Landscape Architect / Designer – High‑End Residential Outdoor Living

Goodwin Recruiting; Elmhurst (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3 weeks vacation

Health benefits

Annual bonus potential

Job summary

Goodwin Recruiting is seeking a Creative Landscape Architect / Designer for a turn‑key, high‑end residential outdoor living firm in Elmhurst, IL. You will lead design through construction, with training on all systems provided.

Expertise in AutoCAD and SketchUp is required, with knowledge of grading, drainage, and planting design. A degree in Landscape Architecture is preferred; licensure is a plus. This role rewards strong organization and collaboration on fast‑paced projects.

Qualifications

• 2–5+ years in high-end residential landscape design/build.
• Proficient in AutoCAD for full construction and permitting sets.
• Strong SketchUp or equivalent 3D modeling skills.
• Experience with estimating and takeoffs; Aspire or similar software is a plus.
• Solid understanding of grading, drainage, hardscape, and planting design; pools/spas a plus.
• Portfolio showing built work and construction details with a modern aesthetic.
• Highly organized, proactive communicator, able to manage multiple projects.
• Team-oriented and collaborative in a studio setting.
• Landscape Architecture degree; licensure a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and documentation of high‑end residential outdoor living projects.
• Produce constructible plans and permit-ready drawings in AutoCAD.
• Develop 3D models and visuals in SketchUp for client presentations.
• Assist with estimating and takeoffs within Aspire or similar software.
• Collaborate with designers, sales and construction teams to ensure design intent.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers and other professionals as needed.
• Occasional site visits for measurements and information gathering.

Skills

AutoCAD proficiency

SketchUp

Estimating & takeoffs

Grading & drainage

Planting design

Client presentations

Project management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Aspire

Job description

Title: Landscape Architect / Designer – High‑End Residential Outdoor Living

Location: Elmhurst, Illinois

Overview

Our client is a leading high‑end residential design/build firm specializing in modern outdoor living spaces. They are seeking a Creative Landscape Architect / Designer who can step into a turn‑key role and make an immediate impact on complex residential projects, from concept through construction. Training on all systems will be provided.

What you’ll do

• Lead the design and documentation of high‑end residential outdoor living projects, including patios, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, seating and retaining walls, and planting schemes.
• Produce constructible plans and permit-ready construction drawings in AutoCAD, including grading, drainage, and detailed layout plans.
• Develop and refine 3D models and visualizations in SketchUp (or similar) as part of a collaborative studio environment.
• Support accurate estimating and budgeting by performing takeoffs and working within Aspire or similar industry software.
• Collaborate closely with other designers, the design/build sales team, and construction teams to ensure design intent is carried through to the field.
• Coordinate with outside professionals (architects, engineers, soil scientists) as needed during design and documentation.
• Participate in occasional site visits for measurements, photos, and information gathering; most work is office/studio‑based.

What we’re looking for

• 2–5+ years of experience in high‑end residential landscape design/build with a strong focus on outdoor living spaces.
• Proven proficiency in AutoCAD for producing full construction and permitting sets.
• Strong working skills in SketchUp or another 3D modeling tool, including basic visuals and massing for client presentations.
• Experience with estimating and takeoffs; familiarity with Aspire or similar green industry software is a major plus.
• Solid technical understanding of grading, drainage, hardscape, and planting design; experience collaborating on pools, spas, and water features is a plus (trainable).
• Portfolio that demonstrates a mix of built work, design drawings, and construction details, preferably with a modern / contemporary aesthetic.
• Highly organized, clear and proactive communicator, with a strong sense of urgency and ability to juggle multiple projects in a fast‑paced season.
• Team‑oriented mindset and comfort working in a collaborative studio environment.
• Degree in Landscape Architecture or closely related field preferred; licensure is a plus, but not required if your education/experience would qualify you for licensure.

Compensation & benefits

• Base salary starting around $80,000-$90,000+, commensurate with experience.
• Annual incentive bonus opportunity of up to $25,000+ based on division performance.
• 3 weeks vacation and Health