Full-Time

Urban Designer 4

ZGF Architects

ZGF Architects

501-1,000 employees

Architecture firm delivering context-driven buildings

Compensation Overview

$90.3k - $105.3k/yr

New York, NY, USA

Hybrid

Remote work within commuting distance is permitted on Fridays.

Bachelor's, Master's

Category
Architecture & Civil Engineering (1)
Required Skills
CAD
AutoCAD
Graphic Design

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Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Urban Planning, or a closely related degree, plus five years of progressive post-bachelor's experience in a listed design or planning role; or a master's degree in one of those fields plus three years of experience.
  • Three years of professional experience working in urban planning and design.
  • Three years of professional experience with Adobe Suite, Revit, Rhino, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and 3D Studio Max.
  • Three years of professional experience in planning and urban design and/or landscape architecture, including developing concepts into detailed design solutions, outlining master plan content, developing planning narratives, implementing plans, and coordinating with contributing disciplines.
  • Three years of professional experience exercising independent judgment in evaluating, selecting, and adapting standard techniques, procedures, and criteria and independently solving problems.
  • Three years of professional experience independently performing assignments with instruction concerning general results.
  • Two years of professional experience using design tools to manage the design, production, and documentation phases of a project.
  • Two years of professional experience supporting project teams through all phases of design and document production, identifying design-process efficiencies, and applying that knowledge toward project goals.
  • Two years of professional experience providing written, graphic, and drafting skills to communicate concepts and solutions to team members, clients, consultants, and contractors.
  • Two years of professional experience working with building, planning, and zoning codes as they relate to projects and their design.
  • Submission of a resume, cover letter, and portfolio containing at least two sets of photorealistic renderings of urban, district, or public-space projects, with at least four renderings total, plus technical urban design plan and section drawings for at least four different projects.
  • Employment is contingent upon passing a reference check and background check.
Responsibilities
  • Independently design and present urban and architectural drawings and plans.
  • Support project team leadership and independently determine procedures for all phases of design and document production.
  • Prepare or supervise the preparation of plans and renderings; consult with parties critical to project development; evaluate and select materials and products; and inspect project features in the field.
  • Independently develop design and technical design solutions for specific project areas and ensure design integrity through design development, construction document, and construction phases.
  • Independently develop complete master plan reports for smaller projects or larger projects under the supervision of a Senior Urban Designer or Department Head.
  • Present solutions internally and externally; serve as liaison with consultants and government agencies; and coordinate design intent and documents with consultants.
  • Determine the appropriate use of building and site systems, materials, and technologies; research alternative systems and materials; and develop project specifications.
  • Independently review completed reports, plans, estimates, and calculations.
  • Apply knowledge of building, planning, and zoning codes, design guidelines, and standards to project design.
  • Independently integrate building, site, district, and regional performance goals into design solutions and document performance metrics.
  • Coordinate cost estimating of design intent.
  • Review shop drawings and submittals for technical and design-intent compliance.
  • Ensure effective project performance relative to quality goals, production schedules, and production budgets; participate in developing scope, budgets, and schedules for small to moderate-scale projects; and assist on larger projects.
  • Supervise less experienced staff, provide design leadership to project teams and the office, and contribute to the professional development of project team members.
  • Develop computer and physical models.
  • Develop construction documents using computer-aided design software, including Revit.
  • Perform graphic design work for Architecture, Urban Design, and Interior Design, as well as marketing efforts, as needed.
  • Travel domestically up to 5% as required by project needs.

ZGF Architects designs buildings across North America with a focus on climate, context, and the human experience. Their design process starts with site specifics, community needs, and stewardship of the natural environment, using those details to shape spaces that bring people together. They differentiate themselves by prioritizing human-centered design, rigorous standards, and projects that honor local character and environment rather than pursuing a single signature style. Their goal is to create lasting places that serve communities well by thoughtfully marrying form, function, and place.

