Principal Landscape Architect & Design Leader - Placemaking

HDR, Inc.; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Principal Landscape Architect in Des Moines to lead design efforts for civic, health, education, and transit projects. You will mentor professionals, manage complex urban design tasks, and drive client relationships while coordinating with architects, engineers, planners and the HDR urban design practice.

The role requires extensive experience, licensure in IA/NE, and a passion for sustainable, site-design focused work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 15+ years landscape architecture experience preferred.
• Licensure as a Landscape Architect in IA and NE.
• Experience leading design teams through CD to construction.
• Strong client-relations and business development skills.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for design excellence across projects and phases.
• Lead client relationships and win work through marketing efforts.
• Direct site-design development from master planning to documentation.
• Mentor junior staff and foster design culture in the studio.
• Create concept drawings using 3D/2D tools and freehand renderings.
• Coordinate approvals, public engagement, and design reviews.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across disciplines.
• Ensure deadlines and project documents meet quality standards.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationships

Communication

Time management

Mentoring

Collaboration

Graphic design

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree in Urban Design/Landscape Architecture

Professional Landscape Architect license (IA, NE)

Tools

AutoCAD / Civil 3D

Land F/X

Adobe Creative Suite

Revit + Environment

Rhino

Lumion

VRAY

Enscape

Twinmotion

Job description

HDR is seeking a Principal Landscape Architect in Des Moines to lead design efforts for civic, health, education, and transit projects. You will mentor professionals, manage complex urban design tasks, and drive client relationships while coordinating with architects, engineers, planners and the HDR urban design practice.

The role requires extensive experience, licensure in IA/NE, and a passion for sustainable, site-design focused work.