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Principal - Urban Design / Planning

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We are more than 36,000 people, in over 70 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world’s most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.Job DescriptionArcadis is seeking a Principal in our Placemaking (Urban Design, Planning, and Landscape Architecture) Practice. Placemaking is a part of the Architecture and Urbanism (A&U) division of the Places Global Business Area. This position reports to the US West Placemaking Practice Manager and should be located in California, ideally San Diego, Los Angeles, San Jose, or San Francisco.As a Principal for Placemaking in the US West, you will profitably grow the respective practice unit presence in line with Placemaking Practice and A U Division strategy and financial targets, with a focus on operational efficiency and workforce optimization.Overview :We are seeking an experienced professional with a passion for creating walkable, urban communities at a variety of scales and including a range of project types such as new neighborhoods, urban redevelopment, waterfront, sports / entertainment, institutional and corporate campuses, and transit-oriented development. As a senior leader in our Placemaking practice, the ideal candidate will have a record of building a successful business, managing a studio of professionals, writing winning proposals / contracts, building successful teams, and delivering exceptional work across a wide range of project types, including public agency, institutional, and private clients.Role Accountabilities :This position will take a leadership role with our US Placemaking team in building the US West practice and will also contribute to cross-region and inter-company pursuits and projects.• Accountable for project performance (utilization, billability, contribution, debtors, etc.) and service quality delivery.• Develop and oversee the implementation of the strategy to ensure service quality delivery, service excellence, and profitable growth within the practice group.• Takes a lead role in business development, identifying and cultivating new relationships, particularly in California and the US West.• Actively participate in the identification and targeting of clients through the delivery of service excellence to drive organic revenue growth in the practice group.• Contribute to the development and implementation of the business plan, ensuring the team understands it and their role in its achievement.• Build strong relationships and create successful teams.• Develop enduring relationships with clients to understand their business needs and ensure client satisfaction to improve retention and deliver organic revenue growth.• Direct the identification of talent in the practice group in both technical capability and sales, promoting career development by directing individuals to appropriate development programs.• Participate in decisions on resource utilization within the practice group.• Maintain an in-depth and up-to-date understanding of the practice group’s clients and the market to identify key trends and emerging opportunities.• Develop relationships throughout Arcadis to foster cooperation and maximize opportunities to cross-sell within the organization.The salary range for this role is between $150,000 and $185,000 per year.Qualifications• 15 years of experience in urban planning, urban design, architecture, and / or landscape architecture related to the delivery of walkable urbanism.• Relevant degree in urban design, urban planning, landscape architecture, and / or architecture.• Critical thinking skills that incorporate and blend innovative ideas in land use, landscape architecture, urban design, and planning and designing walkable urbanism solutions.• Proven track record of building successful planning and urban design practices in an interdisciplinary environment.• Experience managing teams across geographies.• Significant experience on large-scale / highly complex projects.• Excellent verbal, written, and graphical / visualization storytelling skills to convey ideas to clients, elected officials, managers, decision-makers, and technical staff.• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, and SketchUp. Working knowledge of ArcGIS is desired, and knowledge of Revit, Rhino, or other similar 3D graphics design software is a plus.Additional InformationWhy Arcadis?We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone's contribution matters. It’s why we are pioneering a skills-based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximize the impact we can make together.You’ll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you’ll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life, and the world around you.Together, we can create a lasting legacy.Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging :As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are proud to support the growth and equality of our people through initiatives like our Mentorship Program, Global Women's Network, and Diversity & Inclusion Council. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, race, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.We request that applicants submit a portfolio of work either as a PDF of less than 10MB or as a web link.As part of Arcadis' selection process, candidates may be requested to consent to background checks relevant to the role under consideration for prior to receiving a job offer (as applicable under state law).We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.J-18808-Ljbffr
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$185000K

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What You Should Know About Principal - Urban Design / Planning, IBI Group

Are you an experienced urban design professional looking to make a real impact? Arcadis is thrilled to invite applications for the Principal - Urban Design / Planning position in Los Angeles, CA. As part of our leading Placemaking team, you will play a critical role in creating vibrant, walkable communities across a variety of projects - from urban redevelopment to waterfront developments and more. In this position, you will not only lead our Placemaking practice but also contribute to our overall business strategy and financial success in the US West region. Your expertise in managing teams, developing winning proposals, and delivering exceptional service will be key in cultivating relationships with public agencies, institutions, and private clients. At Arcadis, we believe in empowering our leaders to embark on innovative projects that enhance quality of life for communities. With a supportive culture and a diverse workforce, you will have the opportunity to thrive in a collaborative environment. If you possess a robust background in urban planning, design, architecture, or landscape architecture along with impressive leadership and communication skills, we want to hear from you. Join us at Arcadis, where together we can shape sustainable environments and create a lasting legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Principal - Urban Design / Planning Role at IBI Group
What are the responsibilities of a Principal - Urban Design / Planning at Arcadis?

