Urban Designer

Overview Location(s): Pasadena Practice/Department: Planning & Urban Design Work Environment: Hybrid   Compensation: $90,000-$125,000 annually*   Dudek’s journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California’s water and wastewater agencies.  Today, we are a 100% employee-owned firm supporting clients nationwide and delivering projects that improve and protect the built and natural environments of communities throughout the United States. Our work has been recognized by leading industry organizations, and we’ve been honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards.  Our employee-owners are unified by a singular commitment to supporting projects that address key societal issues, such as the transition to renewable energy, infrastructure hardening and repair, environmental protection, and community resilience.  Learn more about our  award-winning culture , the  benefits and perks  of being a Dudekian, and the  projects  you will have the opportunity to shape.   Position Overview Who You Are   As an  employee-owner , you embrace accountability, working safely, and collaboration while thinking resourcefully and independently.  Like all Dudekians, you are curious and  solution-oriented , with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit of  innovation .   How You’ll Make an Impact   Dudek is looking for an Urban Designer to join our Planning and Urban Design (PUD) practice. The ideal candidate will possess at least six years of experience and demonstrate a combination of urban planning expertise and architectural design skills. This is a role that places equal emphasis on strong drawing, writing, and analytical abilities. At Dudek, urban designers bridge planning policy and the built environment. The selected candidate will work alongside planners, architects, engineers, environmental specialists, and scientists to shape places, neighborhoods, and cities. This role supports a wide range of projects including master planning, mixed-use and community development, transit-oriented planning, public realm improvements, and long-range planning initiatives for both public and private sector clients. The ideal candidate understands how regulatory frameworks and environmental requirements influence design and can translate planning policy into clear, implementable design solutions (and vice versa). They will contribute to and manage projects from visioning and analyses phases through design development and implementation. Duties and Responsibilities   Urban Design and Planning Integration Develop conceptual architectural massing studies, urban design concepts, site layouts, and illustrative plans Translate planning policies, zoning regulations, and General Plan land use guidance into physical design solutions. Support preparation of master plans, specific plans, objective design standards, and urban design frameworks. Conduct site analysis and prepare development capacity studies based on industry-standard building typologies. Advanced Planning and Policy Analysis Research and analyze land use, transportation, housing, and environmental planning policies. Research state law, zoning codes, regulatory frameworks, and entitlement requirements to guide project decision-making. Technical Documentation and Visualization Write and edit plans, reports, and regulatory documents. Produce graphics, diagrams, renderings, maps, and visual storytelling materials for client deliverables and public engagement. Develop presentations and exhibits that effectively communicate complex planning and design concepts to diverse audiences. Community Engagement and Collaboration Support and participate in public workshops, design charrettes, and stakeholder meetings. Develop public-facing materials including presentation boards, visualizations, and outreach content. Project Coordination and Team Collaboration Serve as a task lead and support project management for planning and urban design assignments. Assist with scopes of work, proposals, and cost estimates. Coordinate closely with multidisciplinary teams including planners, architects, environmental scientists, engineers, and transportation specialists. Geospatial and Data Analysis Utilize GIS and data visualization tools to analyze and illustrate spatial data, and prepare maps and infographics. Analyze demographic, economic, and environmental data. Mentorship and Professional Development Provide guidance and knowledge sharing to junior staff. Participate in professional organizations such as APA, AIA, ULI, AEP, or related industry groups. Minimum Qualifications  Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture. Approximately 6+ years of professional experience in urban design, planning, architecture, or related disciplines. Demonstrated experience integrating design and planning expertise. Working knowledge of zoning regulations, land use policy, and entitlement processes. Proficiency with design and technical tools such as GIS, Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, or similar platforms. Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by the first day of employment  Preferred Qualifications  Professional licensure or certification (AICP, architectural licensure, or progress toward licensure). Experience working in a consulting environment serving public agency and private development clients. Demonstrated expertise in writing and drawing abilities. Experience with community engagement and facilitation processes. Ability to manage project tasks, schedules, and deliverables with increasing independence. Compensation: $90,000-$125,000 annually*  *Final agreed-upon compensation will be based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s related experience, education, certifications, skills, and work location. Successful candidates mus