Hybrid Planner, Project Architect – Housing & Development Planning Focus

at Rice Fergus Miller, Inc. - a B Corp

• Job title: Planner, Project Architect – Housing & Development Planning Focus
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Senior, Lead
• Salary: $79,935 - $105,578 per year
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Bremerton, United States

About the role

• Planner / Project Architect at Rice Fergus Miller facilitating housing projects including feasibility and design. Leading efforts for diverse housing developments in the Pacific Northwest.

Responsibilities

• Lead feasibility studies for new housing/development sites: site capacity assessments, yield studies, market-driven program development and concept planning.
• Develop master plans and test-to-fit studies: propose alternative site layouts, building typologies, phases and density options that align with client goals and site constraints.
• Facilitate early-stage programming and planning discussions with clients and stakeholders—identifying vision, constraints, opportunities and strategic direction.
• Work across disciplines: collaborate with architects, engineers, cost consultants, jurisdictional staff and others to ensure planning recommendations are grounded in design and regulatory realities.
• Engage with local jurisdictions, community groups and stakeholders—prepare graphic materials, presentations and documentation for planning entitlement or design-review phases.
• Maintain a strong grasp of building, zoning and land-use fundamentals, along with cost / development feasibility, so that planning and design decisions are realistic and value-driven.
• Drive projects through early design phases: from programming and concept development into schematic design, supporting the seamless transition from planning into design production.
• Serve as primary client contact for early-stage planning and design issues, building trusted relationships and acting as an advisor on development strategy.
• Contribute to the growth of our Housing practice—bringing strategic thinking, process improvements and new business potential.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Urban Design, Planning or related field; Master’s preferred.
• Licensed Architect (or actively completing AREs).
• 8-12 years of professional experience, with a significant portion spent on housing, development planning or multi-family/residential projects.
• Demonstrated experience with feasibility studies, master planning or test-to-fit site planning (not simply building design).
• Strong understanding of housing typologies, site planning, and cost/development drivers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills: ability to engage clients, present concepts, explain planning rationale and synthesize complex information clearly.
• Proficient in Revit, SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite; experience with Enscape or equivalent visualization tools preferred.
• Familiarity with zoning, land-use and entitlement processes; ability to prepare design-review or planning submittals.
• LEED AP, WELL AP or similar sustainability credential a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits
• Professional development
• Paid time off