Studio Lead - PLA

LJA•Kansas City, MO

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Studio Lead – PLA at LJA Land Development, you will lead the architectural execution of multidisciplinary projects that integrate built form, landscape, and experience across a range of environments. This role supports projects such as parks, amenity centers, civic and recreational facilities, mixed-use developments, outdoor hospitality settings, boutique lodging, trailheads, community gathering spaces, and downtown plazas. The ideal candidate brings strong design thinking, technical expertise, project leadership, and the ability to organize production across multiple projects simultaneously.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited program.
Licensed Architect required.
Ability to maintain working knowledge of applicable building codes, construction methods, materials, and detailing appropriate to each project type.
Experience leading architectural project development from concept through construction documentation and administration.
Strong project management skills with the ability to organize production across multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to translate conceptual design ideas into buildable, code-compliant solutions.
Experience coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, including civil engineering, landscape architecture, and planning.
Strong communication skills with the ability to serve as the primary architectural contact for clients, consultants, and internal teams.
Organized, adaptable, collaborative, and comfortable contributing across design, documentation, coordination, and client engagement.
Working knowledge of construction methods, materials, and detailing.

Nice To Haves

Experience with parks, amenity centers, civic and recreational facilities, mixed-use developments, outdoor hospitality, boutique lodging, trailheads, community gathering spaces, or downtown plaza/public space projects.
A design-forward mindset with the ability to help shape memorable, functional, and experience-driven environments.
Experience working across architecture, landscape architecture, and planning to deliver cohesive, high-quality places.
Strong client relationship skills and the ability to support long-term client partnerships.
Comfort wearing multiple hats in a growing design team environment.

Responsibilities

Translating conceptual vision into buildable, code-compliant design solutions across a variety of project types.
Leading architectural project development from concept through construction documentation and construction administration.
Collaborating closely with civil engineering, landscape architecture, and planning teams to ensure integrated project delivery.
Coordinating and managing multiple projects across varying scales, including parks, amenity centers, and experience-driven environments.
Serving as the primary architectural point of contact for clients, consultants, and internal teams.
Managing project budgets, schedules, production efforts, and team coordination to support successful project delivery.
Communicating proactively and consistently to support high-quality outcomes and long-term client relationships.

Benefits

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Generous Time Off: PTO, paid holidays, and a full office closure between Christmas and New Year’s.
Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple plan options for health, dental, and pets. Along with mental health support.
Family Support: Paid maternity and parental leave to help you focus on what matters most.
Education Support: Tuition reimbursement and in-house courses provided by our Learning and Development team.
Referral Bonuses: Know great talent? Get rewarded for helping us grow.
Community Impact: Company-sponsored volunteer days and philanthropic initiatives.
Professional Development: Memberships to industry organizations to keep you connected and growing.
Career Growth: Great internal mobility opportunities to advance your career.
Fun Culture: LJA social events, employee sports teams, bring your kid to work day, etc.