Senior Planner/Urban Designer

Senior Planner/Urban Designer

Location: DC (metro area)

Firm: Torti Gallas Partners

Salary: $90,000 – $100,000

Position Overview

We’re looking for a Senior Planner/Urban Designer (8–10 years’ experience) to join our Retail Placemaking team in Washington, DC. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with developer clients on dynamic, mixed-use environments and thoughtfully designed communities that shape how people live, work, and connect

You’ll lead and contribute to master planning and site planning efforts across projects of varying scales—from neighborhood developments to large, destination-driven environments. Ideal candidates bring a background in Architecture, Urban Design, or Landscape Architecture, along with hands-on experience in Traditional Neighborhood Design and mixed-use placemaking.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to master planning and site planning efforts across a range of project scales, from neighborhood developments to large mixed-use destinations.
• Collaborate with internal teams and clients to develop innovative, market-responsive design solutions.
• Participate in and help lead multi-day design charrettes, translating ideas into clear visual and planning concepts.
• Prepare high-quality graphics, presentations, and planning documents for client meetings and stakeholder engagement.
• Apply principles of urban design, placemaking, and traditional neighborhood development to create cohesive, functional environments.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams including architects, landscape architects, and engineers.
• Support project management efforts, including timelines, deliverables, and client communication.

Qualifications & Skills

• Demonstrated passion for master planning, urban design, and placemaking.
• Previous work at a design firm (required)
• Strong design sensibility with the ability to thrive in fast-paced, collaborative charrette environments.
• Excellent freehand sketching and visual communication skills.
• Solid understanding of urban form, building typologies, and place-making principles.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator).
• Working knowledge of SketchUp and AutoCAD.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce accurate, high-quality work.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across teams.
• Familiarity with Revit and ArcGIS is a plus.

 Previous Experience

·        Town center planning, neighborhood planning, mixed use master planning, project planning.

**not interested in public planning or infrastructure planning.

 Education

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, or a related field. Urban Design school preferred.
• 8–10 years of relevant professional experience in master planning and urban design.
• Experience working on mixed-use developments, retail environments, and Traditional Neighborhood Design (TND) communities preferred.
• Ability to travel for multi-day charrettes as needed.

Work Environment

·        This is a full-time, in-office position with opportunities to participate in multi-day, collaborative design charrette.

Compensation and Professional Growth

• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and retirement plans.
• Collaborative, design‑focused studio environment.
• Mentorship and career development opportunities.
• Exposure to diverse project types and phases.
• Opportunities for cross‑office collaboration within a nationally respected design practice.

At Torti Gallas Partners, we design places that strengthen communities and elevate everyday life — combining design excellence with a commitment to technical precision and service.

To apply: Please submit your resume and portfolio through the AIA Career Center or email TGP Human Resources Department at HR@TortiGallas.com.

https://www.tortigallas.com/

Tort Gallas Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive workplace for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.