Senior Associate/ Project Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Receive project handoff from Principal at concept or schematic phase and assume full ownership through project closeout.
• Engage with clients and project team at handoff to develop a thorough understanding of scope, goals, schedule, regulatory requirements, and budget constraints.
• Develop or refine written scope of work, project schedule, and fee budget in collaboration with Principal and client; ensure all parties share a clear and aligned understanding before advancing.
• Define and communicate alternatives and solutions when obstacles arise; present options clearly to clients with recommended path forward.
• Proactively monitor scope creep; prepare and obtain Change Orders prior to undertaking additional work outside the original contract.
• Advance drawings through design development, construction documents, and permitting; maintain drawing quality consistent with firm standards.
• Cook up all project tasks across internal team members, consultants, and outside professionals to keep projects on track and on budget.
• Represent clients at project meetings with consultants, governmental agencies, and other stakeholders; sign and submit development applications on behalf of client and firm as appropriate.
• Administer the construction phase: manage RFIs, submittals, site observations, and contractor communications through project completion.
• Maintain thorough and well-organized project files throughout the life of each project.
• Monitor team member hours and task progress against project estimates; be proactive — not reactive — about budget and schedule issues.
• Communicate project status, budget tracking, and issues to clients and the project team on a consistent basis.
• Ensure projects meet firm standards for content, accuracy, and completeness at every phase; participate in QA/QC reviews with Principal at defined milestones.
• Serve as the primary client contact from handoff through construction administration; maintain communication that reflects the firm's commitment to responsiveness and care.
• Collaborate with Principal on milestone presentations (phase reviews); prepare materials and support client-facing communications throughout.
• Team & Studio Direct and mentor junior staff; provide guidance on technical execution, professional development, and project management discipline.
• Coordinate workload and task assignments across active projects in collaboration with Principal.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of firm processes, standards, and studio culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in landscape architecture or architecture from an accredited program.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in landscape architectural or architectural design, construction documentation, and construction administration, including collaboration on multidisciplinary projects with architects and engineers.
• Demonstrated track record of satisfied clients and repeat client relationships.
• Proven ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously across various stages of development while maintaining design integrity.
• Superior communication skills — written, verbal, and graphic — with the ability to present complex project management approaches clearly to a wide range of audiences.
• Proficiency in CAD-based design software (AutoCAD, Vectorworks, or comparable platform).
• Working proficiency with project management and collaboration tools such as Bluebeam, SmartSheet, MS Project, and the Microsoft Office suite.
• PREFERRED: ASLA licensure or AIA licensure (active or inactive considered).
• Familiarity with design visualization tools including SketchUp, Rhino, Revit, or Autodesk 360.
• Experience with residential estate, mixed-use, or commercial landscape and site design.
• Familiarity with Florida jurisdictions and permitting processes.
• Track record of coaching, mentoring, and developing junior staff.