Company Size

501-1,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

null

Founded

N/A

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • PDX’s 2026 completion strengthens ZGF’s sustainability brand and procurement credibility.
  • The Hilltop chose ZGF in August 2026 for The Grotto concept design.
  • Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center opens November 13, 2026, extending visibility.

What critics are saying

  • ZGF depends on marquee civic clients; a single canceled megaproject hurts revenue quickly.
  • The Grotto remains concept design; financing or permitting delays push revenue past 2027.
  • If sustainable design pricing compresses, rivals like Gensler and HOK commoditize ZGF's edge.

What makes ZGF Architects unique

  • ZGF’s 2026 PDX terminal delivered a mass-timber civic landmark, not generic office towers.
  • ZGF pairs sustainability with cultural projects like The Grotto and California Science Center.
  • ZGF still wins complex public-work commissions across airports, museums, and hospitals nationwide.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

401(k) Company Match

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Parental Leave

Company News

EDM Maniac
Aug 10th, 2026
Gorge Amphitheatre founders announce plans for new venue overlooking Columbia River.

Gorge Amphitheatre founders announce plans for new venue overlooking Columbia River. The founders of Washington's Gorge Amphitheatre are working on building a new venue near the famous open-air concert venue. The Hilltop, the arts and entertainment nonprofit run by Gorge founders Vince and Carol Bryan, announced yesterday that they've selected ZGF Architects to design The Grotto at The Hilltop, a new indoor concert hall rising above the Columbia River Gorge. Drawing inspiration from the basalt cliffs and expansive skies of the region, The Grotto is designed to emerge from and connect to the landscape and aspires to be the most sustainable performance venue in the country, according to a press release. ZGF is hailed by the Hilltop as one of the nation's leading environmentally sustainable architecture firms, with a portfolio that includes the California Science Center's Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, Google's Spruce Goose office, and the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego, among other projects. "We want the environment to be the structure for the architect to work with - not impose a structure on it, but to look to the environment as it is, embracing the elements where they are, and allowing them to dictate the structure," Hilltop founder Vince Bryan said in a statement. Inside, the new venue will aim to "balance exceptional acoustics with an immersive audience experience," per the release. The Grotto is one of two new performance venues The Hilltop is building on its site in Quincy, Washington, to be set up as a nonprofit cultural destination "where arts, science, environment and the human experience come together," according to the group. Alongside educational prorams and community experiences, The Hilltop's inaugural SOAR Festival will debut on August 22, featuring performances by acclaimed producer, composer, and songwriter David Foster, Broadway vocalist Katharine McPhee, and the Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra. Fore more information, visit thehilltop.org. Featured image courtesy: ZGF Architects. Ohio-based journalist with a passion for culture and big basslines. Editor at EDM Maniac.

BCFII
Jul 15th, 2026
Premier David Eby advances B.C.-China co-operation on sustainable wood construction.

