Job Description

The Urban Design and Planning Associate I will lead and collaborate on a variety of urban design and planning projects in the Chicago office from initial diagnosis through final deliverables, while advancing their skills to become an expert in the urban design field. This position is for someone with urban design and planning experience who is eager to help refine and raise Opticos’ level of impact in housing, transportation, zoning, and placemaking.

When assigned as a project manager, the Associate I is responsible for directing the project and for the overall design and development of the project deliverables, design and documentation sets, creative urban design strategies, and presentations. In addition, they are responsible for day-to-day project management, including developing and adhering to the project schedule and budget, communication with the client and subconsultants, and project document management. They work with and direct other team members and call in Associates and Principals when appropriate or necessary.

Urban Design and Planning Responsibilities

• Lead and manage small to mid-size Urban Design projects and contribute to large projects with design production, including Master Plans, Comprehensive Plans, Specific Plans, Form-Based Codes, and Community Engagement
• Learn, then develop and advance best practices of urban design and planning documents using and improving Opticos’ templates and meeting Opticos’ quality standards
• Assist team associates with report writing, analyses and research, and presentation creation
• Provide outstanding service and responsiveness to clients
• Lead Quality Assurance / Quality Control for urban design and planning projects

Project Management

• Plan, organize, direct, and control small- to mid-scale projects, from initial proposal, scope, schedule and budget development through project delivery, to provide well-designed, high-quality, timely, and profitable results
• Establish and maintain good relationships and communication with the full project team, including clients and subconsultants
• Manage internal staff and allocate project tasks
• Provide mentorship, support and direction to diverse staff, promoting a culture of teamwork
• Work with Finance & Risk Manager to bill clients and manage subconsultant contracts, if any
• Help lead research and development projects
• Maintain accurate timesheets with daily record of time spent by project
• Assist team Associates with business development nurturing and marketing initiatives

Qualifications and Experience

• Professional-level degree in Urban Design, Planning, or Architecture and 6+ years’ related experience in community design, building types, and public spaces
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency of Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, SketchUp, GIS, AutoCAD/Vectorworks, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and hand drawing
• Strong urban design and planning skills, including a history of creative approaches and graphic design abilities
• 2-3 years of experience in writing zoning ordinances or form-based codes
• Understanding of building systems, building codes, local codes, policies, and development standards
• Solid problem solving, design, and time management skills. Able to interpret and apply complex policies and procedures in a timely fashion
• Demonstrated experience in high-level document writing, editing, and visualization
• Solid interpersonal, written, verbal, and graphic communication skills; articulate and professional, yet service-oriented and approachable
• Proven skills in outreach, facilitation, and community engagement
• Self-motivated with stellar work ethic and a demonstrated penchant for ownership and leadership getting the job done

Benefits and Perks

• Environmentally and socially conscious organization
• Engaging and supportive staff culture
• Convenient location in Kinzie corridor close to public transportation
• Full benefits and paid company holidays
• Hybrid remote/in-office

Requirement

Must be located within reasonable commuting distance to the Chicago office space in Kinzie Corridor

How to Apply

Please send a letter of interest, resume, and portfolio to [email protected].

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