Senior Designer/ Planner

Job Description

Job Description

About Stratus

Stratus® is an integrated, multi-disciplinary engineering, architecture, interior design, and consulting firm. Consistently ranking among the Top 500 Design Firms in Engineering News-Record, the firm offers a deep bench of industry experts through a highly collaborative approach, delivering innovative solutions across the full project lifecycle. Operating coast to coast, Stratus® serves clients nationwide while maintaining a strategic commitment to supporting high-growth economies and building vibrant communities that foster the professional growth of its team. Serving public- and private-sector clients, the firm is dedicated to delivering the highest-quality service wherever projects take shape. Across the Civic, Commercial, Industrial, Transportation, Education, Water Resources, and Government sectors, we bring precision, insight, and purpose to every project, from targeted renovations to large-scale infrastructure. Stratus® designs spaces, systems, and solutions that perform, endure, and make an impact, delivering on our promise of Better Plans. Better Places.

The Role

We are seeking an innovative Senior Planner/ Designer to lead the Orlando design studio. This is a senior leadership role for a bold, strategic thinker who thrives at the intersection of creativity, innovation, and execution, leading design teams from early visioning through design development and beyond. This individual brings together conceptual strength, technical expertise, and strategic leadership to deliver innovative, contextually responsive, and buildable design solutions across diverse project types.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Department Head in overseeing department operations, including staffing, resource allocation, and project execution, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Lead project teams in the design and development of architectural projects, ensuring compliance with building codes, regulations, and sustainability standards.
• Serve as a key point of contact for clients on major projects, ensuring that client expectations are met through effective communication and work closely with project managers and production teams
• Support business development efforts by preparing proposals, meeting with potential clients, and contributing to the development of marketing materials.
• Participate in strategic planning for the department, contributing to decisions about project prioritization, staffing needs, and department goals.
• Assist in establishing and driving the firm’s overall design vision and strategy.
• Leverage visualization tools and generative AI design processes to expand creative exploration.
• Apply a strong understanding of architectural design principles, building systems, and construction methods to project work.
• Lead early-phase concept development, including programming and master planning efforts.
• Provide design leadership and guide project teams through complex assignments.
• Communicate complex design concepts clearly to clients and internal teams.
• Develop architectural concepts through diagrams, models, and visualizations in both 2D and 3D formats.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture.
• 10+ years of experience in architectural design
• A portfolio or website link with examples of your design projects must be included with your application for consideration. Strong portfolio showcasing Design ability and successful design projects
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and various visualization tools and rendering programs
• Demonstrated fluency in conceptualizing, programming, presenting to clients, leading workshops, and mentoring emerging designers.

Preferred

• Proficiency in K-12 and higher education projects, with civic/public sector experience.
• Architectural License

Why you’ll love Stratus

• A team-oriented environment that values transparency, creativity, and shared success
• Meaningful career paths, leadership opportunities, and space to specialize
• Learning & Development – Education and Professional Licensing
• We support hybrid work and balance because your well-being matters
• Excellent Health Care Programs – Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company-paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Life Insurance options for employees, spouses, and dependents