Principal Landscape Architect

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world? Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. We believe architecture is more than designing buildings, it’s about providing solutions to societal challenges and creating stronger, more vibrant communities. As part of our Urban Design, Planning & Landscape Architecture practice at HDR, you’ll contribute to the design and delivery of spaces and experiences that advance community well-being around the world. From healing environments and learning spaces to research labs and civic landmarks and infrastructure, your work will directly influence how individuals experience the world around them. We bring together architects, planners, designers, and technical experts to solve complex design challenges with creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. From championing design excellence with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability to pioneering innovative building technologies, your contributions will leave a lasting impact on the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive meaningful change and help define the future of our communities Position Description The Principal Landscape Architect works with a diverse range of clients and design partners to create vibrant places ranging from urban parks, plazas and streetscapes within a variety of market sectors, including civic, health, science and technology, education, and transit / transportation. The successful candidate will augment and collaborate with a growing team of designers in the following capacity: In the role of Principal Landscape Architect, we’ll count on you to: Advocate for design excellence in every project. Lead and develop site and public realm design through all phases of projects, from master planning and concept development through construction documentation and construction observationLead and support development of strong client relationships; engage in business development and marketing efforts to win workLead the pursuits of site-design-focused projects; develop the project proposal including scope, schedule and fee; lead and manage project through all phasesMentor early career professionals and others to further their growth in design and implementation, client management, and their influence in the design culture within the studioCreate and direct others to develop illustrative concept drawings using 3D and 2D digital illustration tools, free hand drawing, and digital color renderingsLead zoning and site plan approvals, public engagement, design charrettes, development programming, design review and implementationCoordinate workload to ensure deadlines are met, reviewing documents for areas of conflict with other disciplines, writing and editing site design specificationsCollaborate with urban designers, landscape architects, architects, planners, engineers and other disciplines on commercial and institutionally scaled planning and design projectsProvide excellent communication, time management, graphic and organizational skillsPerform other duties as needed Preferred Qualifications A minimum of 15 years experience working as a landscape architectProfessional Landscape Architect licensed in Iowa and NebraskaMaster’s degree in Urban Design, Landscape Architecture or related fieldExperience and passion for sustainable and/or regenerative designExperience with the full range of planning and design phases including site analysis, community and site planning, conceptual development, construction documentation and observationDemonstrated ability to work collaboratively within multi-disciplinary design teamsSignificant experience leading a design team through construction document preparation, with attention to design quality and technical detailing Proven initiative and experience developing client relationships, including pursuit strategy and proposal contentExperience identifying, attracting and maintaining key staff. Capable of strategically growing and retaining a team with strong talent. Professional and community involvement: engaged in key industry and community organizations such as ASLA, APA, AIA, ULI and others that may be relevant locallyExcellent communication, time management, graphic and organizational skillsExperience with AutoCAD / Civil 3D, Land F/X, and Adobe Creative SuiteExperience directing others to apply digital rendering and production tools, including Revit + Environment, Rhino, Lumion, VRAY, Enscape, Twinmotion, etc. Willingness to travel for project work and internal collaboration with the HDR urban design, planning and landscape architecture practice Interested candidates should respond with job application, resume and portfolio of recent work samples (via web-based link). Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and related professional experience15 years related experience A minimum of 7 years project management experience Proficient with Microsoft Office, estimating and scheduling software, project management softwareMust have the ability to interact with various design teams, have excellent organizational, project management and communication (both written and verbal) skills An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must What We Believe HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve. Our Commitment As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day. Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees. Primary Location:United States-Iowa-Des Moines Industry:Architecture Schedule:Full-time Employee Status:Regular BusinessClass:Urban Design-Planning-Landscape Architecture Job Posting:Aug 26, 2026 At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer (https://www.hdrinc.com/equal-employment-opportunity-employer). We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.