SITE DESIGNER

Job Description

Job Description

Downing is seeking a Site Designer with a background in civil engineering and/or landscape architecture to support our design-build projects. This is a hands-on role that works closely with architecture, construction, and external consultants from early feasibility through construction. The focus is feasibility site planning; code, utilities, grading, and coordination; not isolated concept work. You will be involved early, help shape what is feasible, and stay engaged as projects move toward construction.

Key Responsibilities

• Site Planning & Feasibility
  • Prepare site concepts, feasibility plans, and master planning studies.
  • Evaluate zoning, setbacks, parking, access, utilities, and development constraints.
• Municipal Coordination
  • Interface with municipal staff and agencies.
  • Prepare and manage municipal submittals; track review comments and approvals.
• Technical Coordination
  • Review and cross-check civil, architectural, structural, and MEP drawings.
  • Identify conflicts early and support resolution before they reach the field.
• Preliminary Site & Utility Layout
  • Develop preliminary grading, hardscape, and utility routing concepts for feasibility and early budgeting/coordination.
• Construction Collaboration
  • Coordinate closely with Downing’s construction team and external civil consultants.
  • Provide constructability input and assist with cost-driven design decisions.
• Code & Field Verification
  • Perform site ADA analysis and site compliance reviews.
  • Conduct field verification.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, or related field.
• Experience
  • 2–7 years of experience in a design-build or multidisciplinary environment.
  • Strong understanding of how site, civil, and architectural drawings work together.
• Software
  • Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD and Civil 3D.
  • Experience with visualization tools (Lumion, Enscape, or similar) is a plus.
• Technical Judgment
  • Experience incorporating budget and constructability considerations into design work, and communicating these to our internal team and external partners.
• Communication
  • Clear written, graphic, and verbal communication.
  • Comfortable working with both municipal reviewers and field staff.
• Licensure
  • RLA or PE licensure preferred but not required.

Why Downing?

At Downing, site design starts with understanding our clients' goals and helping turn those goals into feasible, buildable projects. We offer a fast-paced, collaborative environment where designers work closely with clients, consultants, preconstruction, and construction teams. If you're ready to help projects from early feasibility through construction, lets talk.