Listing Summary

Urban Planner III, Public Space Studio

Posting:  Open Until filled

Salary:  Commensurate with experience

The Urban Designer III is a senior-level designer responsible for leading the design and production of urban design projects that ultimately create an exceptional public realm for the city within the context of and support of the Department of City Planning’s small area, corridor, and city-wide planning efforts. 

This work is done in close collaboration with the Office of Design’s other functional units – the Planning Studio and the Historic Preservation Studio – as well as other offices of the Department of City Planning, other City agencies, community members, regional agencies, and private sector partners. 

This would be accomplished with very general supervision from the Public Space Studio Assistant Director. 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

General Description & Classification Standards

The City of Atlanta Department of City Planning (DCP) is committed to implementing Atlanta City Design and transforming Atlanta into the best possible version of itself. Adopted into the Atlanta City Charter in December 2017, Atlanta City Design articulates an aspiration for the future city that Atlantans can fall in love with, knowing that if people love their city, they will make better decisions about it.

The Office of Design of the Department of City Planning provides leadership for the physical design of the city. It accomplishes this through designing physical plans for the logical organization of our future city, creating vibrant public spaces that cultivate public life, and architectural guidance, including the preservation of high-quality buildings that contribute to a cohesive public realm. This work is framed by Atlanta City Design and driven by the desire to design a city for everyone in the most inclusive way possible.

The Public Space Studio of the Office of Design provides leadership in the design of our city.  The goal is to create an exceptional public realm and, ultimately, a city that all Atlantans can be proud of. The studio accomplishes this through project-specific design leadership, collaboration, educational programming, and inclusive community engagement. 

Duties for this position include but are not limited to engaging communities on project opportunities, guiding community project teams through awarded projects, and collaborating with design and planning professionals from DCP during project design phases. 

As a senior staff member within the Public Space Studio, the Urban Designer III must have a broad knowledge of urban planning and design concepts and understand the critical nexus between urban planning, project conceptualization, and implementation.   The successful candidate must creatively and practically consider context sensitivity to effectively implement projects that respond to Atlanta’s rapidly growing and diversifying population. In addition, the Urban Designer III supports the Assistant Director and provides guidance to staff and consultant teams as needed. 

This is an experienced professional level capable of carrying out most assignments typical of the profession with limited guidance or review. This position may sometimes include supervising the work of less experienced planners or designers and must be capable and willing to mentor in this capacity. This level would be considered a promotional level attainable by any incumbents in a work group who demonstrate the necessary knowledge, ability, and performance.

Supervision Received

Direction received is very general, focuses on end results, and is typically collaborative in nature. Candidate should be extremely self-motivated and willing to take initiative.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities                          

These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties shall be performed as assigned.

• Champion the need to create exceptional public spaces and experiences in our city using Atlanta City Design as the basis for the projects undertaken.

• Work with a team of planners, designers, and other professionals to lead the design of public space projects, in-house and with outside consultant teams.

• Assist in developing new processes and methodologies by which the Office of Design and the Public Space Studio undertake, design, manage, and implement project work.

• Collaborate closely with team members in other offices of the Department of City Planning and other departments within the city to ensure the projects we undertake to advance the City’s plans and priorities have a pathway toward long-term, permanent implementation.

• Engage communities and neighborhoods in the design process in a meaningful way that productively informs design decisions, including presentations, workshops, design charrettes, etc. 

• Define, analyze, and illustrate project issues and opportunities.

• Collect relevant data, research case studies, and survey best practices and organize this information in a clear, concise format.

• Investigate, evaluate, and recommend innovative design and technical solutions that best meet project needs.

• Develop planning and design concepts, technical solutions, graphics, and reports for projects, including final project deliverables (reports, presentations, exhibits, etc.).

• Collaborate with the design team (and others from DCP) to develop and lead public programs and engagement activities hosted by the Office of Design.

• Promote the Office of Design and Atlanta City Studio space, team, and skillsets as a resource to other DCP offices and other City Departments.

 These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  May perform other duties as assigned. 

Decision Making

Selects from multiple procedures and methods to accomplish tasks. Understands resources available and uses resources wisely.

Leadership Provided

Provides guidance and training as required to less experienced designers, interns, temporary employees, etc.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

This is a partial listing of the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully. It is not an exhaustive list.

• Comprehensive understanding of urban design (building, street, and public space types and relationships)
• Demonstrated creative ability, including urban, architectural, landscape architectural or graphic design.
• Strong sense of graphic design in layout, color palette, organization, and communication of design ideas
• Strong ability to communicate verbally, in writing, and through drawings.
• Community engagement and collaboration capabilities
• Knowledge of design and communication software (Adobe Suite, AutoCAD, ESRI ArcGIS, Microsoft Office, Sketchup, etc.)

Minimum Qualifications for Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, city and regional planning, environmental design, or related field. Five (5) years of related experience is required.

Preferred Qualifications for Education & Experience

Master’s degree in urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, city and regional planning, environmental design, or related field and three to five (5-7) years of experience in private sector or municipal urban design preferred. 

Equivalent professional experience may be considered for substitution for the required degree on an exception basis.

Licensures & Certifications

Position would be expected to hold, or currently be in pursuit of, licensure or professional certifications appropriate to the position.

Required: Valid Georgia driver’s license

Preferred: American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), American Institute of Architects (AIA), American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP)