Urban Designer - Senior

At Gensler, we design for people. We leverage our global perspective and local presence to innovate at every scale. We're not just designers. We're tinkerers, craftspeople, visionaries, innovators and thought leaders. Fueled by passion and entrepreneurial spirit, our people bring innovative ideas to solve challenging problems on a variety of Projects. Whether you're into sketching new ideas, hacking a building, or growing client relationships in global markets, there's something here for everyone.

Your Role

We're seeking an experienced Urban Designer join our Cities + Urban Design practice area to deliver on a range of both local/regional and international high-profile public and private sector projects including: large-scale master plans, conceptual design, site-specific plans, urban design guidelines, development standards and other planning studies. Ideal candidates will possess a background in urban planning, particularly urban design, or architecture; and have demonstrated experience leading, organizing and coordinating project teams and team assignments to deliver successful large-scale planning and mixed-use projects. This role is intended specifically for design leadership, with the candidate possessing strong design talent and sensibilities, sophisticated graphic aptitudes, award-winning projects, global insights, and an innovation mindset for 21st century cities.

What You Will Do

• Lead and elevate design, and envision transformational projects through client leadership, design leadership, and mentorship
• Project team leadership in preparation of planning and design documents, including large-scale master plans, design guidelines, design standards, renderings, illustrations and other planning studies
• Collaborate with team and clients to generate creative planning and design solutions
• Preparing and making presentations to clients, community stakeholders, and city planning staff
• Support C+UD practice area with business development efforts
• Conduct site visits and meet on-site with client teams

Your Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience related to urban planning, policy, design and/or strategy
• Working knowledge of planning laws, policies, and regulatory tools
• Experience preparing and managing planning projects, including: large-scale master plans, public entitlements, design guidelines and other planning studies, large scale international urban design and planning projects
• Experience leading community workshops and public presentations
• Experience successfully responding to public RFPs and winning projects
• Bachelor's degree in City/Regional Planning, Urban Design, Architecture or other closely related field
• Excellent written, verbal and graphic communication skills
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills are critical
• Comfort in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
• Candidates should be self-starters, collaborative, and eager to supervise, train and mentor teammates
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign)
• Basic skills in AutoCAD and/or Revit
• Basic skills in Sketch-Up, Rhino and/or other 3D and multi-media technologies
• AIA (Registered Architect, RA) and/or AICP certified preferred
• Leadership in urban planning professional organizations preferred
• Proficiency in GIS and Mapping tools preferred
• Real estate development experience and/or education preferred

TO BE CONSIDERED, PLEASE SUBMIT A CURRENT PORTFOLIO AND/OR WORK SAMPLES IN PDF FORMAT

This position is in-person. Successful candidates will be located in the Austin, Texas area. If you're open to relocating to the area, please apply! Non-local candidates are welcome. U.S. News & World Report's 2025-2026 study ranks Austin in the top 10 Best Big Cities to Live in the U.S.!

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to "Well-being Week," our offices reflect our people's diverse interests.

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.

As part of the firm's commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer of choice. All aspects of employment decisions will be based on merit, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state and local law.

Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with federal, state and local law.

See also Know your rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal, right to work and E-verify program, as required by law.

Gensler endeavors to make gensler.com/careers accessible to all applicants. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us.

Regarding Gensler's approach to recruiting new talent, we will never ask an applicant for sensitive or personal financial information during the recruitment process. We advise all applicants seeking employment with Gensler to review available information on recruitment fraud. Anyone who suspects that they have been contacted by someone falsely representing Gensler should email talentacquisition@gensler.com.