Design Manager

About KW Landscape Architects

At KW, our culture is what makes us unique. Our teams are a collective of likeminded individuals with a passion to design exceptional outdoor environments, exemplifying form and function. KW projects are buzzworthy! Our work has been featured in publications such as CNN, Houston Chronicle, The Today Show, Buzzfeed, Business Insider, and more. The team that makes these famous projects happen is made up of designers with passion, construction managers with grit, and dedicated marketing and administrative professionals with a get-it-done attitude. Our offices are fast-paced, collaborative, and fun with a healthy work ethic.

Position Summary

KW Landscape Architects (KW) is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Landscape Design Manager to lead the design and execution of innovative projects. This key role requires a strong understanding of construction methodology, a solid knowledge of plant materials, and an understanding of current design trends. As a leader in a collaborative design environment, this individual will be resourceful, self-motivated, and adept at problem-solving, driving both creativity and efficiency across teams.

Responsibilities

• Proficiency in design software (Adobe Photoshop, Rhino, Lumion, SketchUp, AutoCAD, etc.)
• Generating designs and project creativity
• Creative problem solving
• Ability to think outside the box
• Ability to conceptualize across a broad range of scales and project types, from master planned communities to urban environments at both a planning level and detailed site design level
• Strong listening skills
• Ability to draw, edit and illustrate designs through a mix of media types
• Attention to detail
• Adaptability
• Collaborative
• Ability to lead a project meeting / present design concepts
• Superb communication skills
• Ability to collaborate with production teams
• Prepare renderings and graphics for presentations
• 3D Modeling / Sketchup skills are a must
• Master company plant palette and application into design
• Understand project workflow, internal timelines and processes
• Mentor entry design staff
• Review work of entry design staff and provide QA/QC for their tasks
• Assemble a full set of construction documents with minimal direction from leadership
• Identify items in need of coordination with other consultants and take appropriate measures to ensure items are coordinated
• Assist leadership with assigned tasks
• Assist with weekly hot list meeting/schedule
• Begin to understand project fees and how it relates to billing
• Complete task(s) in timeframe allotted by leadership
• Maintain accurate and complete project billing hours

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Landscape Architecture from an accredited college
• 4+ years of related experience
• Ability to learn and use company preferred software (SketchUp, Rhino, Lumion, REVIT, AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign) used for drawing, project planning, office communications etc.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic
• Demonstrate professional behavior in/out of the office
• Begin to participate in AEC organizations outside of the office and build your professional network
• Strong ability to communicate effectively with teammates, leaders, clients, vendors and contractors
• Possess a positive attitude
• Ability to complete a multi-step process and/or task
• Ability to anticipate next steps
• Help coordinate tasks where appropriate
• Collaborative and supportive team member
• Ability to create excellent notes
• Proactively provide project status updates to senior staff prior to completion

Benefits

• 1/2-day Fridays
• Endless supply of coffee and office snacks
• Flexible office hours
• PTO
• Yearly holiday office closure
• 401K plan with matching contributions
• Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
• Monthly wellness stipend
• Support for professional growth and involvement in AEC and/or HR-specific organizations

Pay

KW offers a competitive salary commensurate with background and experience.