Intermediate Design Planner

Isthmus is an award‑winning integrated design practice with studios in Tāmaki Makaurau, Te Whanganui a Tara, and Ōtautahi. Our rōpū of design planners, landscape architects, urban designers, and architects has been guided, since 1988, by principles that strengthen the relationships between land, people, and culture, contributing to the regeneration of Aotearoa.

At Isthmus, Design Planning brings together planning strategy and design thinking, grounded in Te Ao Pākehā and Te Ao Māori perspectives. We work within legal and planning frameworks to deliver clear, pragmatic outcomes for a wide range of clients and project types across the motu. This approach has shaped our practice for nearly 40 years and is reflected in Aotearoa best practice guidance and on our website: www.isthmus.co.nz.

With opportunities emerging through resource management reform and Fast‑track legislation, we are seeking an Intermediate or Senior Design Planner to join our team in Tāmaki Makaurau or Ōtautahi.

The Role

You will provide technical expertise in landscape analysis, assessment reporting, design recommendations, and hearings. Depending on experience, you will contribute to, or lead projects, working directly with clients, collaborators, mana whenua, and multidisciplinary teams.

Our work includes:

• Sustainable energy, transport, and water infrastructure
• Urban and rural land‑use development
• Spatial planning and resilience
• Council plans, strategies, and policy input
• Designations, plan changes, structure plans, and consenting processes

You will collaborate with our design disciplines and work on a diverse portfolio that supports professional registration and accelerates career development.

You Will Bring

• A degree in landscape architecture and/or urban design, ideally with 5+ years’ experience.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and embedding Te Ao Māori in practice.
• Strong understanding of the RMA, Fast‑track legislation, and NZ’s planning context.
• Experience preparing landscape assessments.
• Strong conceptual and design‑led thinking, with confidence in project delivery and problem‑solving
• Clear, objective thinking and writing skills, informed by research.
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience in project leadership, stakeholder engagement, and hearings; proposal writing is an advantage for more experienced applicants.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and Adobe tools; interest or specific strengths, skills in digital or geospatial technology.

Why Isthmus?

We believe in collaboration and shared purpose. We invest in professional development, career progression, and our Tuākana Teina mentoring programme. You’ll join a supportive, design‑led studio shaped by common values: curiosity, creativity, tenacity and authenticity.

If you’re seeking a rewarding role with an award‑winning team, shaping connected, regenerative environments across Aotearoa, we’d love to hear from you.