Premier David Eby advances B.C.-China co-operation on sustainable wood construction. July 15, 2026 By Forestry Innovation Investment (FII) Premier David Eby's visit to China formed part of British Columbia's broader mission to diversify and strengthen markets for B.C. forest products and sustainable building solutions. Through engagements in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangdong, the mission reinforced co-operation across the wood value chain - from policy development and industry adoption to commercial applications and market opportunities. The mission began in Beijing with a meeting between Premier Eby and Deputy Minister Song Youchun, China's Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (MOHURD). The discussions built on the Memorandum of Understanding on Modern Wood Construction Co-operation, signed earlier this year during Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to China. As a key signatory to the agreement, British Columbia continues to play a central role in supporting co-operation on modern wood construction between Canada and China. The meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm the shared commitment established through the MOU and to discuss its implementation. As China advances green development, urban renewal, rural revitalization, and high-quality housing initiatives, British Columbia's experience in sustainable forestry and wood construction provides a solid foundation for continued collaboration. The next stage of the mission focused on industry engagement and innovation. In Shanghai, Premier Eby participated in Building the Future with Wood: Canada-China Forum on Innovative Design for Modern Wood Structures, hosted in partnership with Canada Wood and East China Architectural Design Institute Co. Ltd. (ECADI) - one of China's most influential design organizations. With more than 4,500 professionals and a portfolio that includes many of China's landmark buildings and infrastructure projects, ECADI has contributed to many of China's major transportation, commercial, and civic projects. It is actively involved in research and development related to modern wood construction. The forum brought together architects, engineers, academics, and industry representatives to exchange knowledge on mass timber innovation, sustainable building technologies, and the use of Canadian wood products in modern wood construction. The event highlighted ongoing collaboration between ECADI and Canada Wood, including research on tall wood buildings and the Xi'an Taikoo Li development, which incorporates Canadian mass timber products. By connecting Canadian expertise directly with design professionals responsible for specifying building materials and systems, the forum helped strengthen technical co-operation and support the broader adoption of wood-based construction solutions in China. The final stage of the mission emphasized opportunities beyond the construction sector. In Guangdong Province, the Honourable Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit and Government House Leader, led the British Columbia delegation in a visit to Hongyuan Home (Royal Saunas), one of the world's leading sauna manufacturers and a major user of Canadian western hemlock, which is distinguished for its stability, appearance, and performance in high-temperature environments. The visit highlighted the growing role of wood in premium consumer products and wellness applications, where material quality, durability, and sustainability are increasingly important. It also demonstrated how sustainable forestry resources from B.C. contribute to innovative consumer products and advanced manufacturing in international markets. Discussions with Hongyuan provided an opportunity to explore the continued use of B.C. wood products in value-added manufacturing. Together, these engagements reflected co-operation between British Columbia and China across policy development, building design, construction, and value-added manufacturing. The mission brought together government partners, design institutions, industry organizations, and manufacturers involved in advancing wood construction and expanding the use of B.C. wood products in China. FII provides blog stories and updates to keep the BC forest industry informed on its programs, partner activities and advancements in supporting the provincial forest sector. July 2, 2026 Forestry Innovation Investment recently partnered with architectural firm ZGF to publish Inside Wood, a technical handbook focused on the use... June 9, 2026 Interest in mass timber construction has grown in recent years. However, there has been limited research in B.C. on the... April 30, 2026 Across India, interest in wood-based construction is growing, particularly in resorts and vacation developments, driven in part by FII India's...

Central Steel Service
Dec 27th, 2024
Top 5 Weathering Steel Projects of 2024

Its customer Global Wall Panel Group partnered with Kitchell, ZGF Architects, and BWS Architects for this project, which featured 235 custom panels to clad the entire building.

LMC
Nov 18th, 2024
Timberlab's Success within the Portland International Airport

Timberlab worked with ZGF Architects and Sustainable Northwest to ensure that the thousands of uniquely cut pieces of timber could be traced back to the forest of origin.

PR Newswire
Aug 15th, 2024
Portland International Airport Main Terminal Opens To Travelers

Featuring a 9-acre (37,000m2) mass timber roof, the new terminal evokes the feeling of walking through a Pacific Northwest forest. Views to the airfield, abundant natural light, and interior landscapes that reflect the natural beauty of the region are present throughout the passenger journey."The new main terminal is a testament to the vision of our incredible client, the Port of Portland." said Sharron van der Meulen, ZGF Managing Partner. "The design evokes the best of our region yet offers other airports a new model for how to expand and renovate in place to meet the travel demands of the future generations."The expanded terminal is the largest mass timber project of its kind, and it is designed with people and place at its heart. Intimate plazas with tree-lined retail concessions recall Portland's pedestrian-friendly streets. Urban furniture and plant-filled gathering places at various scales invite travelers to relax and enjoy their surroundings in a sanctuary of well-being.Instead of building an entirely new terminal, the Port of Portland and ZGF decided to renovate and expand in place, keeping the airport fully operational throughout five years of phased construction while realizing schedule, time and carbon savings. The strategy was made possible, in part, by a prefabricated wood roof that spans the expanded lobby, check-in, and security areas.An engineering marvel, the mass timber roof is the centerpiece of the expansion