Senior Architect/Urban Designer III - City of Boston

Under the direction of the Deputy Director for Design Review, the Senior Architect will lead the design review for development projects of all scales. The Senior Architect will be a critical member of project review teams, facilitating internal and interdepartmental conversations and communicating clear and actionable feedback, guided by City goals and policies, to project proponents. The Senior Architect will also serve as a mentor to other design review staff and play a key role in ensuring that proposed development projects advance the City’s design vision and planning goals.

In addition, the Senior Architect may prepare or guide urban design studies and provide urban design guidance to planning study teams.

Design Review:

• As the lead design reviewer, lead review of a wide range of large- and small-scale development projects, including signage and master plan developments, by analyzing project documents (plans, sections, elevations, etc.) and understanding the project context. Incorporate and apply urban design guidelines, planning goals, and applicable zoning regulations to evaluate a project.
• Provide timely and concise comments on urban design, infrastructure, daylight analysis, resilience, and environmental performance of a project.
• Lead conversations with the project proponent or their representative, and other City staff, including sustainability and resilience staff. Work collaboratively with colleagues from the other City departments to review projects, identifying key City priorities and building consensus with colleagues.
• Communicate design feedback in a professional and collaborative manner to external and internal stakeholders.
• Analyze and evaluate, through both writing and graphics, planning and design proposals, zoning initiatives, and design-related environmental impacts. Solicit and consider input from community and civic groups, abutters, and other interested parties, as appropriate.

Urban Design:

• Engage in all aspects of planning and urban design processes, including site and existing conditions analysis, conceptual ideas, and scenario development, guided by the City’s design vision and planning goals.
• Work across multiple scales and contexts, including urban districts and neighborhoods, research and innovation clusters, campuses, etc.
• Create, or direct the creation of, 2d and 3d analytical and conceptual drawings, graphics, digital and physical models, and other content that reflects City goals and community priorities.
• Mentor and direct staff in the development of urban design and planning concepts, guidelines, graphics, and other content.
• Initiate urban design concepts and visual graphics driven by the City’s design vision.
• Develop and write urban design guidelines, feasibility studies, and impact analyses for a range of scales, from individual parcels to citywide planning and zoning initiatives.
• Lead conversations with and/or collaborate with other City departments on design problems and planning projects regarding urban design and the City’s public realm.
• Manage internal staff and/or consultants for urban design projects, which may range from site studies to design guidelines to design standards to citywide planning.

General:

• Advise Planning senior staff of politically sensitive or controversial project-related issues requiring their input and/or approval.
• Represent the City of Boston at public meetings and meetings with other city, state and federal agencies as required for assigned design review and planning projects.
• Dispense public information about specific projects and overall design and planning initiatives to private citizens, civic or community groups, and other interested parties. This may include conducting tours, discussing and explaining models, and interpreting the use and application of guidelines and zoning.
• Participate in the development of Requests for Proposals (RFP) and the subsequent selection of engineering, planning, and/or design consultants.
• Prepare regular status reports of projects under review for supervisor and other senior staff.
• Perform other related duties as required.

• Requires a master’s degree in architecture, urban design, or a closely related field, plus seven (7) - ten (10) years of related professional experience. Candidates holding a bachelor’s degree in architecture, urban design, urban planning, landscape architecture, or a closely related field with a minimum of ten (10) years of experience are also encouraged to apply.
• Massachusetts Architecture License is strongly preferred.
• The work requires the ability to:
  • Carry out design reviews in a professional and collaborative manner.
  • Understand and discuss technical details and constraints of both buildings and public realm projects.
  • Solve complex urban design, planning, and zoning problems across a wide range of scales.
  • Effectively and clearly communicate with a range of stakeholders graphically and verbally.
  • Work on multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
  • Lead and/or collaborate as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Prior experience in conducting public design/development review is highly desirable. Prior experience designing complex architectural or urban design projects is also highly desirable.
• Supervisory or management skills are strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with design and office software, including AutoCAD, Rhino, SketchUp, PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite, Bluebeam, and/or equivalent programs, is desired. Familiarity with ArcGIS Pro or equivalent software is a plus.
• Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills. Communicates effectively and presents ideas clearly.
• Basic computer knowledge such as Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
• Must have the ability to exercise good judgment and be able to focus on details as required by the job.
• Demonstrated initiative and appropriate independent decision-making skills.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:
Union/Salary/Grade: EXM/($106,000 - $144,000)
Hours per week: 35