Urban Designer II

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

The Urban Designer II independently contributes to the planning and design of site, district, and community-scale projects through advanced analysis, design development, visualization, and technical problem-solving. This role develops planning and design recommendations, prepares high-quality technical and graphic deliverables, and contributes to project work with increasing independence. The Urban Designer II collaborates closely with project managers, clients, and multidisciplinary teams while continuing to strengthen technical expertise, design judgement, and professional skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop design concepts, iterative alternatives, and planning recommendations for master plans, streetscapes, development frameworks, and public realm projects with moderate independence.
• Conduct advanced urban design, planning and development analysis, such as development capacity studies, mobility assessments, land-use evaluations, urban form analysis, and demographic research.
• Synthesize technical findings and research into planning and design recommendations that support project objectives and client goals.
• Prepare and contribute to high-quality diagrams, renderings, maps, visualizations, presentations, and technical reports that effectively communicate planning and design concepts.
• Prepare 2D and 3D models massing studies, site layouts, and urban design scenarios to evaluate alternative approaches and design outcomes.
• Contributing written and graphic content to planning reports, design guidelines, regulatory frameworks, and project presentations.
• Present project analyses, design concepts, and recommendations during internal and client meetings, stakeholder workshops, and public engagement activities.
• Assist with community engagement activities through the creation of visual materials, workshop content, and presentation graphics.
• Review applicable zoning, land development regulations, design standards, and planning policies, incorporating them into design solutions and project recommendations.
• Help maintain project schedules and deliverables, coordinating with project managers to ensure timely and accurate production of materials.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary coordination, working with engineering, architecture, landscape, and planning teams to align design components.
• Incorporate feedback from senior designers and project managers and review work product for technical accuracy, graphic quality, and consistency with project objectives prior to submissions.
• Mentor Urban Designer I staff, providing guidance on graphics, software techniques, and design best practices.
• Contribute to project technical problem-solving efforts by evaluating alternatives, identifying opportunities and constraints, and exercising professional judgment in the development of design solutions.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning, or related field.
• 3-5 years of professional experience in urban design, planning, architecture, landscape architecture, or equivalent
• Demonstrated experience contributing to urban design, planning, or development projects from concept through implementation.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating advanced design thinking, analytical capabilities, graphic communication, and technical problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, ArcGIS, Revit, Rhino, Lumion or comparable design and visualization software.
• Strong understanding and experience in preparing planning studies, urban design analyses, master plans, development frameworks, design guidelines, or regulatory documents.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work within complex project workflows.
• Knowledge of zoning regulations, development processes, TOD principles, spatial analysis, and public realm design.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines effectively.
• Ability to independently develop design solutions and planning recommendations based on technical analysis and project objectives.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or related field.
• Experience presenting work to clients, stakeholders, public agencies, or community groups.
• Working knowledge of zoning codes, land development regulations, form-based codes, development review processes, and entitlement procedures.
• Professional certifications or progress toward professional licensure (AICP, AIA, ASLA, LEED AP, CNU-A, etc.).

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 believe flexible, hybrid work supports the balance and well-being our team deserves
• 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
• 401k Retirement Plan with employer match
• Paid Holidays & Competitive PTO plans

Interested in learning more about Stratus, please visit

Equal Opportunity Statement

Stratus is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Stratus Team’s management Team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.