Senior Landscape Architect

DESTINATION ENTERPRISES INC•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

The Senior Landscape Architect will oversee the staff, projects, programs, and activities of the Landscape Unit, providing professional leadership, technical direction, and guidance in the planning, design, development, and implementation of landscape architecture and greening projects. This role involves providing technical direction and professional oversight to consultant landscape architects and other design professionals, serving as Landscape Architect of Record for District-designed projects, and assuming professional responsibility for the preparation, review, coordination, and certification of landscape architectural plans, specifications, and related technical documents. The position plans, develops, and directs highly complex landscape architectural projects involving landscape design, site planning, greening, irrigation systems, grading, planting, hardscape, and related site improvements. The Senior Landscape Architect will prepare and certify plans, specifications, and other professional documents in accordance with applicable laws, codes, standards, and District requirements. They will lead the design and development of in-house landscape architecture, greening, and land-use planning projects, applying professional judgment to establish design solutions. This role directs and supervises the preparation, review, and coordination of landscape architectural drawings, specifications, construction documents, and design revisions for new landscaping and modifications to existing landscapes. Additionally, the Senior Landscape Architect directs and oversees the development, review, negotiation, and processing of Design Service Proposals, scopes of work, and related documents for landscape architectural and greening design services. They will lead coordination and community engagement related to landscape architectural and greening projects with various stakeholders, evaluate input, and incorporate appropriate requirements into project development. The role involves reviewing, negotiating, and approving task orders, scopes of work, proposals, and related consultant documents. The Senior Landscape Architect prepares and reviews cost estimates, evaluates materials and equipment, establishes appropriate installation methods, and assesses project delivery methods. They will conduct site visits and field investigations, evaluate existing site conditions, review construction and installation progress, identify design and technical issues, and provide professional direction to resolve issues affecting landscape and greening projects. The position also involves reviewing and approving technical documentation supporting grant applications and providing technical consultation and professional advice to District management and other stakeholders. Finally, they will review project designs and provide recommendations regarding constructability, maintainability, lifecycle considerations, sustainability, accessibility, safety, cost effectiveness, and compliance with District requirements, and perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum ten (10) years’ professional experience in landscape architectural design on commercial and public agency projects, preferably school or university projects
Minimum three (3) years’ experience in supervising a team of landscape architects and related staff providing direction and overseeing projects from inception to completion
Experience with AutoCad design software system
Proficiency in computer office software (Word, Excel, Adobe, etc.)
Experience with graphic design and rendering software (Adobe Suite, Photoshop, others)
Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture
Extensive experience in AutoCad and Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
Strong design skills and a passion for creativity
Strong organizational skills
A high degree of self-motivation, flexibility, and resourcefulness
Knowledge of planting design, materials, and technical aspects of landscape architecture
Review of construction documents, specifications and contracts
Construction administration experience, as well as experience coordinating with a range of consultants including civil, electrical, and structural engineers
Strong written and verbal communication and collaboration skills.

Nice To Haves

Revit, Rhino and Lumion experience is preferred

Responsibilities

Oversee the staff, projects, programs, and activities of the Landscape Unit, providing professional leadership, technical direction, and guidance in the planning, design, development, and implementation of landscape architecture and greening projects
Provide technical direction and professional oversight to consultant landscape architects and other design professionals engaged in District landscape architecture, greening, irrigation, grading, and related projects
Serve as Landscape Architect of Record for District-designed projects and assume professional responsibility for the preparation, review, coordination, and certification of landscape architectural plans, specifications, and related technical documents
Plan, develop, and direct highly complex landscape architectural projects involving landscape design, site planning, greening, irrigation systems, grading, planting, hardscape, and related site improvements
Prepare and certify plans, specifications, and other professional documents in accordance with applicable laws, codes, standards, and District requirements
Lead the design and development of in-house landscape architecture, greening, and land-use planning projects, applying professional judgment to establish design solutions
Direct and supervise the preparation, review, and coordination of landscape architectural drawings, specifications, construction documents, and design revisions for new landscaping and modifications to existing landscapes
Direct and oversee the development, review, negotiation, and processing of Design Service Proposals, scopes of work, and related documents for landscape architectural and greening design services
Lead coordination and community engagement related to landscape architectural and greening projects with school principals, teachers, parent groups, nonprofit organizations, and other community stakeholders; evaluate input and incorporate appropriate requirements into project development
Review, negotiate, and approve task orders, scopes of work, proposals, and related consultant documents for landscape architectural and related professional services
Prepare and review cost estimates, evaluate materials and equipment, establish appropriate installation methods, and assess project delivery methods
Conduct site visits and field investigations; evaluate existing site conditions, review construction and installation progress, identify design and technical issues, and provide professional direction to resolve issues affecting landscape and greening projects
Review and approve technical documentation supporting grant applications for landscape architecture, greening, sustainability, and related projects; ensure that proposed projects and supporting documentation satisfy applicable District and funding-agency requirements
Provide technical consultation and professional advice to District management, project teams, school-site personnel, and other stakeholders regarding landscape architecture, site planning, greening, irrigation, grading, sustainability, and related design matters
Review project designs and provide recommendations regarding constructability, maintainability, lifecycle considerations, sustainability, accessibility, safety, cost effectiveness, and compliance with District requirements
Perform other related duties as assigned.