Job Information
Boston Planning and Development Agency Senior Architect in Boston, Massachusetts
Boston Planning & Development Agency
*BOSTON RESIDENCY IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT AND MUST BE MET WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF START DATE*
TITLE: Senior Architect
GRADE: 10
STATUS: EXEMPT
DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: URBAN DESIGN
The 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 Urban Design, the senior Architect will lead design review for development projects of all scales. The senior Architect will be a critical 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. The senior architect will also serve as a mentor to other design review staff and plays a key role in ensuring that proposed development projects advance the City’s design vision and planning goals.
In addition, the Senior Architect may prepare or guide urban design studies and provide urban design guidance to planning study teams.
GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The general duties and responsibilities of the position are included in but not limited to the information listed below.
Design Review:
As the lead design reviewer, lead review of 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.
Provide timely and concise 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. Work collaboratively with colleagues from the BPDA and other City departments to review projects, identifying key City priorities and building consensus with colleagues.
Communicate design feedback in a professional and collaborative manner to external and internal stakeholders.
Analyze and evaluate, through both writing and graphics, 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, as appropriate.
Urban Design:
Engage in all aspects of planning and urban design processes including site and existing conditions analysis, conceptual ideas, and scenario development, guided by the City’s design vision and planning goals
Work across multiple scales and contexts including urban districts and neighborhoods, research and innovation clusters, campuses, etc.
Create, or direct 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
Mentor and direct staff in the development of urban design and planning concepts, guidelines, graphics, and other content
Initiate urban design concepts and visual graphics, driven by the City’s design vision
Develop and write urban design guidelines, feasibility studies, and impact analyses for a range of scales, from individual parcels to citywide planning and zoning initiatives
Lead conversations with, and/or 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
General:
Advise 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, urban design, or a closely related field, plus 15 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 18 years of experience are also encouraged to apply. Massachusetts Architecture License is requirement for this role.
The work requires the ability to:
carry out design review in a professional and collaborative manner;
understand and discuss technical details and constraints of both buildings and public realm projects;
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*