Urban Designer

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Urban Designer

JKA / Los Angeles, CA
Posted on: August 13, 2025
Application Deadline: Open until filled

Job Description

JKA is seeking an Urban Designer with 0 to 2 years of experience to perform basic urban design and planning assignments, placing an emphasis on research and visualization.

JKA is a full-service, 10-person architecture and urban design firm working on urban design as well as multifamily, hospitality, and commercial projects. Our mission is to foster places and buildings that further social equity and support health, happiness, and well-being. We are growing our office through a design and thinking culture of collaboration, respect, diversity, mentorship, leadership, and opportunity.

Typical Tasks:

• Support the development of objective design standards, formulation of design guidelines and form-based codes, feasibility studies, impact analyses, and master planning.
• Development of 2D and 3D digital illustrations of urban design concepts, including maps, diagrams, site plans, sections, elevations, and renderings.
• Urban design and planning policy research and summarization, such as zoning codes, general plans, and specific plans, as well as precedent research.
• Documentation and analysis of existing conditions and sites.
• Preparation of urban design presentations, documents, and public outreach materials.
• Attend, document, and participate as appropriate in community engagement events and decision-maker hearings, which may occur outside of standard work hours.

Required Experience / Skills / Education

Requirements:

• An undergraduate or graduate degree in urban design, planning, and/or architecture.
• A passion for placemaking and built-form policies.
• Demonstrated ability with design software, including Rhino and Revit. Experience with ArcGIS or enthusiasm about learning ArcGIS is a plus.
• Proficiency in post-production software, including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.
• Graphic design skillsets.
• Clear oral and written communication skills.
• Must be based in Los Angeles/Southern California and able to accommodate JKA’s 9/80 in-person work schedule.
• Long-term US work authorization.

Application Instructions

Please send a cover letter, resume, and written and graphic portfolio/work samples (maximum 10MB) to . In the cover letter, please indicate whether you are legally authorized to work in the US or if you will require sponsorship for employment visa status.

Due to the high volume of resumes we receive we are only able to respond to those we interview. No calls, no recruiters.
JKA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, color, religion, national origin, medical condition, pregnancy, sex, gender identity, gender expression, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.