PROJECT ARCHITECT

Illinois Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ILASLA); Highland Park (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company match

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

FSA/HSA

PerkSpot

Long-Term Disability and LifeInsurance

Paid time Off

Tuition Reimbursement (after one year)

Job summary

Mariani Landscape is seeking a Project Architect to develop landscape designs and construction documents, guided by the Design Principal and Directors. The role includes mentoring designers and ensuring project quality from concept to submission. Interaction with design and sales teams is routine to keep projects on track.

Ideal candidates will have a landscape architecture background, proficiency in AutoCAD and Adobe, and the capacity to balance aesthetics with budgets and schedules.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture or Horticulture with design emphasis.
• Experience in landscape industry preferred.
• Proficient in AutoCAD and Adobe Suite.

Responsibilities

• Produce landscape designs with sketches, elevations, and rendered plans.
• Develop grading and drainage plans per site engineering principles.
• Prepare accurate estimates, takeoffs, and bid sheets.
• Mentor Landscape Designers and interns with regular critiques.
• Review design packages for accuracy, creativity, and graphic quality.
• Identify zoning, permit requirements, and project constraints.
• Coordinate with design and sales teams on project status.

Skills

Communication

Detail oriented

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture or Horticulture (Design emphasis)

Tools

AutoCAD

Adobe Suite

ASPIRE

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Mariani Landscape is hiring a Project Architect. This position supports the design team by developing high-quality landscape designs, construction documents, estimates, and proposals for presentations led by the Design Principal and Design Directors. It also provides mentorship to landscape designers and reviews project work to strengthen the department’s overall output. This position interacts with the design and sales team on a regular basis.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Produce quality landscape design with supporting materials such as sketches, elevations, and rendered plans.
• Create quality and unique designs within budget parameters and on a timely basis.
• Support the Design Team in preparing site analysis, project packages of required drawings, estimates, and proposals on a timely basis.
• Communicate with Project Directors and Design Directors as required to update project status.
• Adhere to and help maintain departmental design standards, including planting and AutoCAD standards.
• Work independently and collaboratively on recurring and special design projects.
• Develop accurate grading and drainage plans in accordance with site engineering principles.
• Use appropriate survey equipment to collect site information and verify site conditions.
• Provide accurate, professional construction plans and details for the construction department and subcontractors.
• Ensure clear and efficient workflow across project phases.
• Identify zoning and building codes, permit requirements, and other project-related requirements.
• Evaluate work for accuracy, constructability, and client satisfaction, identifying any necessary next steps.
• Prepare accurate estimates, material takeoffs, and bid sheets.
• Provide ongoing mentorship to Landscape Designers and interns through regular design critiques, redlines, and technical guidance.
• Review Landscape Designers’ design packages and construction drawings for creativity, technical accuracy, and graphic quality.
• Model creative problem solving and high-quality graphic communication for developing designers.
• Help identify skill gaps and recommend training opportunities to the Sr. Project Director or Director of Design.
• Communicate problems, client concerns, and associate matters to the Sr. Project Director or Director of Design in a timely manner.
• Participate in weekly departmental and training meetings; lead topic discussion in departmental meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, with a field of study in Landscape Architecture or Horticulture, with an emphasis in Design.
• Previous experience in the landscape industry preferred.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Adobe Suite.
• Knowledge of landscape terminology, plant materials, applicable construction materials, and coordination in design.
• Basic understanding of site engineering and use of survey equipment.
• Ability to understand the Mariani approach to Design/Build and follow Mariani standards.
• Ability to work in a team environment, including taking direction and constructive feedback from team members, as well as providing feedback to others.
• Flexibility to perform duties wherever volume deems it necessary, minimizing non-productive time.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with Mariani associates and clients on a consistent basis.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to deliver quality results under tight deadlines.
• Working knowledge of general computer functions and programs, with the ability to learn and use the company’s estimating and design software (ASPIRE).

POSITION RANGE: $75,000 – $97,500

The Perks

• 401(k) plan with company match
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• FSA/HSA
• PerkSpot
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance
• Paid time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement (after one year of service)