Job Information
Boston Planning and Development Agency Urban Designer I in Boston, Massachusetts
Boston Planning & Development Agency
*BOSTON RESIDENCY IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT*
TITLE: URBAN DESIGNER I
GRADE: 5
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 the direction of the Assistant Deputy Director for Urban Design, the Urban Designer will contribute to new and ongoing planning and interdepartmental efforts focused on resilience, affordability, and equity. The Urban Designer will be a key contributor to a wide range of urban design and planning projects, producing analysis, conceptual ideas, and planning and urban design scenarios. The Urban Designer may also conduct design review of projects of varying scales, sometimes in collaboration with other urban design and planning staff.
GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The general duties and responsibilities of the position are included in but not limited to the information listed below.
URBAN DESIGN AND PLANNING:
Work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams consisting of planners, architects, landscape architects, policymakers, and urban designers
Engage in all aspects of planning and urban design processes including site and existing conditions analysis, conceptual ideas, and scenario development
Work across multiple scales and contexts including urban districts and neighborhoods, research and innovation clusters, campuses, etc.
Create 2d and 3d analytical and conceptual drawings, graphics, digital and physical models, and other content that reflects City goals and community priorities
Develop urban design guidelines, feasibility studies, and impact analyses for a range of scales, from individual parcels to citywide planning and zoning initiatives
Collaborate with other City departments on design problems and planning projects regarding urban design and the City’s public realm
Contribute to the maintenance of the City’s digital 3D model
DESIGN REVIEW:
Review a wide range of large- and small-scale development projects, including signage, by analyzing project documents (plans, sections, elevations, etc.) and understanding the project context
Prepare urban design analyses for large- and small-scale development projects
GENERAL:
Support the Boston Civic Design Commission by organizing logistics, updating the website, preparing minutes and reports, and facilitating meetings
Communicate design and planning ideas and critiques, verbally and graphically, to both internal and external stakeholders
Represent the BPDA at public meetings and meetings with other City, state, and federal agencies
Perform other related duties as required
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
The position requires a master’s degree in architecture, urban design, urban planning, or landscape architecture, or a closely related field, plus 0-3 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 2 years of experience may also apply.
The work requires the ability to:
solve complex urban design, planning, and zoning problems across a wide range of scales;
understand and interpret urban design and architectural drawings, such as plans, sections, and elevations;
effectively and clearly communicate with a range of stakeholders graphically and verbally; and
collaborate as part of an interdisciplinary team .
Proficiency with design and office software including AutoCAD, Rhino, SketchUp, PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite, and/or equivalent programs is required. 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. Local travel for site visits and meetings.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Little or no exertion. Occasional handling of full-scale drawing sets, presentation boards/easels/equipment, or models.
SCOPE:
Not applicable.
*BOSTON RESIDENCY IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT*