Planner/Urban Designer

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

Torti Gallas + Partners is seeking a Planner/Urban Designer with 5-7 years of experience to join the Retail Placemaking team in Washington, DC. This role will work closely with developer clients on dynamic mixed-use environments and thoughtfully designed communities that shape how people live, work, and connect.

The ideal candidate is both a master planner and project planner with strong experience in town center planning, neighborhood planning, and mixed-use development. Experience working with a design firm is required, along with the ability to lead and contribute to planning efforts across a range of project types and scales.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to master planning and project planning efforts across a range of project scales, from neighborhood developments to large mixed-use and town center destinations.
• Assist with planning and urban design concepts for neighborhood planning, town center planning, and mixed-use environments.
• Collaborate with internal teams and clients to develop innovative, market-responsive design solutions.
• Participate in 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, engineers, and other design professionals.
• Support project management efforts, including timelines, deliverables, and client communication.

Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated strength in master planning, project planning, urban design, and placemaking.
• Experience with town center planning, neighborhood planning, and mixed-use development is required.
• Experience working with a design firm is preferred.
• Strong design sensibility with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative charrette environment.
• Excellent freehand sketching and visual communication skills.
• Solid understanding of urban form, building typologies, and placemaking principles.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.
• Working knowledge of SketchUp and AutoCAD.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and 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.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's in architecture, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Planning, or a related field.
• 5-7 years of relevant professional experience in master planning, project planning, and urban design.
• Experience working on mixed-use developments, retail environments, and Traditional Neighborhood Design communities is strongly preferred.

Work Environment

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

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, the work centers on designing places that strengthen communities and elevate everyday life while combining design excellence with technical precision and service.