BBB is seeking an experienced Urban Designer with a technology focus to join our New York Office. We are looking for candidates with subject-area expertise in urban design, campus planning, mixed-use developments, and master plans supported by expertise in data-integrated planning and visualization. This role is intended to bridge urban planning expertise with advanced spatial and data-driven technologies, supporting the development of a scalable, GIS-centered planning ecosystem for the studio.
Urban design and planning are central to BBB's mission and are significant components of our multi-disciplinary practice. We collaborate with clients and communities across the US and internationally to envision the future of neighborhoods, campuses, and cities and to plan new developments. Our projects include urban master plans, downtown vision plans, waterfront revitalization, and campus master plans. We work with a diverse range of public, private, and institutional clients.
Our approach focuses on integrating large-scale planning with aspects such as the public realm and open space, resilience and sustainability, adaptive reuse, new construction, space utilization and programming, mobility innovation, affordable housing, and various building typologies. Meaningful and inclusive community engagement is a key aspect of our work. BBB's urban design studio fosters a highly collaborative team environment, and joining our team offers opportunities for growth within both the studio and the firm.
Core Responsibilities:
- Work with the Partner, Principal, BBB Design Technology team, and others, to develop, implement, and maintain data-integrated planning – including GIS-centered data models, Rhino-to-GIS integration, interactive dashboard platforms, and visualization tools for both studio-wide use and individual projects.
- Collaborate on the creation of building-scale, site-scale, and large-scale master plan concepts and urban and campus framework plans within the BBB Planning & Urban Design studio
- Provide software technology and development expertise on BBB Planning & Urban Design studio projects – including applications such as geospatial data analysis & GIS integration, building and campus space use and utilization, scenario modeling, and interactive public engagement.
- Lead, with support from the BBB Design Technology Team and Urban Design Leadership, the development and application of data-driven planning tools – including geospatial analysis, GIS integration, building and campus space utilization, scenario-based evaluation, and interactive dashboards – ensuring consistency, traceability, and interoperability across platforms.
- Coordinate with related disciplines, internal and/or external to BBB, including design technology, historic preservation, architecture, landscape architecture, civil engineering, transportation, real estate economics, and others.
- Conduct research and analysis that informs design and planning strategies and approaches informed by technical, architectural, zoning, building code, and other requirements.
- Structure, manage, and analyze spatial and planning datasets that inform design and planning strategies, ensuring data integrity and reusability across multiple scales (campus, district, building, department),
- Collaborate on the creation of community and stakeholder engagement materials and participate in engagement events, meetings, town halls, open houses, etc.
- Participate in the preparation of both illustrative and technical drawings, including site plans, sections, 3D visualizations, renderings, hand sketches, conceptual diagrams, and others.
- Apply current and future-forward best practices for design technology tools.
- Support the creation of presentations, written narratives, final deliverables, and other materials for project communication with the client, consultants, and stakeholders.
- Build and maintain interactive client-facing dashboards and model viewers that integrate spatial, quantitative, and visual data in a clear and user-friendly manner.
- Develop reusable scenario-based planning frameworks that support the evaluation and comparison of alternative planning strategies, including associated metrics and visualization outputs.
- Assist in crafting and preparing new materials related to technology capabilities for business development and marketing purposes.
- Support internal team adoption of planning technology tools through documentation, training, and workflow development.
Required Skills, Knowledge, and Experience:
- Professional degree in Architecture, with additional degree or professional experience in Urban Design. Candidates with degrees in Urban Planning or Landscape Architecture will be considered, provided that work samples demonstrate strong design and drawing experience at the conceptual and schematic level.
- 3-7+ years of professional experience, including experience in urban design, campus planning, mixed-use development, architecture, and master planning, with demonstrated experience integrating spatial data and technology into planning workflows
- Advanced proficiency in Rhino and Grasshopper, including the ability to manage structured geometry and link design models to quantitative data. Proficiency in Revit is preferred but not required.
- Strong working knowledge of ArcGIS/ESRI tools, including spatial data management, geodatabases, feature services, and analytical mapping.
- Demonstrated understanding of scenario-based planning and alternatives analysis, including development of comparative metrics (e.g., density, FAR, GSF, capacity, land use mix)
- Proficiency with Power BI or comparable dashboard platforms, as well as Excel, including experience building interactive client-facing dashboards.
- Experience with data interoperability tools or scripting (e.g., Python, APIs, Speckle, Rhino, or similar platforms) preferred
- Proficiency with Adobe CS. Strong visualization skills in 2D and 3D, with the ability to maintain graphic clarity while integrating data-driven content
- Demonstrated ability to work precisely and efficiently, even at the conceptual level.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and teamwork skills.
- Excellent organizational and file management skills
Compensation
BBB offers fair and equitable pay. A reasonable estimate of the base salary range for this role is $70,000-$95,000, with variations based on experience, education, achievements, and business needs. Employees may also receive an annual performance-based bonus and salary increase.
Benefits
BBB is committed to supporting your well-being, professional development, and work-life balance. Benefits include:
-
Health: Medical, dental, and vision coverage (with a no premium option)
-
Financial: 401(k) plan (pre-tax/ and or Roth), pre-tax healthcare and dependent care savings plans, commuter transit/parking programs, and life/disability insurance.
-
Paid Time: PTO, holidays, and paid volunteer opportunities.
-
Professional Development: Subsidies for ARE exam fees, AIA membership dues, and other professional expenses.
-
Wellness: Fitness Discounts, mental health support, and wellness programs.
-
Culture: Mentorship programs and employee resource groups.
Recruitment Process
Our hiring process includes an initial application review, followed by one or more interviews with members of the hiring team. Final selections are based on job-related qualifications, alignment with the posted requirements, and business needs. Candidates will receive updates as they move through the process.
As an equal-opportunity employer, BBB is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone is valued and respected.
In line with our commitment to providing equal opportunities to all candidates, we want to ensure that the interview process is accessible to everyone. If you require any accommodations to facilitate your participation in the interview, please email [email protected] to discuss any support you may need. Your request will be handled with the utmost confidentiality and respect. We appreciate your interest in pursuing a career with Beyer Blinder Belle.
