Designer II - Landscape Architecture

About the role

McAdams is a full-service land planning, landscape architecture, civil engineering, transportation, and geomatics firm with offices in North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Florida. We partner with clients to create meaningful experiences through inspired design. The Designer II will interface with project design teams and advance projects in all phases of the design process, working on a variety of exciting projects in key market sectors including residential, commercial, institutional, municipal, parks & recreation, and urban design. Compared to a Designer I, a Designer II demonstrates greater design aptitude, handles more complex tasks, and may engage in client and municipality interactions.

Responsibilities

• Prepare landscape design concepts, plans, and drawings for projects such as parks, commercial developments, residential communities, and public spaces.
• Create accurate CAD drawings and construction documents ensuring compliance with industry standards and project requirements.
• Demonstrate proficient graphic communication skills to convey design concepts, contribute to visioning, and document design progression.
• Conduct site analyses, including measurements, observations, and assessments of existing conditions to inform design decisions.
• Utilize design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite) to create visual representations of landscape designs and prepare presentation materials.
• Develop plant schedules, details, and specifications aligned with project goals, environmental considerations, and aesthetic requirements, including McAdams CAD standards.
• Review project deliverables for accuracy and quality, ensuring designs meet firm standards and regulatory requirements.
• Assist senior design staff and project managers in developing project proposals, presentations, and design reports.
• Coordinate with other disciplines (e.g., civil engineering) to ensure integrated project delivery.
• Participate in design charrettes and brainstorming sessions to generate creative ideas and solutions.
• Engage in client meetings and site visits to gather feedback and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Present preliminary design solutions to clients and maintain open communication with clients, professionals, and municipal agencies.
• Research and stay updated on industry trends, materials, plants, and sustainable design practices.
• Maintain a foundational understanding of local municipal codes and regulations to ensure compliance with zoning, permitting, and environmental standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited program in Landscape Architecture, City/Community/Regional Planning, Urban Planning, or a related field.
• 1-3 years of experience in Landscape Architectural design or equivalent.
• Developing a plan to seek LA licensure.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and 3-D software such as SketchUp, including hand/digital graphic rendering capabilities.
• Exceptional oral and written communication and interpersonal skills for presenting materials to clients, development teams, stakeholders, and the public.
• Proficient knowledge of design, planning, and regulatory requirements and standards.
• Strong critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Self-starter with a drive for personal growth and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills to facilitate accurate, efficient, and quality project deliverables.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

Work Environment + Physical Demands

The role primarily involves office work with limited exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Fieldwork may require exposure to outdoor conditions. Key physical demands include:

• Frequent use of fingers for typing, picking, pinching, and grasping, often with repetitive motion.
• Visual acuity for viewing computer screens, along with the ability to talk, hear, and sit for extended periods.
• Ability to carry, lift, and push/pull up to 5 pounds frequently and up to 30 pounds occasionally; fieldwork may require lifting up to 50 pounds or more.
• Fieldwork may involve long-term standing, frequent walking, and common hazards encountered on project sites.
• Ability to see, smell, hear, talk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, twist, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, sit, stand, and walk.
• Additional physical duties may be required as necessary.