Architectural Designer/Urban Planner Level 3 

Location: El Paso, TX

Able City is a Texas design firm that integrates architecture, planning, urban design, economic development, and community engagement to enable cities to respond effectively to their challenges and opportunities.

We focus on contributing to the equitable evolution of cities by helping citizens define quality of life and responding to these community needs through our proven methodologies, planning, and design work.  Our passionate office culture is centered around our company’s value proposition to make cities great places for everyone.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate designer with planning experience to join our team and assist in the design and development of architectural projects that support “able cities” such as learning environments, civic spaces, historic buildings, sacred places, public transit facilities, and a variety of commercial and industrial facilities.  We have a creative office culture centered around a commitment to learning from one another and providing mentorship, training, and professional development to all of our staff. 

You will be asked to:

• Contribute to the development project design in coordination with design leadership
• Contribute to architectural design deliverables using various tools such as BIM modeling, renderings, videos, diagrams, sketching and narrative reports
• Develop design and construction documents with a high degree of autonomy in collaboration with the project team
• Research and report on design and construction materials and methods
• Assist PM’s in the administration of projects through all phases
• Attend project site meetings, coordinate Construction Administration Phase and develop field reports
• Contribute to planning projects as an entry level planning team member

Preferred Qualities

• Passionate about affecting change at the local level; committed to empowering citizens — especially those who have been historically marginalized by the planning process — to steer and shape their city’s future
• Ability to work with a diverse team
• Detail-oriented and technical, yet experienced enough to see the big picture
• Flexible and able to adapt to rapidly changing project requirements and deadlines

Knowledge Base 

• Architectural processes on all phases of design and construction
• Ability to produce any drawing type of a CD set
• Space planning
• Urban Planning
• Detailed knowledge of construction methods (in Texas)
• Accessibility standards
• Architectural building systems such as envelope, facade, fenestration, etc
• Architectural detailing

Requirements:

• 6 yrs experience
• Planning education or experience is required
• License preferred
• BArch (5yr degree)  and/or Master in Architecture
• Proficiency with BIM software and Adobe Creative Suite to develop design documents, 3D renderings and presentation graphics. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Highly motivated self-starter with a strong attention to detail and accuracy of work
• Ability to work with a diverse team, be flexible and adapt to changing project requirements and schedules
• Ability to work at a variety of scales from the big picture to the detail-oriented 
• A passion and commitment to the equitable and sustainable development of cities
• US citizen or US resident with permission to work in the US 

Salary and Benefits

Salary commensurate with experience. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including 10 paid holidays, 10 days of paid leave and 5 days of sick leave, sustainability incentives for work commute, and a work-from-home allotment; a 401(k) program; and health coverage.

Salary Range (DOE): $56,000-$68,000

plus 100 % contributions to health insurance plan and access to 401k plan

Contact information

Carlos Gallinar, AICP  |  carlos@able.city  |  www.able.city

Job Title: Economic Development Analyst
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Company: Able City

About Able City

Able City is a multidisciplinary firm integrating urban planning, architecture, economic development, and public engagement to build more complete, equitable communities. We partner with public and private clients to transform the built environment and support the economic engines that power quality of life.

Position Overview

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Economic Development Analyst to join our San Antonio office. This role supports the development of data-driven strategies that drive economic vitality and improve quality of life across the communities we serve. The ideal candidate will bring strong analytical skills and the ability to collaborate across planning, architecture, and engagement teams. This role is designed for someone ready to help scale up our economic development services.

Key Responsibilities

• Data Collection & Analysis: Source, interpret, and visualize economic and demographic data (Census, BLS, state agencies).
  
• Market Studies: Analyze real estate trends, labor markets, and industry sectors.
  
• Industry Cluster Analysis: Use shift-share, location quotient, and benchmarking techniques to assess economic dynamics.
  
• Economic Strategy: Support the development of economic plans, policy recommendations, and implementation frameworks.
  
• Reporting & Documentation: Create client-ready reports, memos, and presentations with clear data narratives.
  
• Collaboration: Align strategies with planning and design work; integrate public engagement feedback into project outcomes.
  
• Project Management Support: Contribute to project scopes, timelines, and internal coordination. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Business, or related field (Master’s preferred).
  
• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in economic development, planning, or market research.
  
• Proficient in economic analysis methods (SWOT, feasibility, benchmarking, multi-criteria decision-making).
  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex findings to varied audiences.
  
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work across disciplines. 

Technical Skills

• Required: Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), ArcGIS or QGIS.
  
• Preferred: Tableau, Power BI, IMPLAN, EMSI Analyst, or other economic modeling tools. 

Why Join Able City?

• Impactful Work: Help shape communities through strategies that link quality of life and economic performance.
  
• Collaborative Culture: Join a diverse team of planners, architects, engagement specialists, and analysts.
  
• Growth Opportunities: Advance professionally while helping scale our economic development services.
  
• Innovative Environment: Develop new methodologies at the intersection of planning, design, and economics. 

How to Apply

Submit the following to viviana@able.city, bryan@ablecity.com, or www.able.city/careers

• Resume or CV
• Cover Letter describing your interest in the role and alignment with Able City’s mission
• Portfolio or writing samples showcasing relevant analysis or reports 

Able City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. If you require accommodation during the application process, please let us know.

Salary Range

$65,000 to $90,000 

plus 100 % contributions to health insurance plan and access to 401k plan

Contact information: Viviana Frank, FAIA, CEcD  |  viviana@able.city  |  www.able.city