Assistant Studio Lead - PLA

About the Company

LJA is an employee-owned firm offering an exciting opportunity to reach your full career potential. Our organization is designed to amplify your capabilities while providing the benefits of being an employee-owner. You’ll collaborate daily with dedicated, skilled, and supportive leaders, gaining hands-on experience and exposure to a broad range of clients and services.

What sets LJA apart:

• 100% employee-owned with an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Consistently ranked as a Top Workplace
• Internal recruitment team, in-house training, and industry-specific marketing department
• Flexibility for teams and offices to lead with their proven approach
• Culture of continuous learning, personal growth, and constant evolution
• Passion for fun, profitability, and creating impact

With over 90 office locations, LJA is growing and seeks talented individuals who thrive in team environments and contribute to the company’s success.

About the Role

As an Assistant Studio Lead at LJA Planning and Landscape Architecture, you will support project managers in coordinating landscape architectural tasks, schedules, and deliverables across multidisciplinary land development teams. This position emphasizes design and graphic communication, including concept development, illustrative exhibits, planting and materials direction, and review of drafted plans.

Responsibilities

• Design Development:
  • Prepare, design, and develop landscape and site systems
  • Create concepts, illustrations, and design exhibits using standard principles and techniques
  • Develop planting design, hardscape materials, and site details
• Documentation and Specifications:
  • Prepare specifications, research investigations, and reports
  • Develop advanced cost estimates and analyses
  • Review drafted plans and identify missing or refined content
• Quality Control:
  • Perform quality control reviews and assist with quality assurance procedures
  • Select appropriate procedures and specifications for basic issues and project tasks
  • Maintain familiarity with QA/QC procedures and relevant business practices and laws
• Task Leadership:
  • Take increasing responsibility for project phases as Task Lead
  • Supervise or coordinate the work of others on specific projects or tasks
  • Coordinate with other disciplines, support staff, and clients, checking in periodically with your supervisor
• Client and Consultant Support:
  • Assist with client communication and entitlement processes
  • Prepare design documents and exhibits for client and agency review

Requirements

• Degree in landscape architecture or related field (licensure not required at this level)
• 4+ years of experience in landscape architecture
• Developing technical expertise in construction techniques, planting design, and applicable local and State codes
• Ability to make basic decisions regarding alternative procedures when information is not given
• Good presentation skills and ability to work as a team member on unusual or complex problems
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, and Microsoft Office

Career Growth

As an Assistant Studio Lead, you will shape the built landscape of communities and build the design judgment that leads to a Studio Lead role.