Master Planner Architecture | Atlanta, GA | Permanent
Step into a pivotal leadership role as our Master Planner and shape city-defining projects across the Southeast. Based in Atlanta, you will lead complex master planning efforts from vision to implementation, guiding multidisciplinary teams and partnering directly with senior stakeholders. This is a high-impact role designed for an experienced planning professional who thrives at the intersection of design excellence, data-driven strategy, and client leadership. Candidates will see tangible career growth, portfolio elevation, and meaningful work-life balance in a supportive, design-forward environment.
Why this role is a career accelerator
Elevate your portfolio with marquee mixed-use, higher-ed, and civic master plans that become reference work across Atlanta and beyond.
Lead end-to-end planningvisioning, research, frameworks, entitlement strategy, and phasingso your decisions directly shape outcomes.
Partner closely with firm leadership and clients, gaining exposure that fast-tracks influence and title progression.
Enjoy a flexible, people-first culture with resources to do your best work: robust design tech, research support, and dedicated marketing.
Competitive total rewards: strong base salary, 401(k) with match, medical/dental/vision from day one, paid parental leave, generous PTO, professional development stipend, AICP/NCARB support, licensure/registration reimbursement, transit/parking benefits, and hybrid work flexibility.
What you will do
Lead master planning engagements from pursuit to delivery: set vision, define goals/KPIs, and translate research into compelling frameworks.
Direct urban design strategiesland use, density, mobility, streetscapes, open space networks, and blue/green infrastructure.
Build implementable plans: pro formas at a planning level, phasing, infrastructure sequencing, entitlement and zoning pathways.
Craft high-impact narratives and visuals: diagrams, frameworks, 3D massing, and presentation decks tailored to executive and community audiences.
Manage client relationships, facilitate stakeholder and public meetings, and align diverse interests toward consensus and approvals.
Coordinate multidisciplinary teams (architecture, landscape, transportation, sustainability, economic advisory) to deliver integrated solutions.
Assure quality across deliverablestechnical accuracy, graphic excellence, and clear storytelling that drives decisions.
Mentor planners and designers, fostering a collaborative studio culture centered on learning, feedback, and growth.
Support business development: strategy for pursuits, writing and reviewing proposals, level-of-effort scoping, and fee development.
What you bring
815 years of experience in master planning/urban design within the architecture industry, including leadership of large, complex projects.
Direct experience in either multifamily or retail development contexts, with a track record aligning planning strategies to market realities in these sectors.
Professional degree in Architecture, Urban Design, or Planning; advanced degree preferred. AICP and/or architectural licensure a plus.
Demonstrated expertise in land use frameworks, mobility planning, development phasing, infrastructure coordination, and entitlement strategy.
Fluency in communicating valuelinking design moves to market demand, financial feasibility, and long-term operations.
Portfolio that shows built or adopted master plans, mixed-use districts, campus plans, or comparable large-scale work in or adjacent to Atlanta markets.
Tools: Revit or Archicad familiarity; strong Adobe CC; GIS (ArcGIS/QGIS); SketchUp/Rhino; Enscape/Lumion; and data/diagramming proficiency.
Exceptional client leadership, facilitation, writing, and presentation skills; comfortable in executive rooms and public forums.
A growth mindsetcurious, proactive, and energized by mentoring talent and building lasting client partnerships.
Compensation and benefits designed for you
Competitive base aligned to Atlanta market data.
401(k) with company match.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage from day one; HSA/FSA options.
Paid parental leave.
Generous PTO with paid holidays.
Hybrid work flexibility, modern Atlanta studio, transit/parking benefits.
Professional growth funding: conferences, AIA/AICP dues, licensure support, and structured mentorship.
Work environment
Collaborative, design-centered studio with interdisciplinary partners embedded in project teams.
Research-informed process leveraging data, human experience, and environmental performance.
Tools, templates, and production support so leaders can focus on strategy, design quality, and client outcomes.
Location
Atlanta, GA. This role is hybrid with regular in-studio collaboration and local site/client meetings. Limited travel for regional pursuits and presentations as needed.
Numbers & Facts
Location
Atlanta, GA
Skills
Adobe Product Familyunmatched
Air Intelligence Agency (AIA)unmatched
ArcGISunmatched
ArchiCADunmatched
Architectural Designunmatched
Architectural Servicesunmatched
Business Developmentunmatched
Business Strategyunmatched
Conferencesunmatched
Cross-Functionalunmatched
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)unmatched
Data Processingunmatched
Embedded Systemsunmatched
Flexible Spending Accountsunmatched
Fundingunmatched
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)unmatched
Land Useunmatched
Leadershipunmatched
Mentoringunmatched
Performance Metricsunmatched
Presentation/Verbal Skillsunmatched
Production Supportunmatched
Proposal Writingunmatched
Retailunmatched
Rhinounmatched
SketchUpunmatched
Storytellingunmatched
Strategic Planningunmatched
Sustainabilityunmatched
Team Playerunmatched
Technical Deliveryunmatched
User Interface/Experience (UI/UX)unmatched
Zoningunmatched
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