Landscape Architect

About the Role

The Landscape Architect will collaborate with team members to provide concept design through technical construction documentation for landscape architecture projects, including landscape and hardscape plans, details, and specifications. This role involves design, code review, presentation graphics, product research, construction documentation, detailing, specifications, cost opinions, and construction administration for various projects such as parks, streetscapes, public spaces, development sites, industrial sites, higher education, and master planning.

The Landscape Architect will prepare professionally completed concepts, presentation graphics, construction documents, and specifications, as well as research and document landscape requirements of municipality zoning codes. They will review all phases of landscape plan document sets (SD, DD, CD), provide redlines, and ensure coordination with other disciplines. The role includes QA/QC of project deliverables, signing and sealing LA plans for construction, and providing construction administration services such as site visits, shop drawing reviews, and contractor coordination.

The Landscape Architect will also prepare written proposals, mentor team members, and interact regularly with clients, architects, engineers, subconsultants, and contractors. They will present to public agencies and government entities and assist in developing project proposals and marketing materials.

Responsibilities

• Consult with internal landscape designers, management, and clients on best practices for landscape and hardscape design.
• Prioritize project assignments to meet market and firm expectations.
• Analyze topographical data, surveys, aerial photography, drawings, blueprints, maps, zoning codes, grading plans, and other relevant materials.
• Review and redline landscape architecture drawings and specifications.
• Review drawings from other disciplines (electrical, civil, etc.) to ensure coordination with landscape improvements.
• Sign and seal landscape construction documents for construction.
• Assist staff with landscape architectural design, construction documentation, and administration.
• Provide quantities and opinions of construction costs using benchmarking data and research.
• Collaborate with architects, contractors, subconsultants, and engineers for tightly coordinated drawing sets.
• Collaborate with surveyors to establish installations, reference points, grades, and elevations.
• Monitor project progress to ensure design specifications, health-safety-welfare, and design standards are met.
• Design and produce plans for all project phases, from conceptual design through construction documentation and administration.
• Storyboard construction documents and presentations, and hand sketch rough grading plans for functionality.
• Complete construction documentation sets independently with minimal oversight.
• Anticipate next steps in the design process to keep documentation progressing.
• Organize project tasks and notes to meet client and team-initiated deadlines.
• Teach and explain methodologies used by the company to others.
• Perform construction administration duties, including addressing contractor questions, leading pre-construction meetings, reviewing shop drawings, performing site walkthroughs, and developing punch lists.
• Ensure effective communication and a positive work environment with clients and co-workers.
• Attend and lead project team meetings with design professionals and clients.
• Participate in public involvement initiatives and public speaking on professional landscape architecture.
• Provide narratives for landscape architecture projects.
• Prepare scope and fee proposals for landscape architectural and engineering project opportunities.
• Maintain daily timekeeping in Unanet for appropriate project billing.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture or a related field from an accredited program.
• Licensed Landscape Architect.
• Ten or more years of experience preferred, with experience in construction documents.
• Demonstrated intermediate-level knowledge in MS Word, Excel, and AutoCAD.
• Proficient understanding of technical drawings, plans, details, and specifications.
• Ability to work on multiple projects with multiple deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Gain continuing education credits as required by the state and renew landscape architecture license.

Skills

• Intermediate understanding of landscape architecture principles, practices, design, and construction processes.
• Intermediate understanding of materials, methods, and tools involved in landscape and hardscape improvements, specifications, and construction administration.
• Demonstrated aesthetic and appropriate design ability in landscape architecture projects, including site design, planning, and documentation.
• Proficient in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to be both creative and analytical.
• Extremely detail-oriented and accurate.
• Ability to anticipate next steps in the design process.
• Ability to mentor and guide staff on landscape architecture-related projects.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel to various project sites.
• Ability to access and navigate job sites and construction areas.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Personal Qualities

• Detail-oriented, with a focus on delivering high-quality work.
• Self-starter who takes initiative and enjoys challenges.
• Collaborative team player who works well across departments.
• Strong problem solver with innovative solutions.
• Organized and able to manage resources effectively.

Benefits

• 100% Employee Owned Company.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, and FSA options.
• Company-paid Life, Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• 401(k) with matching up to 50%.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Experience-based PTO and Paid Volunteer Hours.
• Wellness Program.
• Employee Referral Program.
• Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Professional Memberships, and Licensing Fees.
• Kleingers Academy and Development Training.