Licensed Landscape Architect

Job Description

Job Description

This job is posted on behalf of Design Management Company by Top Echelon.

Senior Landscape Architect / Project Lead

High-End Residential & Estate Landscapes | Los Angeles | Full Time

Some landscapes are simply installed. The ones we create are lived in for generations.

We are a Los Angeles landscape design studio creating extraordinary gardens and estates for discerning private clients — places where pools, outdoor rooms, specimen trees, and carefully composed planting come together as one seamless experience. Our work is built on a simple conviction: exceptional design can transform how people live.

We are looking for a licensed Landscape Architect who is equally at home sketching a master plan, stamping a permit set, and leading a client presentation — someone ready to own projects from first concept through final planting, and to mentor the designers who will carry the studio’s standards forward. If you want your name on work that matters, and a seat close to the Principals in shaping it, we would like to meet you.

ABOUT THE STUDIO

We design beautiful, functional environments that make a difference in our clients’ lives. Our team thrives on collaborative, engaging relationships with clients, architects, and consultants, and that collaboration is what produces inspiring, meaningful work. We value craft, curiosity, and a passion for spaces that enhance well-being.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Active California Landscape Architect license, in good standing.

• 8+ years of experience in landscape architecture, with substantial work on high-end residential and estate projects.

• At least 4 years leading project teams, including managing and mentoring designers and support staff.

• Available full time, in office at our Los Angeles studio and onsite at project sites as needed.

• A passion for design excellence and professional growth.

• Strong communication skills, sound judgment, and a positive, self-starting attitude.

• Exceptional design abilities and a commitment to quality and craft.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead projects from concept through construction administration, in collaboration with the Principals.

• Serve as Landscape Architect of record, reviewing, signing, and stamping drawings for permit and construction.

• Lead, delegate to, and mentor landscape designers and support staff; review and redline their work.

• Develop concept and design features for high-end residential gardens and estates, including pools and water features, outdoor living spaces, sport courts, and specimen planting.

• Lead client meetings and presentations with private clients and their representatives.

• Coordinate with architects, interior designers, civil and structural engineers, pool, lighting, and irrigation consultants, vendors, and contractors.

• Oversee construction document sets, details, and specifications for accuracy, constructability, and code compliance.

• Manage permitting and agency review, including local, coastal, and fire-zone requirements and California water-efficiency (MWELO) compliance.

• Manage project scope, schedules, and deliverables against the fee and contract.

• Conduct site observations and reviews during construction, including planting oversight.

• Redline CAD drawings and maintain quality control across the studio’s documents.

DESIRED SKILL SET

• Strong technical knowledge of landscape architecture: grading and drainage, hardscape and site construction, planting, and irrigation.

• Conceptual design abilities at master plan and detail scales.

• Deep knowledge of the Southern California plant palette, including drought-tolerant and fire-resistive planting.

• Working knowledge of Southern California codes and permitting, including hillside, coastal, and high fire hazard areas.

• AutoCAD: proficient, with a clear understanding of technical drawings (plans, sections, elevations, details).

• Adobe Creative Suite: proficient in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• SketchUp (preferred): renderings and presentation graphics.

• Perspective drawings: strong rendering skills for master plans, perspectives, elevations, and sections.

• Leadership and administrative strength: clear written and verbal communication, organized, efficient, and comfortable managing multiple projects and team members.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in landscape architecture from an accredited program.

• Active California Landscape Architect license (required).

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Full-time position. Salary $120,000–$150,000, depending on experience.

• Benefits include medical, dental, 401(k), vacation, paid holidays, and parking.

Please submit your resume, cover letter, digital portfolio, and your references as outlined below.

How DMC helps YOU land your next position!

Design Management Company has over 20 years of networking, resources and experience in the interior design, architecture, construction and home furnishings industry, so we understand businesses and hiring needs. We specialize in helping interior design and architecture firms, showrooms and manufacturers find the best people to work for them. We have a proven track record of recruiting and placing top professionals within the Architecture & Design Industry. Nothing makes us happier than creating the perfect fit.

• Candidates WIN: We don’t match resumes to job descriptions, we match people to positions. We are interested in your professional development and career growth and want your next position to build on both!
• Employers WIN: We practically eliminate the possibility of a wrong hire while advising on current market trends, compensation packages and staff management.
• We pay referral fees up to $1,500 for referrals to talented candidates and employers who need to hire!

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