Studio Leader-Landscape Architecture

YKD; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical premiums

Dental premiums

Vision premiums

Paid time off

Job summary

YKD, a Los Angeles area landscape architecture and urban design practice, seeks a leader to guide design from concept to construction, direct project teams, and strengthen client relations. This principal-track opportunity offers oversight of project delivery, staff mentorship, and growth toward Managing Principal responsibilities with potential ownership.

The role emphasizes leading design direction, coordinating with architects and engineers, and expanding services in parks, education, and

Qualifications

• California landscape architecture licensure is preferred.
• Leadership and project delivery experience with complex public realm projects is valuable.
• Strong client relations and ability to lead teams and mentors staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead landscape design from concept through construction documentation and construction-phase services.
• Direct project teams, maintain design and technical quality, coordinate consultants, and manage schedules and staffing.
• Serve as primary client contact, lead meetings and presentations, and support business development.
• Manage daily studio operations, balance workloads, mentor staff, and set expectations for quality and accountability.

Job description

Principal-Track Opportunity | Los Angeles Area

Base salary: $130,000–$160,000 annually, depending on qualifications and leadership experience, plus annual profit-sharing eligibility and benefits.

YKD is seeking a talented landscape design professional to lead its studio and help shape the next stage of an established Los Angeles–area landscape architecture and urban design practice.

Our work includes public infrastructure, transportation, streetscapes, waterfronts, and civic environments. We are seeking a leader who can strengthen project delivery, develop our team, build client relationships, and help expand our services in parks, education, and healthcare.

This position offers meaningful responsibility for design direction and daily studio leadership, with a path toward Managing Principal responsibilities and potential minority ownership based on demonstrated performance and mutual long-term fit.

The role

Lead landscape design from concept through construction documentation and construction-phase services. Direct project teams, maintain design and technical quality, coordinate consultants, and manage schedules, staffing, and project delivery.

Serve as a primary client contact, lead meetings and presentations, manage expectations, and help resolve scope and coordination issues. Lead proposals and support business development through strong relationships with clients, architects, engineers, and other project partners.

Manage daily studio operations, balance workloads, mentor staff, and establish clear expectations for quality, communication, and accountability.

What we are looking for

We welcome established project leaders and emerging leaders who have demonstrated the judgment and initiative to take on broader studio responsibilities.

Strong candidates will bring:

• Design and project leadership: The ability to establish design direction, guide others, and deliver coordinated, technically sound work.
• Client and team management: Experience leading client discussions, directing staff, managing priorities, and resolving project challenges.
• Relevant project experience: Personally led park, education, healthcare, civic, or public-realm projects are valuable.
• Southern California market knowledge and connections: Familiarity with regional clients, public agencies, approval processes, and architectural and engineering partners is preferred, along with established professional relationships and the ability to develop new ones.

California landscape architect licensure is preferred. Strong candidates actively progressing toward California licensure may be considered under an appropriate professional-supervision and development plan.

Compensation, benefits, and advancement

Annual base salary of $130,000–$160,000, with the offer based on relevant experience, qualifications, and demonstrated leadership responsibilities.

Annual cash profit-sharing bonus eligibility, separate from base salary and governed by a written incentive plan. Payments depend on qualifying firm results and applicable plan terms and are not guaranteed.

Company-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for eligible employees, dependent coverage is separate.

Paid time off, paid holidays, and flexible scheduling, subject to company policy and project and client requirements.

A path toward Managing Principal responsibilities and potential ownership, based on performance, leadership development, and mutual long-term fit.