Associate Urban Designer

at  DEPARTMENT OF CITY PLANNING

JOB DESCRIPTION

THIS IS A TEMPORARY FUNDED POSITION UNTIL DECEMBER 31st, 2025.

THE DIVISION:

In New York City, good urban design principles are an essential component in the creation of the City’s zoning regulations as well as the review process for new developments seeking city approvals. The urban designers at the Department of City Planning (DCP) offer guidance and incorporate urban design best practices in all aspects of planning, to ensure that every new building, street and public space positively contributes to their surrounding communities.
The Urban Design Office draws from expertise in architecture, landscape architecture and urban design across a range of projects in a variety of capacities. Within a dynamic work environment, the UD Office leads the development of city planning policy to support excellence in urban design through citywide initiatives and neighborhood studies, design guidance, development of design tools and resources, built environment research and civic engagement. The UD Office provides urban design expertise to the agency, the City Planning Commission (CPC), elected officials, community boards, other city agencies and the public-at-large. Visit our webpage at www.nyc.gov/urbandesign to learn more about our work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. A baccalaureate degree in architecture from an accredited college or university and two (2) years of full-time experience in planning, design, research, investigations and/or studies related to urban design development programs; or
2. A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience which is equivalent to “"1"” above. However, a baccalaureate degree in architecture is required of all candidates. Graduate work
   leading to an advanced degree in architecture, urban design or city planning maybe substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Strong urban design capabilities with knowledge of physical design practices including site planning and programming, building layout, massing and architectural design. Knowledge of urban landscape, environmental design and infrastructure planning and design. - Strong research and analytical skills. - Competence in free-hand sketches. - Excellent visual and verbal communication skills - Self-motivated, organized and able to work effectively both individually and collaboratively. - Knowledge of New York City’s general urban planning and land use issues, policies and needs, as well as best practice examples from around the world. - Strong 3D modeling skills in Rhino, Grasshopper, AutoCAD - Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) - Positive but not required: - Spatial data management and analysis (ArcGIS, QGIS) - Motion graphics, video and animation (AfterEffects, Premiere, 3Ds Max, Blender) - Scripting/software development experience (Python, Javascript, HTML, CSS) Please provide a work sample of relevant projects (PDF, under 10mb)

The Urban Design Office is seeking an urban designer with a proven track record of professional achievement, strong visualization, design and communication skills to join their team. The ideal candidate will be a curious and enthusiastic learner, an artful problem-solver, a critical and engaged user of design technology, and possess a positive attitude toward interdisciplinary work and community service.

Under supervision, with latitude for independent judgment, the Associate Urban Designer will:

• Support zoning, land use and urban design studies, research data, analyze conditions, prepare technical and illustrative drawings, digital models and presentation materials, and reports for land use policy proposals;
• Prepare conceptual designs, develop design criteria and design guidelines for large-scale planning efforts, and coordinate with agency staff and other city agencies;
• Develop and maintain a working knowledge of the city’s urban design and planning trends through research and field experience;
• Review, analyze and make urban design related recommendations on applications and projects submitted to the Department subject to the City’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), the City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR) and other administrative procedures;
• Organize and prepare graphic and written materials, to inform the City Planning Commission, department staff, community boards, elected officials and public agencies;
• Represent the division or agency in dealings with other City agencies, developers, consultants and the general public;
• Conduct additional research when inquiries from the general public and/or other divisions require further investigation to respond effectively;
• Demonstrates knowledge of the agency’s policy, functions, and responsibilities, and overall Urban Design principles and practice;
• Identify opportunities for future collaborations and strategic partnerships with other divisions, agencies and institutions to further DCP’s reach and knowledge base;
• Provide guidance and mentoring to junior staff and interns, both within the UDO and in other divisions;
• Maintain a working knowledge of the NYC Zoning Resolution;
• Perform other related tasks and projects.