Job Description

About MKThink :
MKThink is a future-forward design firm grounded in spatial intelligence and dedicated to “build less, solve more.” Our data-informed solutions improve human performance at less operational, environmental, and capital costs than conventional approaches.

Founded in 2000, MKThink practices from the Pacific Edge of San Francisco to the Oceanic Edge of O'ahu. At MKThink, we believe that we can play a role in helping create a better and more sustainable future by creating intelligent spaces that improve the quality of life. Our greatest resource is our staff and their ability to contribute fully as teammates and individuals. We bring together thinkers from various disciplines to solve problems at the nexus of architecture, culture, and the environment. Our people have the interdisciplinary skills to contribute to this mission within and across architecture, strategies, and innovation domains.

The Position :
We seek a smart, enthusiastic, intellectually curious, responsible, and committed individual to assist teams during all phases of work at MKThink. The candidate must be self-motivated, an inquisitive person with excellent time management and organizational skills is needed. This person will work on assignments for various university campuses, school districts, higher education systems, civic, or other institutional clients. This position is full-time, with full benefits, and based in our San Francisco office on the beautiful Great Highway with spectacular ocean views.

Key Responsibilities:
• Urban Design: Develop comprehensive site, neighborhood, and campus plans, zoning regulations, and land use proposals. Design proposals must adhere to project guiding principles and requirements, integrate sustainable practices, and align with the firm's design philosophy.
• Site Analysis & Research: Conduct research and develop visualizations to assess and synthesize site characteristics, including environmental conditions, land use, zoning regulations, and community needs. Use this data to inform planning and design decisions.
• Deliverables: Prepare high-quality drawings, renderings, and visualizations to illustrate proposed urban/site layouts, streetscapes, parks, and other outdoor spaces. Lead the development of visual and written content toward progress presentations, design guidelines, framework plan and master plan reports.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Participate in the development of stakeholder engagement plans. Prepare (or guide the preparation for) and conduct collaborative workshops, surveys, community meetings, or other stakeholder engagements.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that all planning and design work complies with local, state, and federal regulations, company policies, and sustainability best practices.
• Collaboration: Work closely with planners, architects, engineers, landscape architects, and other professionals to ensure cohesive and integrated strategic planning solutions.

The ideal candidate will possess the following abilities:
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, or Architecture. A joint degree or experience in two of the three fields is a plus.
• 3-5 years of experience in urban design at the neighborhood/campus scale within US firms. 7-10 total years in related fields.
• Experience in campus planning a plus.

Skills :
• Strong understanding of urban design principles, building and urban typologies, zoning regulations, and environmental sustainability
• Knowledge of zoning codes, land-use planning, and urban sustainability principles
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas through visual and verbal means
• Proficiency in the below required:
• Design software (e.g., Rhino, Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Twinmotion, Unreal)
• Microsoft products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint), and the Adobe Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat).
• Proficiency in the below a plus:
• Parametric and environmental software (e.g. Grasshopper, Ladybug, etc.)
• GIS analysis tools

Working with others:
• Self-awareness and ability to analyze past performance and drive self-improvement.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and ask for help when needed.
• Flexibility in collaborating with project teams and clients. Ability to receive and clarify feedback and adjust accordingly.
• Kindness and support of colleagues.

Interests:
Demonstrated interest in at least one of the following:
• The relationship between architecture, the natural environment, and culture.
• The psychology behind human behavior in the built environment.
• The impact of physical environment solutions on community strength, human health, environmental resiliency, or learning outcomes.

How to Apply :
Please submit the following—
• Resume
• Cover letter describing your fit for the role
• Portfolio in PDF format • Include "Urban Designer – [Your Name]" in the subject line

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