Lead Creative Designer

aquaterra; Carrollton (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Health, dental, vision insurance

3% matching IRA

Paid time off + holidays

Life insurance

Continuing education opportunities

Job summary

AquaTerra Outdoors is seeking a highly creative Lead Creative Designer to drive artistic and spatial concepts for high-end residential outdoor environments, translating client ideas into bespoke spaces with bold vision and technical precision.

The role requires a strong portfolio, expertise in 2D CAD and 3D renderings, and ability to collaborate with design teams and project managers on concepts, drawings, and client presentations.

Qualifications

• Proven design creativity with portfolio.
• 2–3+ years in residential landscape design.
• Advanced AutoCAD and SketchUp; Lumion a plus.
• Knowledge of landscapes, hardscapes, pools, and structures.
• Ability to present designs clearly to clients.
• Experience managing multiple projects concurrently.

Responsibilities

• Creative conceptualization for landscapes, hardscapes, pools, and outdoor structures.
• Site evaluation and on-site analyses to inform designs.
• Develop 2D CAD layouts and immersive 3D renderings.
• Create design development drawings and material specifications.
• Present concepts with project managers in client meetings.
• Produce clean construction documents for permitting and field execution.

Skills

Design creativity

Residential landscape design

3D modeling

Visual presentation

Project coordination

Client communication

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Lumion

Job description

About the Role

AquaTerra Outdoors is seeking a highly creative Lead Creative Designer to join our team. In this role, you will be the driving force behind the artistic and spatial concepts for our high-end residential outdoor environments. We are looking for a designer who balances bold artistic vision with technical precision to produce stunning graphic designs, 3D models, and comprehensive visual plans.

Candidates will work closely with our design team and project managers to transform client ideas into bespoke residential spaces. A strong portfolio demonstrating your design creativity, high-end rendering skills, and spatial design process is required for consideration.

Key Responsibilities

• Creative Conceptualization: Translate client dreams and site opportunities into original, high-impact design concepts for landscapes, hardscapes, custom pools, and outdoor structures.
• Site Evaluation: Conduct detailed on-site analyses to inspire and inform creative, functional layout solutions.
• Visual Storytelling & Modeling: Collaborate with the design team to develop captivating 2D CAD layouts and immersive 3D visual models and renderings.
• Design Development: Create thorough design development drawings and material specs for accurate estimating and bidding.
• Client Presentations: Partner with project managers in client meetings to present design concepts, articulate creative decisions, and bring visions to life.
• Technical Execution: Produce clean, accurate construction documents and details required for permitting, regulatory approval, and field execution.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Proven Design Creativity: A keen artistic eye with a passion for custom, luxury outdoor living spaces. Submitting a portfolio that demonstrates creative design talent and visual presentation skills is mandatory.
• Experience: 2-3+ years minimum experience in residential landscape design.
• Software Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD and SketchUp required. Experience with Lumion (or equivalent rendering software) is a strong plus.
• Technical & Material Knowledge: Working knowledge of design and construction documentation for landscapes, hardscapes, accessory structures, and pools. (Knowledge of architectural detailing, native plant materials, drainage, irrigation, and water features is highly valued.)
• Visual Communication: Ability to clearly express complex creative concepts through drawings, 3D models, and polished client presentations.
• Project Organization: Proven ability to manage, schedule, and execute tasks across multiple creative projects simultaneously.

Perks & Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Health, dental, vision insurance
• 3% matching IRA
• Paid time off + holidays
• Life insurance
• Continuing education opportunities

AquaTerra Outdoors is a full-service, award-winning design/build firm specializing in creating personalized environments for families passionate about outdoor living.