Principal Landscape Architect

Arcadia Landscape Architecture; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Daily lunch and snacks

Fully paid industry membership

Wellness program for you and family

Professional development

Hybrid working

Ski trip & year-end conference

Job summary

Arcadia Landscape Architecture, a leading Australian LA practice with studios across NZ and AU, seeks a Principal to drive growth in the Sydney studio. You will lead major projects, mentor staff, and strengthen client relationships to shape public space at scale.

With 15+ years in landscape architecture, you will steer strategy, partnerships, and delivery, ensuring design excellence and commercial success while guiding the next generation of leaders.

Qualifications

• 15+ years landscape architecture experience with major projects.
• 5+ years in senior leadership or commercial roles (BD, P&L).
• Bachelor of Landscape Architecture or equivalent degree.
• Proven ability to lead teams, delegate, and mentor staff.
• Strong client development and relationship management.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-impact landscape architecture projects from concept to delivery.
• Mentor and develop a talented Sydney studio team.
• Cultivate client relationships to expand the project pipeline.
• Combine design excellence with commercial strategy and people leadership.
• Oversee project scheduling, budgets, and quality standards.
• Source new work opportunities and lead submissions to grow the portfolio.
• Develop office systems for efficient resourcing and invoicing.

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Client relationship building

Team mentoring

Project oversight

Strategy

Communication

Visual design leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture

Job description

Lead Sydney's Growth at One of Australia's Fastest Growing LA Practices

About Arcadia

Arcadia Landscape Architecture is an award-winning, design and purpose-driven landscape architecture and urban design practice located in Australia and New Zealand. With studios in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra, Sunshine Coast, Newcastle, Auckland and Gold Coast, we are dedicated to shaping a future where our landscapes tell stories of innovation, sustainability, and cultural connection.

About the Opportunity

We've doubled in size over the past 2 years. We're aiming to do so again by 2029 and we need an experienced Principal to lead our Sydney studio's growth. You will play a key role in shaping the next phase of Arcadia's growth and developing the leaders who'll come after.

You will lead high-impact landscape architecture projects from concept to delivery, mentor and develop a talented team, and cultivate client relationships that strengthen our profile. You'll combine design excellence, commercial strategy, and people leadership to shape how our cities experience public space at scale.

• Manage a diverse portfolio of projects to ensure they are completed on schedule, within budget, and to the highest design standards.
• Direct design development and general landscape architectural duties, including site inspections, documentation, and specification writing.
• Source new work opportunities and lead the creation of submissions to expand the company's project pipeline and profile.
• Grow and train staff members in the Sydney studio, providing constructive critique and support to foster professional growth and build capability for long-term expansion.
• Build and maintain positive, long-term relationships with new and existing clients through professional communication.
• Manage and develop office systems, including accurate invoicing and resourcing, to ensure projects run efficiently.

The Expertise You'll Bring

• 15+ years of professional landscape architecture experience, with a proven portfolio of major projects
• 5+ years in senior leadership and commercial roles (business development, P&L management, or similar)
• Bachelor of Landscape Architecture or an accepted equivalent
• Well-developed technical skills regarding design and construction techniques, programs, and deliverables
• Proven ability to lead a team, delegate tasks effectively to junior staff, and mentor colleagues to achieve deadlines
• Highly developed organisational skills to ensure complex projects run to schedule and in alignment with scope
• Solid written and oral presentation skills, with the ability to project a positive image for the company through all work
• Successful business development and client acquisition experience
• Track record building and scaling high-performing teams
• Passion for sustainability, First Nations engagement, or community-focused design

Additional Information

The Arcadia Way (How We Work)

Our team of brilliant minds come from many walks of life, each one a character with stories to tell. These diverse and different ways of thinking enable us to maintain fresh perspectives and innovate continuously. Whether it's design excellence or streamlined processes, we go to every length to make sure that clients and communities are getting the best possible results.

Arcadia's high calibre team is what keeps clients coming back for more. That's why we provide our team with industry-leading tools and training to continually develop our skills, achieving maximum fulfilment and growth.

Why You Will Love Working With Us

At Arcadia, our deep commitment to our people is as fundamental as our dedication to First Nations communities and sustainable environments, creating a unique space for professional growth and reciprocity.

We take immense pride in a structured project management approach that ensures design excellence whilst fostering continuous development for every team member.

Our team member benefits include:

• Daily Lunch and Snacks
• Fully paid annual Industry Membership
• Employer Assistance Provider – Wellness Program - for you and the immediate members of your family
• Annual Skin Checks
• Professional Development and lifelong learning
• Studio Events and Networking opportunities
• Flexible and Hybrid Working
• Bi-annual Events – Ski Trip in August and EOY Conference

Arcadia Landscape Architecture is a place where purpose and people meet. We are dedicated to building a business that is inclusive by design, our Studios are a safe space where everyone belongs and is encouraged to excel.

We actively seek perspectives from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. We value the strength that diversity brings to our work and our culture. Please advise us of any adjustments you may need during the recruitment phase to ensure you can participate fully and comfortably.

A Note on Work Rights

To be considered for this opportunity, you must hold the legal right to live and work in Australia.

For more information >> https://arcadiala.com.au/careers/