SmithGroup is an integrated design firm with a reputation for cultivating a top-ranked culture while pioneering award-winning innovative design solutions. We blend research, data and technology with ingenuity and a creative spirit to deliver resilient, inclusive spaces that solve our clients' greatest challenges. Our teams create exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology, workplace, mixed use, higher education, cultural, waterfront, parks and open spaces, and urban environments. We are looking for passionate problem solvers who want to elevate design, push boundaries and create a more resilient future. The Chicago office of SmithGroup is looking for a Senior Space Planner to join our team. Working with us, you will: Lead in the research, analysis, and distillation of primary and secondary research and data (quantitative and qualitative) to generate hypotheses, insights, and points of view to facilitate the development of planning solutions and organizational recommendations. Manage projects by developing project scopes and fees, negotiating contracts, overseeing deliverable production and quality, and fee management. Manage whole or potions of large-sized planning projects. Work closely with data analysts to create detailed space models and perform analyses for clients. Participate in, and often lead, presentations involving internal colleagues, consultants, and/or clients to share findings and recommendations. Lead efforts around production of project presentations, plan reports and all project deliverables to ensure an integrated and cohesive outcome. Develop and manage positive client relationships and work as the client's advocate by balancing client expectations within the context of contractual obligations, studio goals, and client satisfaction. Lead or assist in the development of new tools and data visualizations. Advance SmithGroup's space planning thought leadership through writing, analysis, and presentations at local, regional, and national conferences. Work with the Director of CS&A to meet technical and administrative targets. Participate in business development efforts through participation in professional organizations and supporting proposal development and interviews. Participate in recruiting, coaching, and career development of staff. Consistently exhibit and demonstrate a commitment to SmithGroup's core values - passion, sustainability, equity, community, curiosity, and integrity. An ideal candidate has: A professional degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, Data Science or related fields Minimum 10+ years related experience preferred Experience with higher education planning, space management, and/or institutional research Proficient understanding of space types and space planning practices in higher education at both building and campus levels Knowledge of data-based information and analytics; familiarity with data visualization software is preferred Demonstrated thought leadership through written publications and conference presentations Confidence in facilitating strategic conversations Registration or licensure in relevant field, if applicable Demonstrated effectiveness and a strong commitment to working in a team-based setting, collaborating, mentoring and client satisfaction Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite; experience using Tableau, Power BI, and Archibus Ability to travel regionally and/or nationally approximately 25-30%.At SmithGroup, we are committed to helping our staff thrive with great projects and time to unwind. We offer flexible scheduling, a hybrid work environment, 3 weeks of PTO within your first year of employment with the option of purchasing additional time off, 8 paid federal holidays, plus 15 extra Fridays off! Our benefits plan includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellbeing resources, paid parental leave, a flex spending account and voluntary insurance options. We invest in your future through our 401(k) program with employer matching, tuition reimbursement program, one-on-one career coaching and professional development opportunities. While we may ultimately pay more or less than a posted salary range, at the time of posting the anticipated salary range for this position is $129,000 to $152,000 annually and you are eligible for a performance-based bonus each year. To be considered for this role, please create a profile and apply! Equal Opportunity Employer We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to careers@smithgroup.com.Requisition ID12563- Posted 08/24/2026-SmithGroup, Inc.-Planning-Chicago, IL-
