Landscape Designer

AO - Architects Orange; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, life insurance

Paid vacation

Transit access

Employee discount program (OC location

Job summary

AO is seeking an entry-level Landscape Designer to join our Landscape Studio. The role focuses on developing design drawings, site and landscape plans, elevations, and presentation graphics under the guidance of senior staff.

You will assist in creating complete design packages and collaborate across the design team to deliver quality project documentation on time. A Bachelor’s degree and 1–3 years of experience are preferred, with proficiency in drafting software.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Degree in Landscape Architecture, Architecture, or related field preferred.
• 1 to 3 years of professional design experience preferred.
• Proficiency in applicable design and drafting software.

Responsibilities

• Develop design drawings, tabulations, and documents for assigned projects under supervision.
• Prepare schematic and detailed site plans, landscape plans, elevations, and presentation graphics.
• Produce drawings, renderings, and supporting documentation communicating project intent.
• Assist in developing construction documents and specifications.
• Ensure design work is completed accurately and on schedule.

Skills

Collaboration

Graphic presentation

Time management

Visualization

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Landscape Architecture related degree preferred

Tools

Drafting software

Job description

AO is seeking a talented and motivated Landscape Designer with entry-level design experience to join our Landscape Studio team. This role is responsible for developing design drawings and graphics that support a variety of landscape architecture projects. The ideal candidate will have strong technical drafting and visualization skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to translate design concepts into accurate and compelling project documentation.

The Landscape Designer will assist in creating complete design packages, including site plans, landscape plans, elevations, details, and presentation materials, while working closely with senior design staff and project teams.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Project Design Support

• Develop design drawings, tabulations, documents, and related deliverables for assigned projects under the direction of the Client, Senior Designer, or other senior staff.
• Prepare schematic and detailed site plans, landscape plans, building imagery, elevations, material selections, color palettes, and presentation graphics.
• Produce drawings, sketches, renderings, and supporting documentation that accurately communicate project intent to clients, approving agencies, and contractors.
• Assist in the development of project materials that support the preparation of construction documents and specifications by technical staff.
• Ensure design work is completed accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with project requirements and deadlines.

Design Team Collaboration

• Coordinate project design efforts with senior staff and other members of the design team.
• Support project scheduling and task planning activities.
• Participate in design reviews and incorporate feedback from Senior Designers and project leadership.
• Collaborate effectively across disciplines to support successful project delivery.

Time Management & Organization

• Independently organize and prioritize assigned tasks across multiple projects.
• Manage workload efficiently while meeting project schedules and deadlines.
• Communicate project status and potential challenges to senior staff in a timely manner.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university required.
• Degree in Landscape Architecture, Architecture, or a closely related field preferred.

Experience

• 1 to 3 years of professional design experience preferred.
• Experience preparing site plans, landscape plans, elevations, details, and presentation graphics.
• Proficiency in applicable design and drafting software.
• Strong graphic presentation, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment while managing individual responsibilities.

Why AO?

Our culture is built on collaboration, trust, and the belief that great work happens when people are supported and challenged in equal measure. You’ll find a team that values:

• Strong relationships, with clients and each other
• A roll-up-your-sleeves mentality
• Continuous learning and professional growth
• Thoughtful design paired with technical rigor

At AO, you will work alongside colleagues who care deeply about what they do and are committed to building something meaningful together.

Benefits

We offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our team. Highlights include:

• Medical, dental, life, and supplemental insurance
• Most medical plans fully paid for employee-only coverage
• Company-paid basic life insurance and long-term disability
• Retirement plan, health savings, and flexible spending accounts
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time
• Free parking and convenient transit access
• Employee discount program (OC location)