Designer II - Landscape Architecture

McAdams; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

McAdams seeks a Designer II to join our landscape architecture team in North Carolina. The role supports project teams across residential, commercial, municipal and urban design, advancing designs through all phases and coordinating with civil engineers and clients.

Candidates bring 1–3 years of experience, proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite, and strong communication skills. We value initiative, collaboration and the ability to work independently to deliver high‑quality

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Landscape Architecture or related field required.
• 1–3 years of landscape architectural design experience.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, and MS Office.
• Ability to communicate clearly with clients and team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare landscape design concepts, plans, and drawings for parks, commercial developments, residential communities, and public spaces.
• Prepare accurate CAD drawings and construction documents meeting industry standards.
• Demonstrate proficient graphic communication to convey design concepts and document progression.
• Conduct site analyses to inform design decisions.
• Utilize design software to create visual representations and presentation materials.
• Develop plant schedules, details, and specifications aligned with project goals.

Skills

AutoCAD

Adobe Creative Suite

SketchUp

Microsoft Office

Graphic rendering

Oral and written communication

Team collaboration

Time management

Education

Bachelor's or advanced degree in Landscape Architecture or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

McAdams is a full-service land planning, landscape architecture, civil engineering, transportation, and geomatics firm located in North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Florida. We seek to partner with our clients to create meaningful experiences through inspired design. Our employees are what make McAdams different. We bring experiences to the forefront of everything we do, and to do that takes special people.

Position Overview

The Designer II will interface with project design teams and develop and advance projects in all phases of the design process. They will work on a variety of exciting projects serving some of our key market sectors including residential, commercial, institutional, municipal, parks & recreation and urban design. Compared to a Designer I, a Designer II will demonstrate more design aptitude and be able to tackle more progressively complex tasks. They may also have some client and municipality interaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare landscape design concepts, plans, and drawings for various projects, including parks, commercial developments, residential communities, and public spaces
• Prepare accurate CAD drawings and construction documents ensuring all materials meet industry standards and project requirements
• Demonstrate proficient graphic communication skills necessary to communicate design concepts, contribute to the 'visioning' process, and document the progression of a design
• Conduct site analyses, including measurements, observations, and assessments of existing conditions to inform design decisions
• Utilize design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite) to create visual representations of landscape designs and prepare presentation materials
• Develop plant schedules, details, and specifications to ensure alignment with project design goals, environmental considerations, and aesthetic requirements, including McAdams CAD and other standards
• Review project deliverables for accuracy and quality, ensuring that all designs meet firm standards and regulatory requirements
• Assist senior design staff and project managers to develop project proposals, presentations, and design reports
• Coordinate with other disciplines (e.g., civil engineering, etc) to ensure integrated project delivery
• Enhanced participation in design charrettes and brainstorming sessions to generate creative ideas and solutions
• Enhanced participation in client meetings and site visits (as needed) to gather feedback and ensure alignment with project goals
• Present preliminary design solutions to clients and maintain open lines of communication with clients, outside professionals, and municipal agencies to facilitate smooth project progress
• Research and stay updated on industry trends, materials, plants, and sustainable design practices
• Maintain a foundational understanding of local municipal codes and regulations, applying this knowledge to ensure that proposed design solutions comply with zoning, permitting, and environmental standards throughout the project lifecycle
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills + Experience

• Bachelor's or advanced degree from an accredited program in Landscape Architecture, City/Community/Regional Planning, Urban Planning, or related field required
• 1-3 years of experience in Landscape Architectural design or equivalent required
• Developing a plan to seek LA licensure
• Demonstrate proficiency with AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office; 3-D software such as sketch up, and hand/digital graphic rendering capabilities
• Display exceptional oral and written communication and interpersonal skills to present materials to clients, development team, stakeholders, general public, etc
• Demonstrate proficient knowledge of design, planning, and regulatory requirements and standards
• Excellent communication, critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving skills
• Self-starter with strong drive for personal growth and a commitment to continuous improvement
• Excellent organizational and time management skills to facilitate accurate, efficient, and quality project deliverables
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team

Work Environment + Physical Demands

The characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. When properly requested and when feasible (without undue hardship to the company), reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Work will primarily be in an office setting with limited opportunities to be exposed to adverse environmental conditions, however when conducting field work, exposure to outside environmental conditions should be expected.
• Work will be primarily working with fingers by picking, pinching, typing, and grasping often with repetitive motion.
• Must have visual acuity for viewing a computer screen, the ability to talk, hear and sit for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to carry, lift and push/pull up to 5 pounds frequently and up to 30 pounds occasionally.
• When working in the field, the need to carry, lift and push/pull up to 50 or higher pounds may occur.
• Field based work will involve long-term standing and frequent walking as well as include common hazards encountered while maneuvering through project sites.
• Must have the ability to see, smell, hear, talk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel and twist, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, sit, stand, and walk.
• Additional physical duties may be required as necessary.

McAdams is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard for race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran's status, or any other legally protected status.

If you need assistance with our online application system process, please contact the Human Resources Team at 919.361.5000 or [e-mail].

Please read these notices for important information regarding applying for work with McAdams.

• Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
• E-Verify (English/Spanish)
• Right to Work (English/Spanish)