Position Overview
Torti Gallas + Partners is seeking a Planner/Urban Designer with 5-7 years of experience to join the Retail Placemaking team in Washington, DC. This role will work closely with developer clients on dynamic mixed-use environments and thoughtfully designed communities that shape how people live, work, and connect.
The ideal candidate is both a master planner and project planner with strong experience in town center planning, neighborhood planning, and mixed-use development. Experience working with a design firm is required, along with the ability to lead and contribute to planning efforts across a range of project types and scales.
Key Responsibilities
Contribute to master planning and project planning efforts across a range of project scales, from neighborhood developments to large mixed-use and town center destinations. Assist with planning and urban design concepts for neighborhood planning, town center planning, and mixed-use environments. Collaborate with internal teams and clients to develop innovative, market-responsive design solutions. Participate in 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, engineers, and other design professionals. Support project management efforts, including timelines, deliverables, and client communication.Qualifications and Skills
Demonstrated strength in master planning, project planning, urban design, and placemaking. Experience with town center planning, neighborhood planning, and mixed-use development is required. Experience working with a design firm is preferred. Strong design sensibility with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative charrette environment. Excellent freehand sketching and visual communication skills. Solid understanding of urban form, building typologies, and placemaking principles. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. Working knowledge of SketchUp and AutoCAD. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and 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.Education and Experience
Bachelor's in architecture, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Planning, or a related field. 5-7 years of relevant professional experience in master planning, project planning, and urban design. Experience working on mixed-use developments, retail environments, and Traditional Neighborhood Design communities is strongly preferred.Work Environment
This is a full-time, in-office position with opportunities to participate in multi-day, collaborative design charrettes.Compensation and Professional Growth
Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and retirement plans. Collaborative, design-focused studio environment. Mentorship and career development opportunities. Exposure to diverse project types and phases. Opportunities for cross-office collaboration within a nationally respected design practice.At Torti Gallas + Partners, the work centers on designing places that strengthen communities and elevate everyday life while combining design excellence with technical precision and service.
Read LessPosition Summary
The Staff Designer supports the planning, design, and documentation of multifamily and mixed‑use projects, working closely with senior designers and project teams throughout all phases of design and construction. The Staff Designer emphasizes design development, technical proficiency, and professional growth within a principle‑based design culture. The Staff Designer is responsible for building strong foundational skills in planning, site design, building design, and construction documentation while developing the judgment and discipline required for long‑term career advancement.
Key Responsibilities
Design & Project Support
Support senior designers and project managers in the planning and design of multifamily and mixed‑use projects.Assist with site planning, building design, and architectural detailing across project phases.Contribute to schematic design, design development, and construction documents.Prepare drawings, diagrams, and presentation materials consistent with firm standards.Incorporate feedback from project leaders and consultants into design documents.Technical Production
Produce accurate drawings and models using Revit, AutoCAD, and SketchUp.Support BIM workflows and maintain organized project files.Assist with construction document coordination and quality control.Utilize Bluebeam for markups and document review.Apply basic knowledge of wood and concrete construction systems (preferred).Collaboration & Communication
Work collaboratively within project teams and across disciplines.Communicate clearly with senior staff regarding tasks, schedules, and priorities.Participate in internal design reviews and pin‑ups.Coordinate with consultants as directed by project leadership.Professional Development
Actively engage in learning firm standards, processes, and design principles.Develop technical, design, and organizational skills through project experience and mentorship.Demonstrate reliability, accountability, and a willingness to take initiative.Support the firm's culture of continuous improvement and staff development.Required Qualifications
Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture or a related field.2-4 years of professional experience in architecture, urban design, or related practice.Strong design sensibility and interest in multifamily and mixed‑use projects (highly preferred).Proficiency or working knowledge of Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, BIM 360 / Autodesk Construction Cloud and Bluebeam.Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.Ability to manage tasks, meet deadlines, and follow direction in a fast‑paced environment.Clear written and verbal communication skills.Preferred Attributes
Exposure to all project phases, including construction documentation.Familiarity with wood and concrete construction.Interest in long‑term career growth within an architecture and urban design firm.Ability to balance creativity with technical discipline.Enthusiasm for collaborative, principle‑based design culture.This is a hands‑on, production‑oriented role intended for an early‑career designer who is comfortable working in a collaborative studio environment, meeting deadlines, and contributing to high‑quality design outcomes.What We Offer
Competitive salary and benefits packageCollaborative, studio‑based work environmentMentorship and professional development opportunitiesExposure to a wide range of project types and project phasesOpportunities to work across multiple offices Read Less