Senior Planner/Urban Designer

Position Overview

We’re looking for a Senior Planner/Urban Designer (8–10+ years’ experience) to join our Retail Placemaking team in Washington, DC. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with developer clients on dynamic, mixed-use environments and thoughtfully designed communities that shape how people live, work, and connect

You’ll lead and contribute to master planning and site planning efforts across projects of varying scales—from neighborhood developments to large, destination-driven environments. Ideal candidates bring a background in Architecture, Urban Design, or Landscape Architecture, along with hands-on experience in Traditional Neighborhood Design and mixed-use placemaking.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to master planning and site planning efforts across a range of project scales, from neighborhood developments to large mixed-use destinations.
• Collaborate with internal teams and clients to develop innovative, market-responsive design solutions.
• Participate in and help lead 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, and engineers.
• Support project management efforts, including timelines, deliverables, and client communication.

Qualifications & Skills

• Demonstrated passion for master planning, urban design, and placemaking.
• Strong design sensibility with the ability to thrive in fast-paced, collaborative charrette environments.
• Excellent freehand sketching and visual communication skills.
• Solid understanding of urban form, building typologies, and place-making principles.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator).
• Working knowledge of SketchUp and AutoCAD.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, 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.
• 8–10+ years of relevant professional experience in master planning and urban design.
• Experience working on mixed-use developments, retail environments, and Traditional Neighborhood Design (TND) communities preferred.

About Torti Gallas + Partners

About Torti Gallas + Partners Torti Gallas + Partners is an award winning national design firm specializing in planning, placemaking, urban design, and architecture for residential, retail, and mixed use developments. Our work is grounded in timeless design principles, community engagement, and disciplined execution, serving clients nationwide through inspired design and technical excellence. We are committed to developing talent, supporting professional growth, and fostering a collaborative, studio based environment where architects can build meaningful, lasting careers.

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