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DOES THIS DESCRIBE YOU?

Our Urban Design + Planning Studio is seeking a senior-level Urban Designer to join our team. Our ideal candidate has experience working on planning and urban design projects throughout the State of California, with experience in visioning, master plans, streetscape, community plans, specific plans, zoning and form-based codes, design standards, feasibility studies, and community engagement. We are looking for someone with a collaborative attitude, the ability to go beyond convention and develop creative and elegant solutions, and an interest in being part of a fast-paced design studio.

Candidates must have a minimum of 10-15 years post-degree working experience—including managing projects and leading design direction. Based on current project needs, desired professional experience includes leading massing and feasibility studies; preparing specific plans, master plans, and design standards; navigating zoning and development codes; facilitating client meetings; and pursuing new projects. Fluency in AutoCAD, Rhino (or similar 3D modeling/ rendering tools), Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and Excel is required. 

Here’s what you would do:

• Lead design development and visioning in coordination with clients and design director, including project management, and preparation of design and planning studies, site analysis, site plans, feasibility studies, and design concepts and strategies.
• Develop 2D and 3D plans and graphics, massing and building prototype studies, site studies, site plans, and concept diagrams.
• Develop 3D renderings and before/after simulations.
• Lead existing conditions analysis, scale comparisons and precedent studies, zoning code and general plan analysis, as well as the preparation of master plans, specific plans, and other regulations guiding urban form.
• Prepare graphically rich reports, presentations, presentation boards, and design/planning documents using InDesign and PowerPoint. 
• Support inclusive community engagement and outreach activities, workshops, and meetings for both in-person and virtual outreach.
• Support business development activities, including proposal and interview preparation.

• A minimum of 10-15 years of consulting experience in urban design and planning, with advanced knowledge of the profession as practiced in the State of California, including planning for urban housing and mixed-use infill, transit-oriented development, and complete streets implementation.
• An advanced degree in urban design or planning (MAUD, MLAUD, MUP) and an undergraduate degree in architecture or landscape architecture (BArch, B LArch) or a similar combination. 
• Experience managing complex urban design and planning projects, including managing sub-consultant teams, supervising design work by junior staff, providing design feedback and technical guidance, and supporting or leading proposal and business development activities.
• Experience successfully facilitating and analyzing client and community feedback and incorporating it into design concepts and strategies.
• Excellent presentation skills, including strong design and graphic communication skills, as well as the ability to present design concepts to the client, community, and others through compelling presentations and storytelling.
• Advanced graphic, drawing, and 3D modeling/rendering abilities, with demonstrated proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino (or similar 3D modeling/ rendering tools), Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign), PowerPoint, and Excel are required. Advanced knowledge of Lumion or other rendering platforms is preferred

About Ascent Environmental

Ascent Environmental is a dynamic environmental, natural resource, urban design, and planning consultancy headquartered in Sacramento, California. With offices in Lake Tahoe, Berkeley, Irvine, and San Diego, we work throughout California and the Western United States. Our clients most often seek our assistance with their high-priority projects, particularly when faced with unusual compliance situations, complicated project issues, or first-of-its-kind undertakings where no precedent exists. We are always aspiring to exceed client expectations, enhance our expertise, and offer more value

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