Associate, Planning & Strategy (Built Environment)

About the role

The Associate, Planning & Strategy (Built Environment) role at MKThink is suited for early-career professionals transitioning from architecture, planning, or urban design practice into strategic advisory work. This role centers on shaping strategies, systems, and decisions that inform what gets built and why, rather than focusing primarily on designing buildings.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to client engagements to define and frame complex challenges related to space, performance, and organizational goals
• Conduct research to build a systems-level understanding of the problem context
• Help develop guiding principles and success metrics
• Identify data needs and opportunities to strengthen decision-making
• Synthesize qualitative and quantitative inputs into clear, actionable insights
• Translate findings into organizational and spatial implications
• Develop scenario models to test strategies against key performance criteria
• Collaborate with analysts and designers to connect data with physical outcomes
• Contribute to the development of space programs, organizational models, and planning strategies
• Develop implementation roadmaps
• Contribute to policy frameworks and design guidelines
• Produce clear, well-structured deliverables, including presentations, reports, and planning documents
• Plan and facilitate interviews, workshops, focus groups, and surveys
• Communicate complex ideas clearly through verbal, visual, and written formats
• Support project planning and coordination
• Contribute to presentations and deliverables
• Aid in the creation of business development materials

Requirements

• Strong ability to synthesize research and communicate insights clearly
• Spatial thinking skills and ability to visualize spatial concepts
• Quantitative fluency and ability to work with data teams
• Excellent storytelling across formats (written, verbal, visual)
• Creative problem-solving and systems thinking
• Ability to structure work, manage time effectively, and produce high-quality outputs with limited direction
• Proficiency with Microsoft products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint), Adobe Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat), and architectural design tools (CAD and/or 3D modeling software)
• Exposure to GIS or analytics is a plus
• Experience in project management is a plus

Working With Others

• Self-awareness and the ability to reflect on performance and drive continuous improvement
• Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and seek support when needed
• Flexibility in collaborating with teams and clients; able to receive, clarify, and incorporate feedback
• Demonstrates kindness and actively supports colleagues

Interests

Demonstrated interest in at least one of the following: The relationship between architecture, the natural environment, and culture, The psychology behind human behavior in the built environment, The impact of built environment solutions on community strength, human health, environmental resiliency, or learning outcomes.

Education And Experience

• Master’s degree in architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, or related discipline preferred
• 3-5 years of relevant experience
• Interdisciplinary experience or experience in consulting, planning, or real estate development is a plus