Firm Overview HDR is an employee owned, multidisciplinary firm, including landscape architects, architects, engineers, scientists, planners and urban designers in over 225 locations world-wide. We are seeking a Studio Lead for our Urban Design, Planning and Landscape Architecture (UDPLA) studio in Chicago. HDR's UDPLA Business Class combines over 70 urban designers, planners and landscape architects in 18 design centers across North America. We believe architecture is more than designing buildings, it's about providing solutions to societal challenges and creating stronger, more vibrant communities. As part of our Architecture practice at HDR, you'll contribute to the design and delivery of spaces and experiences that advance community well-being around the world. From healing environments and learning spaces to research labs and civic landmarks and infrastructure, your work will directly influence how individuals experience the world around them. We bring together architects, planners, designers, and technical experts to solve complex design challenges with creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. From championing design excellence with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability to pioneering innovative building technologies, your contributions will leave a lasting impact on the built environment. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to drive meaningful change and help define the future of our communities. Position Description The UDPLA Studio Lead manages a professional staff and collaborates with design and planning principals to market and deliver projects in a variety of market sectors, including but not limited to civic, health, higher education, science and technology, transportation / transit and water resources. The Studio Lead promotes design excellence through effective team and discipline leadership, management of staffing resources and planned growth and diversification of the studio. Responsibilities In the role of UDPLA Studio Lead in the Chicago studio, and within the greater UDPLA Business Class, we'll count on you to:
Take responsibility for studio operations and design production, including work planning and projections, quality and technical excellence Supervise, mentor and develop staff, including inspiring positive morale, professional development, technical training, recruiting and retention Develop strong internal and external client relationships; engage in business development and marketing efforts to win work Function as project manager and/or project task lead on concurrent projects, championing design excellence and quality project delivery Proactively collaborate across urban design, landscape architecture and planning disciplines, as well as partner with other disciplines at HDR to support business development and project delivery Work cooperatively with other UDPLA studio leads and the Regional Lead to support workshare, practice growth and implementation of key initiatives Implement, monitor and support company policy, including QMS procedures and collaboration with area leadership on related audits and project reviews Actively participate in relevant design and community activities that further HDR's brand Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree and/or master's degree in landscape architecture, urban planning or urban design from an accredited university 10+ years of collaborative, multidisciplinary design team experience demonstrating leadership in urban design, planning or landscape architecture on a variety of project types and scales Licensed as a Landscape Architect in the state of Illinois. Experience and passion for sustainable and regenerative design Excellent verbal, written, presentation, client and team engagement skills Strong team leadership, mentoring, motivational, organizational and time management skills Experience working in all design phases, including site analysis, site planning, grading and drainage, conceptual design, construction documentation and construction observation Proficiency in AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite Extensive knowledge and experience with local and regional markets #LI-BC1
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
- A minimum of 7 years experience
- Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role
- Strong communication and listening skills
- Ability to handle multiple assignments
- Good leadership and organizational skills
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.) Illinois: $121,000.00 - $146,000.00
Primary Location
:
United States-Illinois-Chicago
Industry
:
Urban Design, Planning, Landscape Architecture
Schedule
:
Full-time
Employee Status
:
Regular
BusinessClass
:
Urban Design-Planning-Landscape Architecture
Job Posting
:
May 5, 2026 |
HDR, Inc.
life insurance, parental leave, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement
May 06, 2026