OUR PHILOSOPHY
Urban planning and allied disciplines of urban design, zoning, and environmental planning are our focus. Through our work we seek to give form to community aspirations, and foster places that are vital, livable, and reflect environmental stewardship. Our work is place-based – responsive to context, physical and natural settings, economic realities, and community needs. It is directed toward improving the quality of the living environment and promoting sustainable development patterns.
Dyett & Bhatia (D&B) was incorporated in California in December 1975 and has been providing professional services for the last 40 years. D&B's sole office is located in Oakland, CA. Our small size – about 25 employees – allows us to be nimble and responsive in our work, communication, and outreach. We conduct analysis and develop policies on a range of planning topics from land use and urban design, to economic development, sustainability, and social and environmental justice. The professional services we offer are focused on: urban design and specific plans, development codes and zoning ordinances, general plans, environmental planning and assessment, community engagement, geographic information systems (GIS), three-dimensional computer modeling, and visual simulation.
Our firm has won 12 awards in the last four years alone from the American Planning Association (APA), as well as two national awards from the APA in the last six years, including for California's first Public Health Element.
We believe that plan-making is a collaborative effort, involving a diversity of stakeholders, and we are committed to active community engagement, and considerations of social and environmental equity in planning processes. Our work continues to evolve in response to changing concerns of urbanism; however, our underlying commitment to creativity, excellence, and shaping livable and sustainable places remains unwavering.
Dyett & Bhatia (D&B) was incorporated in California in December 1975 and has been providing professional services for the last 40 years. D&B's sole office is located in Oakland, CA. Our small size – about 25 employees – allows us to be nimble and responsive in our work, communication, and outreach. We conduct analysis and develop policies on a range of planning topics from land use and urban design, to economic development, sustainability, and social and environmental justice. The professional services we offer are focused on: urban design and specific plans, development codes and zoning ordinances, general plans, environmental planning and assessment, community engagement, geographic information systems (GIS), three-dimensional computer modeling, and visual simulation.
Our firm has won 12 awards in the last four years alone from the American Planning Association (APA), as well as two national awards from the APA in the last six years, including for California's first Public Health Element.
We believe that plan-making is a collaborative effort, involving a diversity of stakeholders, and we are committed to active community engagement, and considerations of social and environmental equity in planning processes. Our work continues to evolve in response to changing concerns of urbanism; however, our underlying commitment to creativity, excellence, and shaping livable and sustainable places remains unwavering.
Dyett & Bhatia has a highly-trained staff of approximately 25, with academic backgrounds and professional experience in urban and regional planning; urban design; zoning; urban environmental planning; urban economics, architecture; graphic design; and public meeting facilitation. Dyett & Bhatia’s technical staff specializes in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), cartography, three-dimensional computer modeling, and computer-aided visualization.
Each Dyett & Bhatia Partner is an experienced practice leader and firm owner, with full decision-making authority, committed to excellence and nurturing enduring relationships.
LEADERSHIP
We are connected by a shared passion for planning and places, and a fundamental desire to enhance the quality of life of the communities we serve Our work methods are rooted in collaboration and inquisitiveness, and our work culture is engaging and inclusive.
LEADERSHIP
LEADERSHIP
Dyett & Bhatia is a leader in urban planning, renowned for its pioneering, creative, and award-winning projects.
Through our work we seek to give form to community aspirations, foster vital and livable places, and promote environmental sustainability and equity. Our work is place-based, tailored to each community’s specific needs. We believe plan making is a collaborative effort that engages and connects people and communities.
Our areas of practice are general plans; specific and area plans, including station area plans, downtown plans, and corridor and neighborhood plans; zoning; environmental review; and community engagement. Our work is place-based, responsive to context, physical and natural settings, and community needs. It is directed toward improving the quality of the living environment and promoting sustainable, equitable, and just development patterns. Our geographic focus is the western US; we have done projects across the US and overseas.
We are connected by a shared passion for planning and places, and a fundamental desire to enhance the quality of life of the communities we serve Our work methods are rooted in collaboration and inquisitiveness, and our work culture is engaging and inclusive.
Contact Us

Urban Planning Project Assistant
Project Assistants are responsible for preparing high quality, polished documents (often several hundred pages long) using Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Word, and supporting planners on a variety of tasks, such as maintaining project websites; preparing presentations, meeting notes, and short reports; and general project and office organization.
The ideal candidate will bring interest in urban planning, strong expertise in InDesign and Microsoft Office, have excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills, a keen attention to detail, and able to work efficiently and meet deadlines. Responsibilities include:
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Prepare and coordinate documents with high level of graphic, mapping, and photographic content, working with planners and cartographers. Maintain versions, ensure quality control, proof and edit (approx. 50-60% time)
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Provide support for planning projects—prepare PowerPoint presentations, charts and graphs using Excel, transcribe meeting notes, write survey reports, assist with public workshops (virtual and in-person), schedule and manage virtual meetings through Zoom, organize materials, gather data, prepare graphics (approximately 20-30% time)
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Assist with project websites setup and upkeep (approximately 10% time)
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Administrative support (approximately 10-15% time)
Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
Candidates must have a BA and minimum one year of similar work experience. Candidates must hold a valid driver’s license.
Required Skills
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Strong InDesign and MS Word expertise; experience in other Adobe CS software (Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat)
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Excellent editing, grammar, and verbal communication skills. Excellent command of written and spoken English
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Knowledge of page layout, information design, and typography
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work with different levels of staff and clients
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Ability to take initiative, “can do” attitude, and commitment to meeting deadlines
Desirable Skills
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Expertise in Excel, PowerPoint, and SketchUp
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Website design experience. Working knowledge of Squarespace, Wix, WordPress and similar platforms. Knowledge of HTML, CSS, etc. is an advantage.
This is not a remote position. Dyett & Bhatia staff is currently working remotely, and will be moving to a hybrid WFH/office model when the pandemic ceases. While we anticipate that staff will work most days from home, some work from the office will be necessary.
Salary and Benefits
Expected starting salary range $56,000 to $60,000 (inclusive of approximately 5% annual bonus), plus benefits. We will consider higher salary for more experienced candidates. Benefits include paid vacation and sick leave, health and disability insurance, retirement plan match, and professional development allowance.
How to Apply
Please email resume (in PDF) and cover letter/email to jobs@dyettandbhatia.com. Portfolio of relevant work samples encouraged.