S. Green Building Council.
