Role Overview:

SGA Design Studio is seeking a highly experienced urban designer with more than ten years of experience to serve as a Project Manager for large-scale planning and redevelopment projects. This key leadership role is central to shaping thoughtful, high-quality design solutions from initial concept development through implementation-focused decision-making. This career elevating position requires a combination of creative problem-solving, technical rigor, and exceptional communication skills to provide strategic direction for projects and studio team members, foster strong client relationships, and contribute to a collaborative, multidisciplinary design environment.

Company Overview:

Stromberg Garrigan & Associates, Inc. (SGA) ( www.s-ga.com) is a multidisciplinary, collaborative design studio dedicated to revitalizing established communities, transforming previously developed lands, and shaping innovative public places. Our team is recognized nationally for leadership in urban and community revitalization, with specialized expertise in brownfield redevelopment, waterfront resilience, and public space design with a strong emphasis on implementation. SGA’s work spans a wide geographic range, from major urban centers to smaller cities and towns throughout the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Rocky Mountain regions. Our core market sectors include Reuse & Revitalization, Waterfronts & Resilience, and Parks & Public Spaces. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive, welcoming, and collaborative team environment that supports creativity, innovation, and shared success.

Envisioning your experience at SGA:

• Inspire and lead SGA design studio and others by example, participate in staff mentoring and training, clearly defining team member expectations and responsibilities, empowering others, and delegating where appropriate based on team members’ recognized abilities and potential.
• Translate client goals into compelling design concepts and detailed representational graphics. 
• Lead QA/QC processes by efficiently redlining and reviewing work, providing real-time mentorship to improve design and technical proficiency, and ensuring compliance with building codes, zoning requirements, and firm standards while reducing recurring errors.
• Communicate design ideas with clarity and impact through strong writing, compelling presentations, and confident verbal storytelling.
• Demonstrate leadership in the implementation and execution of projects to meet and exceed client’s goals and expectations.
• Lead the creation of immersive client presentations, public workshops, and design charrettes that spark imagination and invite participation.
• Manage project teams with precision while staying deeply connected to the collaborative rhythm of the studio — in person, VOIP, and video call communication platforms.
• Work fluidly within a creative team environment, integrating feedback and direction to elevate design intent and strengthen project outcomes.
• Provide responsive, thoughtful support to SGA project teams and clients, ensuring design excellence, efficiency, and high-quality delivery at every stage.
• Work confidently across a robust digital design toolkit — GIS, SketchUp Pro, Adobe Creative Cloud, Bluebeam, and Microsoft 365 — with strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft 365. It also desired to have experience working with Autodesk software, Rhinoceros, or other 3D modeling and illustration tools. 
• Serve as a project manager to lead contracts with clients, project teams, and staff in support of project implementation; ensure timely, cost effective, high-quality service, and product delivery.

Employment location(s):

• Metro Philadelphia, PA (Wyncote)

Candidate Requirements:

• AICP certification is required. AICP-CUP certification is desired.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional, post-graduation employment within the field of Planning and Urban Design.
• Accredited bachelor’s degree (minimum) in Architecture, Urban Design, landscape architecture or related design field.
• Accredited master’s degree (preferred) in City and Regional Planning. 
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with government clients, developers, non-profit clients, and community groups.
• Capability to function independently as well as demonstrate initiative during SGA design team collaboration in multiple offices.
• Proficiency in time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Exceptionally strong written and verbal communication skills. 
• Open, clear, and honest communicator.
• Self-directed, collaborative, quality-driven, with strong mentoring instincts.

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting for extended length of time
• Fluency in public speaking in the English Language
• Fieldwork/ability to travel with a valid driver’s license
• Listening
• Typing and handwriting
• Hand drawing
• Occasional lifting of boxes up to 50lbs

Compensation + Benefits:

The base salary range for the Senior Urban Designer (AICP) role is $105,000 – $121,000 and may be adjusted within that range based on experience. SGA offers a competitive benefits package and is part of a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) with Insperity offering an extensive suite of benefits which include but is not limited to the following:

• 15 days of PTO annually and 8 paid holidays.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage (multiple plan options with HSA/FSA eligibility). 
• 100% Employer paid short-term and long-term disability, life, and accidental death coverage.
• Tuition Reimbursement Program.
• Employee Assistance (EAP) and Wellness Programs.
• Simple IRA retirement program with Employer Match.
• Professional Licensing examination fees reimbursements. 
• Additional benefits are outlined in the employee handbook.

Our standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, from 9am to 6pm, with one (1) hour for lunch. We understand that life has many demands and are open to discussing schedule flexibility, including hybrid work as needed.

Ready to Join?

Please contact SGA at careers@s-ga.com. Tell us a little bit about yourself and why you would be a good fit for SGA Studio. Please include the following:

• Letter of interest and resume
• Portfolio and samples of work
• Tell us about a landscape or a piece of art that inspires you.
• What was a great personal or professional “win” you had recently?

Please indicate the position (Senior Urban Designer) and the office location (PHL) you are applying for in the subject line of your email. Phone inquiries are not accepted. 

Stromberg Garrigan & Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.