principal landscape architect

Firm Background

Land Morphology is a dynamic firm based in Seattle specializing in highly designed and detailed projects.  The focus of the firm’s work is public gardens, estates, and residential gardens with an emphasis on superb planting design.  Prior projects include public gardens such as Leach Botanical Garden in Portland, Oregon and Castle Garden’s at Yew Dell Botanical Gardens in Crestwood, Kentucky.  We developed the planting design for Seattle’s new Waterfront Park and Overlook Walk in collaboration with Field Operations. 

We take pride in our technical and design standards and are known in the region for our beautiful planting design.  We use the power of plants in addition to fine detailing of hardscapes to create beautiful, nurturing gardens for people.  Our work takes us to eight states. 

The Position

The principal landscape architect manages projects, advocates the values of the firm, sets design direction, organizes workflow, and delegates to staff.  Design skills, integrity, confidence, commitment, and positive attitude are all important qualities of leadership and this position. 

Strong design skills and the technical skills for creating and overseeing construction document packages that result in beautiful projects are required.

We give our staff creative license; the perfect candidate will have robust design skills and familiarity with the high-end residential design market.  Demonstrated people skills for inspiring and mentoring a team are desired.  A successful candidate will lead by example, by managing projects and staff, marketing the firm to new and existing clients, and mentoring staff.  Excellent communication, innate collaboration skills, frequent problem-solving, critical thinking, and appreciation for detail is required.  Proven ability to lead and strategize design sets, develop permitting strategies, and oversee construction administration are required.  Candidates should demonstrate their skills and experiences in project leadership and show their direct involvement in developing and coordinating construction document sets, technical detailing, and specification preparation.

The principal will work closely with senior management to ensure that the firm operates efficiently and profitably by managing projects, staff, budgets, and schedules.  A dynamic person with the ability to market and manage projects would have ample opportunity for future partnership.

The firm works in multiple market sectors; primarily the high-end residential landscape sector, with work in the botanic garden sector, and public / institutional sector.  Expertise in high-end residential design is required.  Experience in all sectors is desired. 

Land Morphology’s project teams are configured in different ways depending on the size, schedule, and complexity of a project.  All projects will have a level of involvement of the project principals in developing the program and setting design direction.

Job Description

Leadership

  • Advocate for Land Morphology’s mission and values; internally and externally

  • Coach and lead team members: Teach and mentor younger staff to allow them to take on increasing levels of responsibility on projects as the office grows

  • Manage overall office schedule work plans and schedule

  • Meet with senior management to review financials and set firm strategy

  • Work with team members to set design and production standards

  • Serve as a resource for project managers and design staff

  • Direct, review, or approve design direction and changes

  • Prepare fees and contracts

  • Communicate effectively with clients, consultants, and team members

  • Take initiative to resolve issues related to design, production, construction, permitting, and consultant agreements; engaging senior staff as needed

  • Give input to and take direction from senior management.  Keep other principals informed and engaged throughout the process

Marketing Role and Responsibilities

  • Participate in developing marketing strategy

  • Support or lead RFQ/RFP efforts

  • Complete individual tasks as outlined in the annual marketing plan

  • Represent firm in a professional manner when attending marketing events

  • Present at conferences

  • Build on existing relationships and market new clients

Project Management Responsibilities

  • Serve as primary point of contact with client; managing the project and client relationship.

  • Develop the project work plan, schedule, and fee.

  • Manage the work to realize the agreed upon profit level and result

  • Outline drawings, details, and specifications required for a complete set of contract documents

  • Ensure quality control and quality assurance standards for every project

  • Engage and manage consultants as needed

  • Take responsibility for quality control of all products

  • Lead and manage a production team (internal and external)

  • Assign tasks and manage collaboration to deliver exemplary products from concept though construction

  • Innovate and conduct engaging internal design reviews

  • Develop accurate construction cost estimates

  • Travel as required to meet clients and perform site visits

  • Anticipate and proactively address issues related to design, production construction permitting and consultant agreements

  • Negotiate with and manage sub consultants

  • Understand and implement production systems, design standards, and quality expectations

  • Innovate and conduct engaging internal design reviews

  • Communicate professionally and effectively with clients, consultants, and team members

Requirements

  • MLA or BSLA/BLA in landscape architecture, horticulture, or related field desired

  • Registered Landscape Architect

  • Fifteen (10) years minimum of applicable experience in a professional setting

  • Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, required; Revit a plus

  • Ability to produce and oversee CAD drawings in accordance with office standards

  • Ability to oversee and manage construction documentation and construction administration

  • A focus on resilient design strategies

  • Strong oral, written, and graphic communication skills

  • Ability to mentor and motivate project teams

Salary Range

 $100,00-$120,000 Salary + Profit Sharing ranging from 10%-20% of Salary.

Benefits

  • 401K with 5% of salary contribution

  • Health Insurance 100% employer paid for employee

  • Annual bonus

  • Three Weeks of Vacation

  • Nine holidays

  • Dog Friendly Office

  • Hybrid Work – 3 Days in Office Policy

  • Annual office field trip

  • Summer retreat

How to Apply

This is a full-time position with benefits.  The candidate must have current authorization to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis; sponsorship is not available for this role.

Please email one PDF document containing a short cover letter, a one-page resume, and work examples documenting your work experience to info@landmorphology.com, maximum file size is 10MB. No phone calls please. Land Morphology P.C. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.