What are the responsibilities and job description for the Opticos Design, Inc. | Urban Design and Planning Associate I position at Opticos Design, Inc.?
The Urban Design and Planning Associate I will lead and collaborate on a variety of urban design and planning projects in the Chicago office from initial diagnosis through final deliverables, while advancing their skills to become an expert in the urban design field. This position is for someone with urban design and planning experience who is eager to help refine and raise Opticos’ level of impact in housing, transportation, zoning, and placemaking.
When assigned as a project manager, the Associate I is responsible for directing the project and for the overall design and development of the project deliverables, design and documentation sets, creative urban design strategies, and presentations. In addition, they are responsible for day-to-day project management, including developing and adhering to the project schedule and budget, communication with the client and subconsultants, and project document management. They work with and direct other team members and call in Associates and Principals when appropriate or necessary.
Urban Design and Planning ResponsibilitiesLead and manage small to mid-size Urban Design projects and contribute to large projects with design production, including Master Plans, Comprehensive Plans, Specific Plans, Form-Based Codes, and Community EngagementLearn, then develop and advance best practices of urban design and planning documents using and improving Opticos’ templates and meeting Opticos’ quality standardsAssist team associates with report writing, analyses and research, and presentation creationProvide outstanding service and responsiveness to clientsLead Quality Assurance / Quality Control for urban design and planning projects
Project ManagementPlan, organize, direct, and control small- to mid-scale projects, from initial proposal, scope, schedule and budget development through project delivery, to provide well-designed, high-quality, timely, and profitable resultsEstablish and maintain good relationships and communication with the full project team, including clients and subconsultantsManage internal staff and allocate project tasksProvide mentorship, support and direction to diverse staff, promoting a culture of teamworkWork with Finance & Risk Manager to bill clients and manage subconsultant contracts, if anyHelp lead research and development projectsMaintain accurate timesheets with daily record of time spent by projectAssist team Associates with business development nurturing and marketing initiatives
Qualifications and ExperienceProfessional-level degree in Urban Design, Planning, or Architecture and 6 years’ related experience in community design, building types, and public spacesIntermediate to advanced proficiency of Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, SketchUp, GIS, AutoCAD / Vectorworks, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and hand drawingStrong urban design and planning skills, including a history of creative approaches and graphic design abilities2-3 years of experience in writing zoning ordinances or form-based codesUnderstanding of building systems, building codes, local codes, policies, and development standardsSolid problem solving, design, and time management skills. Able to interpret and apply complex policies and procedures in a timely fashionDemonstrated experience in high-level document writing, editing, and visualizationSolid interpersonal, written, verbal, and graphic communication skills; articulate and professional, yet service-oriented and approachableProven skills in outreach, facilitation, and community engagementSelf-motivated with stellar work ethic and a demonstrated penchant for ownership and leadership getting the job done
Benefits and PerksEnvironmentally and socially conscious organizationEngaging and supportive staff cultureConvenient location in Kinzie corridor close to public transportationFull benefits and paid company holidaysHybrid remote / in-office
RequirementMust be located within reasonable commuting distance to the Chicago office space in Kinzie Corridor
How to Apply