Project Manager - Landscape Architecture Durham, North Carolina, United States

McAdams Co; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

McAdams Co is seeking a Landscape Architecture Practice Manager in Durham, North Carolina. The role involves leading project oversight, ensuring design quality, and managing team efficiency for successful project execution. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture and a minimum of 7 years’ experience.

The position offers opportunities for mentorship, strategic leadership, and business development within a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in planning or design.
• RLA licensure required.
• Deep expertise in design and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage landscape architecture projects ensuring quality standards.
• Mentor team members and oversee project budgets.
• Cultivate relationships to secure new business opportunities.

Skills

Project management

Client relations

Leadership

Design proficiency

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

AutoCAD

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

McAdams is a full-service land planning, landscape architecture, civil engineering, transportation, and geomatics firm located in North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Florida. We seek to partner with our clients to create meaningful experiences through inspired design. Our employees are what make McAdams different. We bring experiences to the forefront of everything we do, and to do that takes special people.

Position Overview

The Landscape Architecture Practice Manager will lead and oversee the operational management of a landscape architecture team (generally comprising between one and four employees), ensuring efficient project execution, high-quality design standards, and client satisfaction. This role combines project oversight, resource management, and business development support to drive growth and excellence within the practice. They will also begin contributing more thoroughly to the strategic vision and execution for the practice.

Key Responsibilities

Project Oversight

• Lead and manage complex landscape architecture projects from conceptual design through construction administration, ensuring adherence to budget, schedule, and quality standards.
• Ensure effective workload distribution among project team by evaluating project requirements and team capacities; develop and implement strategic approaches to manage team backlog.
• Review and approve design concepts, technical documents, and construction details to ensure compliance with industry standards and client expectations.
• Establish, promote, and assure quality on P+D projects deliverables by developing and implementing consistent QA/QC procedures and practices.
• Occasionally undertake production work to support project timelines and deliverables, ensuring hands‑on involvement in design and planning while balancing leadership responsibilities.
• Lead conflict resolution and negotiation efforts to address project challenges while maintaining a focus on collaborative solutions.
• Mentor and support the professional growth of team members, fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and excellence.
• Provide guidance and training on design techniques, project management, and industry best practices to enhance team performance.
• Participate in salary reviews and performance evaluations as needed.
• Oversee project budgets, monitor financial performance, and implement strategies to maximize profitability while delivering exceptional design solutions.
• Participate in contract development and financial forecasting for the practice.
• Review Billing Review Reports (BRR) from accounting for accuracy, alignment with project scope, and timely communication with stakeholders for clarifications or adjustments.
• Regularly prepare and present comprehensive updates and performance reports to department leadership, highlighting project progress, team achievements, and areas for improvement, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and facilitating informed decision‑making.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and community partners to secure new business opportunities and repeat work.
• Lead the preparation of proposals, presentations, and qualification packages that effectively communicate the firm’s capabilities and design vision.
• Help organize and lead community meetings, workshops, and outreach efforts to engage the public and gather feedback on proposed designs and planning initiatives.

Strategic Leadership

• Assist Practice Leads and other department leaders in developing and implementing the strategic vision for the landscape architecture practice, aligning it with the overall goals of the broader department and firm.
• Identify emerging trends in landscape architecture and sustainability, integrating them into the practice to enhance innovation and competitiveness.

Collaboration and Coordination

• Collaborate with other disciplines to ensure integrated project delivery and enhance overall project outcomes.
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies, municipalities, and community organizations to ensure compliance with codes, permits, and community standards.
• Foster effective partnerships with corporate services including Accounting, Admin Services, and HR to streamline processes, ensure compliance, and enhance operational efficiency.

Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Landscape Architecture, Urban, Regional, or Community Planning, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in planning, design, or related field.
• RLA licensure required.
• Proficiency with essential technologies and software including AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, etc.
• Deep expertise in design, planning, and regulatory standards ensuring project compliance and alignment with industry requirements and best practices.
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast‑paced work environment, effectively responding to changing project demands while maintaining focus and performance.
• Ability to work within a collaborative team environment, communicating effectively with project team and leadership.
• Exceptional oral and written communication and interpersonal skills to present complex materials to clients, project teams, stakeholders, and the general public.
• Commitment to team success and personal career growth.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills to manage multiple competing priorities and ensure timely delivery across all phases.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Work will primarily be in an office setting with limited exposure to adverse environmental conditions; field work may involve exposure to outdoor conditions.
• Work will involve repetitive manual tasks such as typing, gripping, and handling small objects.
• Must have visual acuity for computer screen use, ability to talk, hear, and sit for extended periods.
• Must be able to carry, lift, push/pull up to 5 pounds frequently and up to 30 pounds occasionally; field work may involve up to 50 pounds or more.
• Field work requires long‑term standing, frequent walking, and common site hazards.
• Must be able to perform tasks such as seeing, smelling, hearing, talking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, twisting, crouching, crawling, reaching, grasping, sitting, standing, and walking.
• Additional physical duties may be required as necessary.

McAdams is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran's status, or any other legally protected status.