Principal + Landscape Architect

DTJ DESIGN, Inc.; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work hours

Profit sharing

Unlimited PTO

Community giving through Habitat for Humanity

Job summary

A leading design firm in Atlanta is looking for a seasoned professional to lead business development and marketing efforts in the Landscape Architecture or Land Planning sectors. The ideal candidate will possess 15-25 years of experience in business development, project design, and client interaction, alongside a strong portfolio of award-winning work. This role emphasizes leadership, organizational excellence, and the ability to inspire design professionals through innovative solutions. Flexible hours and a competitive compensation package are offered.

Qualifications

• 15-25 years of professional experience in relevant fields.
• Proven track record in business development and design.
• Portfolio showcasing award-winning built work.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development and marketing tasks.
• Ensure successful project delivery across all projects.
• Participate in industry events and client prospecting.

Skills

Business development

Project design

Client interaction

Leadership

Organizational excellence

Job description

About the Role

DTJ provides an ideal atmosphere for designers and leaders to excel within a collaborative environment. Leaders serve as a source of vision, bringing diverse backgrounds, market understanding, and enthusiasm for innovative and sustainable solutions. They are directly involved in all stages of the design process and are responsible for key aspects of DTJ’s practice. The most highly compensated leaders have a role in all three "legs of the stool": marketing, design, and business. This search focuses on a strong marketing role. The position is open to a Landscape Architect, Land Planner, or Business Development executive. The ideal candidate will be well‑versed in a combination of business development and a design discipline.

Qualifications

• 15-25 years of professional experience
• Comprehensive expertise in business development, project design, and project delivery
• Portfolio showcasing award‑winning built work, including projects beyond the Southeast or internationally
• Demonstrated proficiency in client interaction and cultivation of new client relationships
• Proven track record in business development initiatives
• Extensive experience in studio leadership and professional mentorship
• Passion for artistry and design creativity
• Strong emphasis on organizational excellence
• Relevant experience within one or more of DTJ’s core areas of focus is required
• Demonstrated capability to lead and inspire design professionals

Role Expectations

• Leads business development and marketing tasks, proposal and contract preparation, and client communication
• Facilitates repeat work and expanding scope, with awareness of client business plans and how DTJ can service their next phase or project
• Participates in client interviews, in‑person industry events, and social media
• Participates in client prospecting in association with other associates or principals
• Directly responsible for generating $1 million or more of new work annually; goal will increase over time

Leadership

• Demonstrate DTJ’s core values, inspiring others in the Southeast region and across the firm
• Devises new approaches to problems encountered
• Writes and directs complex agreement scope and fees
• Provides leadership to respective studio and administrative staff; focuses on project quality, profitability, and staff growth
• Actively participates in marketing strategy and project pursuit for at least one market segment and/or location
• Enthusiastically promotes and sustains DTJ Design’s culture

Business Management

• Ensures successful project delivery across all projects involved
• Monitors financial performance of all projects; participates in course‑correction strategies to ensure adequate profitability
• Leads the landscape architecture / land planning practice in the Southeast region, mentors staff, and assists in staff development
• Forecasts project volume and staffing needs, including overseeing staff utilization and participating in strategic hires
• Sets direction and vision for the Southeast region

Creative Opportunity

• Hands‑on, blank‑page design and planning leadership of projects
• Strategic design and client relationship management
• Upholds DTJ’s design quality and project type expectations
• Interfaces with client, participates in marketing tasks, contract preparation, and client relations
• Promotes and expands DTJ’s brand through speaking, publishing, and participating in professional organizations
• Choreographs creative solutions in all aspects of DTJ’s practice

Benefits

• Competitive compensation with an excellent leadership benefit package
• Flexible work hours
• Profit sharing, matching 401(k), unlimited PTO, sick leave, and seven paid holidays
• Fun, connecting, and great work environment
• Work hard/laugh hard culture with social gatherings and team events
• Community giving through a company‑wide Habitat for Humanity program
• Exciting career opportunities with a multidisciplinary firm and great advancement prospects

Application Requirements

• All applicants must submit a portfolio to be considered for this role