As a Principal - Urban Design / Planning at Arcadis, your main responsibilities will include leading the Placemaking practice in the US West, developing and executing business strategies, overseeing project performance, and driving revenue growth through exceptional client relationships and project delivery.

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What qualifications are needed for the Principal - Urban Design / Planning role at Arcadis?

For the Principal - Urban Design / Planning position at Arcadis, candidates should have a relevant degree in urban design, urban planning, landscape architecture, or architecture, along with at least 15 years of experience in urban planning and design, and a proven track record of successfully managing diverse teams and complex projects.

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How does Arcadis support career development for the Principal - Urban Design / Planning?

Arcadis is committed to fostering career development by promoting individual growth through tailored development programs and mentorship opportunities. As a Principal - Urban Design / Planning, you will benefit from this supportive approach to grow your skills and advance your career.

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What software skills are required for the Principal - Urban Design / Planning position at Arcadis?

Candidates for the Principal - Urban Design / Planning role at Arcadis should demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, and SketchUp. Familiarity with ArcGIS, Revit, Rhino, or similar 3D graphic design software is also highly beneficial for this position.

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What is the expected salary range for the Principal - Urban Design / Planning at Arcadis?

The salary range for the Principal - Urban Design / Planning role at Arcadis is between $150,000 and $185,000 per year, reflecting the significant expertise and leadership required for this important position in our Placemaking practice.

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Common Interview Questions for Principal - Urban Design / Planning
Can you describe your experience managing urban design projects?

When answering this question, emphasize your experience with various project types, including scales and complexities. Highlight specific projects where you played a leadership role and discuss the outcomes, ensuring to mention your approach to managing teams effectively.

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How do you ensure successful client relationships in urban planning?

For this question, focus on your strategies for building and maintaining client relationships. Discuss your communication skills, ability to understand client needs, and how you deliver exceptional service that fosters long-term partnerships.

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What innovative urban design solutions have you implemented in the past?

Share specific examples of innovative design solutions you have implemented. Discuss the challenges faced and how your innovative approaches contributed to project success and improved community outcomes.

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How do you manage and mentor your urban design team?

In your response, explain your mentorship approach, whether through regular check-ins, providing resources for professional development, or encouraging collaborative team dynamics. Highlight successful outcomes from your mentoring initiatives.

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What strategies do you use to drive business development in urban design?

Discuss your proactive approach to business development, emphasizing how you identify and target new clients, nurture relationships, and leverage successful project delivery to foster organic revenue growth.

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Can you give an example of a challenging project you oversaw and how you handled it?

Choose a specific project that posed significant challenges, explaining the context and how you employed your leadership skills to navigate the issues and achieve a successful outcome.

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What do you believe is the key to successful urban planning?

Reflect on the various elements contributing to successful urban planning, such as community engagement, sustainability, innovative design, and collaboration. Reinforce your view with examples from your work.

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How do you keep your knowledge of market trends and client needs current?

Discuss your methods for staying informed about industry trends, such as attending conferences, networking with professionals, subscribing to relevant publications, and continuously seeking feedback from clients.

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What role does technology play in your urban design process?

Emphasize the importance of technology in enhancing design processes, improving communication, and facilitating project management. Discuss the specific tools you use and how they benefit your work.

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Why do you want to work at Arcadis as a Principal - Urban Design / Planning?

Express your alignment with Arcadis' values, mission, and vision. Discuss how you see yourself contributing to the Placemaking practice and your excitement about the opportunity to impact sustainable urban development.

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We are a global team of dedicated and experienced professionals who share a common desire – to help our clients create livable, sustainable, and advanced urban environments.

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DATE POSTED
March 21, 2025

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