The Design Associate should have a strong interest in urban design and its intersection with RPA’s core values of health, equity, prosperity and sustainability. The Design Associate will also bring an urban design lens to RPA’s planning work. The position will report to RPA’s Land Use Director and will work closely with the rest of the staff and RPA’s Senior Fellow for Urban Design. Depending on experience, the Design Associate may also be responsible for leading RPA reports focused on specific urban design solutions - past report topics have included NYCHA, Rikers Island, and New Jersey Meadowlands.

We are looking for someone who shares our passion for fostering equitable, healthy, and sustainable cities and communities. We encourage a challenging, collaborative, and fun work environment. We also believe in work-life balance.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop urban design solutions for place-based and regional planning initiatives
• Develop visualizations depicting urban design solutions, built & natural environments, and urban systems
• Assist in developing and executing public engagement efforts around urban design issues, including conducting public-facing charrettes and internal planning exercises
• Manage the RPA design committee, made up of leading urban design practitioners and academics
• Keep RPA staff up-to-date on the latest trends and innovations in architecture and urban design
• Maintain a repository of best urban design practices and resources
• Work with both RPA staff and project partners to organize meetings, forums, and events

Qualifications

Candidates should have a master’s degree in architecture, landscape architecture, or urban design. A bachelor’s degree in architecture and at least two years of professional experience will be considered in lieu of a master’s degree.

High proficiency with current visualization software, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Adobe Creative Suite, and 3D modeling software is essential. Attention to detail and a commitment to creating quality and compelling visualizations is a must. Excellent organizational, analytical, writing and presentation skills, as well as experience working in teams, are essential. Candidates should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of political and civic stakeholders in the urban design realm. Candidates should be able to take initiative and balance multiple responsibilities as well as both short-term and long-term projects.

This is a full time position based in New York City, with some flexibility in work-from-home opportunities and/or working from RPA offices in New Haven, Princeton and Newark. Salary range is $65,000-$70,000, flexible with experience. RPA provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and work samples (or design portfolio) no later than October 31st, 2026. Please combine the file in the above order into one PDF file which should be named LastName_FirstName_DesignAssociate.PDF.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to reply to every applicant. We kindly request no phone calls or emails.

About RPA

RPA is based in New York City, with offices in Newark, NJ, Princeton, NJ, and New Haven, CT. The organization encourages a challenging, collaborative, and fun work environment. We believe in work-life balance and value diversity and equity. Employment and promotional opportunities are equal opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected class as established by law.