Principal Landscape Architect

Frey Consulting Group; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Frey Consulting Group, based in Sterling, VA, seeks a senior design leader to oversee conceptual design and strategic direction for luxury residential outdoor environments. The role reports to firm leadership and aims to manage ~30% of the current workload while mentoring staff and upholding rigorous design standards.

Based in Sterling, VA, the award-winning firm emphasizes craftsmanship and concierge-level service, offering stability, collaboration, and long-term leadership growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from an accredited program, accompanied by an active Landscape Architect License.
• 10+ years of professional landscape architecture experience, with a mandatory and dedicated focus on high-end residential design rather than commercial projects.
• Extensive regional horticultural knowledge, specifically regarding the Mid-Atlantic and East Coast planting palette.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, as well as a strong understanding of grading, drainage, construction detailing, and permitting processes.
• Experience with 3D visualization platforms such as Lumion, SketchUp, Realtime Landscape Architect, or Pool Studio is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptual design, site planning, and grading for significant luxury residential projects, taking ownership of approximately 30% of the firm's design workload.
• Participate in client discovery meetings, deliver high-profile design presentations, and serve as a trusted client advisor throughout the project lifecycle.
• Mentor and develop designers across all experience levels by conducting ongoing project critiques and establishing training initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with internal design and construction teams to successfully transition ambitious design concepts into feasible realities.
• Drive business development and industry leadership by nurturing relationships with prospective clients, architects, builders, and other industry professionals.
• Maintain and elevate design standards, integrating emerging technologies, industry trends, and Mid-Atlantic regional horticultural practices.

Skills

Design leadership

Mentorship

Client presentations

Business development

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Landscape Architecture

Active Landscape Architect License

Tools

AutoCAD

Lumion

SketchUp

Realtime Landscape Architect

Pool Studio

Job description

This senior-level design leadership role is responsible for overseeing conceptual design and strategic direction for high-profile residential outdoor environments. Reporting to the firm's leadership, the primary objective is to manage 30 percent of the current design workload while mentoring staff and establishing rigorous design standards.

Based in Sterling, VA, this award-winning luxury outdoor living firm specializes in the integrated design and construction of complex residential havens across the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region. Recognized for exceptional craftsmanship and a concierge-level approach, the organization offers a highly stable, collaborative environment with long-term leadership growth potential.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptual design, site planning, and grading for significant luxury residential projects, taking ownership of approximately 30% of the firm's design workload.


• Participate in client discovery meetings, deliver high-profile design presentations, and serve as a trusted client advisor throughout the project lifecycle.


• Mentor and develop designers across all experience levels by conducting ongoing project critiques and establishing training initiatives.


• Collaborate closely with internal design and construction teams to successfully transition ambitious design concepts into feasible realities.


• Drive business development and industry leadership by nurturing relationships with prospective clients, architects, builders, and other industry professionals.


• Maintain and elevate design standards, integrating emerging technologies, industry trends, and Mid-Atlantic regional horticultural practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from an accredited program, accompanied by an active Landscape Architect License.


• 10+ years of professional landscape architecture experience, with a mandatory and dedicated focus on high-end residential design rather than commercial projects.


• Extensive regional horticultural knowledge, specifically regarding the Mid-Atlantic and East Coast planting palette.


• Proficiency in AutoCAD, as well as a strong understanding of grading, drainage, construction detailing, and permitting processes.


• Experience with 3D visualization platforms such as Lumion, SketchUp, Realtime Landscape Architect, or Pool Studio is highly preferred.


• Submission of a comprehensive portfolio demonstrating design excellence and alignment with high-caliber luxury outdoor living standards.


• $120,000 - $200,000 per year (with incentives), commensurate with experience and candidate background.


• 401(k) with company match


• Paid time off and flexible scheduling options


• Relocation assistance available for the right candidate