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Landscape Architecture Design Leader
DC, Atlanta, NYC, Philadelphia

OVERVIEW:
Our client is a leading International multi-disciplinary practice consistently recognized and awarded at the highest levels for design excellence and technical innovation. The firm leverages its international expertise and in-depth knowledge of local markets through a network of culturally diverse, people centric global design studios focused on Commercial, Hospitality, Civic + Cultural, Science + Technology, Education, Healthcare, Government, Aviation + Transportation, Justice, Recreation + Wellness, Retail, Sports, Recreation + Entertainment, Tall Buildings and Workplace projects. Their innovative portfolio encompasses Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, Planning + Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Consulting and Sustainable Design. Given the firm’s robust growth and success they are seeking an East Coast Design Leader for their Landscape Architecture Practice.

PROFILE:
The East Coast Design Leader is a talented landscape architect and recognized design leader providing clear vision and direction for innovative and responsive design regionally, nationally, and globally. Working closely with clients and project teams, the Design Leader will elevate design across all disciplines and markets. They will develop a culture of design excellence throughout the practice in collaboration with the Practice Leaders, building on the firm’s successes and securing the future as a top design practice that vies for the most significant projects. The Design Leader will develop and maintain strong client relationships, assist with project pursuits, and represent the firm as a key leader. In partnership with the full project team, they will be accountable for project financial performance and team collaboration.


RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership

  • Designs and manages landscape architecture projects
  • Ensures the project design quality while developing compelling solutions to design problems
  • Promotes and maintains firm’s reputation for design excellence
  • Listens and responds to client goals and offers excellent solutions and service
  • Leads conceptual design excellence; initiates project design and idea discussions
  • Follows a holistic and integrated approach to design focusing on creating high performing sustainable solutions
  • Originates and develops creative design concepts and the design documents during the design development phase
  • Demonstrates creative thinking abilities and contributes to Firmwide design excellence
  • Demonstrates reliable understanding of the relationship between design and constructibility
  • Maintains strong communication and relations with other firm practices and resources
  • Oversees design team or less experienced designers to ensure design intent
  • Fosters a commitment to external and internal client service
  • Assists in preparation of proposals; participates in interviews and public presentations
  • Identifies new business opportunities while developing current client relationships.
  • Participates in marketing and business development opportunities.
  • Actively promotes collaborative and innovative culture
  • Mentors and directs the work of less experienced staff, may participate in professional development reviews and “Lessons Learned” sessions
  • Participates in interviews and recruiting of professional staff

Management

  • Conducts research and seeks thorough understanding of client needs for project requirements and design solution opportunities
  • Engages clients in explorations that respectfully challenge their understanding of appropriate design solutions
  • Assists in the preparation and delivery of design presentations to clients and drives consultant work to achieve design goals
  • Works closely with project teams with respect to budget and schedule constraints
  • Leads project design reviews and builds a design culture
  • Communicates design intent in a clear and compelling way; demonstrates the incorporation of client’s requirements and goals within design solution
  • Serves as project designer on selected projects—conceive and execute design, being mindful of clients’ needs, requirements, project budget, schedule, and site issues
Business Development
  • Identifies new business opportunities while developing current client relationships
  • Participates in marketing and business development opportunities
  • Leads design competition teams
  • Develops and nurtures positive client relationships
  • Guides preparation of award submittals and design PR

Staff Development

  • Mentors and coaches developing talent
  • Participates in staff evaluations, compensation decision-making and allocation of resources in the business unit
  • Participates in interviews and recruiting of professional staff
  • Encourages staff exploration and innovation to achieve project design excellence and continual improvement

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture or equivalent in education or experience required. Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture preferred
  • 15 years of experience, with at least 5 years as a lead project designer or design director
  • Published and/or award-winning projects a plus
  • Licensed Landscape Architect with current registration required
  • LEED accreditation or Green Associate preferred

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

  • Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to work in team environment
  • Ability to effectively meet deadlines
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD; preferred not required
  • Proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook
  • Proficiency in Rhino, Enscape, GIS, Affinity or Adobe Suite software preferred
  • Proficiency in BIM, Revit preferred

OTHER:

  • Travel may be required
  • The job duties and requirements that this document describes may be altered or supplemented at any time at the sole discretion of the firm