Senior Urban Designer IV

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Life At PE

Perkins Eastman is a global architectural design practice with expertise in all aspects of the built environment, working at all scales, and at every level of detail. With studios in 24 locations worldwide, we design for people, to leave a lasting and positive impact on the human experience and the world we inhabit. This is captured in our ethos “human by design”. We believe design is a collaborative art and we are structured as an integrated practice of passionate professionals committed to delivering the best design for our clients. Our team of diverse and complementary talents work together in studios, drawing from relevant expertise and points of view from across the whole practice to analyze and solve specific design challenges. Within the firm we have 18 practice areas that focus as centers of knowledge and analysis, essential foundations and fuel for creative design work. Sustainability is intrinsic to our approach, adding valuable insights, ideas, and research to the process. For us all good design is sustainable.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Senior Urban Designer / Principal to join our Seattle studio. This leadership position offers the opportunity to shape major projects across the Pacific Northwest and beyond, integrating transit, mobility, and urban development to enhance human experience. The successful candidate will drive project excellence while taking a lead role in identifying new business opportunities, cultivating client and partner networks, and positioning the studio for strategic growth.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead Large-Scale Urban Projects: Direct and design large‑scale, multidisciplinary projects with a focus on transit‑oriented development, multimodal infrastructure, and integrated land use.
• Collaborative Design: Work across disciplines—architecture, infrastructure, mobility, and landscape—to generate forward‑looking solutions grounded in community needs and place‑based values.
• Strategic Growth & Pursuit Leadership: Drive business development across the Planning & Urban Design and Transportation & Infrastructure practices in the Northwest. Identify priority markets and emerging opportunities that align with the studio’s expertise. Lead or support pursuit strategies, build effective teaming arrangements, and develop competitive proposals. Cultivate relationships with public agencies, private clients, and industry partners to expand the studio’s impact and visibility in the region. Candidate should have an established network in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.
• Market & Strategy Development: Contribute to regional strategy for the Planning & Urban Design and Transportation & Infrastructure practices, in coordination with firmwide leadership.
• Studio & Practice Leadership: Help guide the Seattle studio’s urban design practice, mentor junior staff, and contribute to national thought leadership within the firm.
• Project Management: Lead teams through all phases of work, balancing quality, innovation, budgets, and deadlines while supporting accountability and clear communication.

Required Qualifications

• 15–20 years of experience in urban design, planning, architecture, or a related field with significant leadership roles in complex public‑sector projects.
• Master’s degree in Urban Design, Architecture, Planning, or related discipline. Business development experience, including identifying leads, structuring teams, and leading proposals and interviews.
• Large‑scale public project delivery experience, with a sophisticated understanding of the Puget Sound Region built environment planning, zoning, and real estate.
• Exceptional communication skills, possessing demonstrated skill in the execution and management of politically, technically or operationally complex projects.
• Exceptional skills in organization, graphic design, and written/verbal communication.
• Ability to work on multiple projects and manage project priorities.
• Experience managing teams; ability to provide clients with decision support and performance management advisory services.
• Experience in various contract arrangements and adept at leading or participating in collaborative efforts with multi‑disciplinary design teams.
• Able to multi‑task—including advancing internal project teams on design tasks, and tracking and reporting on project scopes.
• Proficient in utilizing a range of software programs to enhance project communications and manage change, including Adobe Suites, Bluebeam, Microsoft Office suites, ESRI, and others as needed.
• Passion for and fundamental understanding of sustainable design.
• CPHD, LEED and/or WELL accreditations, progress toward licensure (NCIDQ) are pluses.

What We Offer You

• Robust medical, dental and vision coverage
• 401k options
• Life insurance
• Pre‑tax commuter benefits
• Professional development
• Competitive salary

PE has a hybrid policy that allows flexibility for our employees in managing their working days and hours to cater to their diverse needs.

Compensation may vary based on the job level and your geographical work location.

Salary Range: $150k to $185k

Perkins Eastman is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and a participant in the U.S. Federal E‑Verify program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

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