Landscape Architect

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 Architect will play a lead role in the design and advancement of diverse landscape projects, guiding design teams through each phase of project development. Your expertise will be crucial in conceptualizing and executing innovative outdoor spaces that align with client visions and project goals. You will actively interface with clients, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams, ensuring effective communication and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and refine landscape design concepts, site plans, and layouts for a variety of projects, including parks, commercial developments, residential communities, and public spaces
• Lead projects from initial concept through final implementation, coordinating with cross-disciplinary teams, clients, and consultants to meet project goals, budgets, and schedules
• Foster effective partnerships with corporate services including Accounting, Admin Services, and HR among others, to streamline processes, ensure compliance, and enhance operational efficiency
• Create planting plans, select appropriate plant materials, and incorporate sustainable practices, ensuring that plant choices align with site conditions, aesthetics, and environmental goals
• Prepare comprehensive construction documents, including detailed site plans, grading plans, planting plans, and technical specifications, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements
• Conduct site visits, analyze environmental conditions, and assess factors like vegetation, topography, and drainage to inform project decisions and ensure feasibility and sustainability
• Implement and oversee quality control processes throughout all phases of design and construction, conducting thorough reviews of plans, specifications, and documentation to ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and McAdams’ Quality Management Program.
• Provide guidance to junior designers, offering technical and design mentorship to support team development and ensure high-quality project output
• Present design concepts and solutions to clients, municipal agencies, and other stakeholders, incorporating feedback to refine designs and ensure project alignment
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities by building and maintaining relationships with potential clients, stakeholders, and industry partners
• Ensure all designs meet local, state, and federal regulations, including zoning, permitting, and environmental standards
• Support Project Managers in business development efforts by contributing to proposal writing, creating compelling graphics, and preparing presentation materials to effectively convey project vision and value to potential clients
• Conduct construction site visits and field observations under the guidance of the Project Manager, gaining hands-on experience in construction administration to ensure design intent and quality standards are met
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Skills + Experience
• Bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited program in Landscape Architecture or related field required
• 4 - 6 years of working experience in design or related field required
• RLA licensure
• Advanced knowledge of AutoCAD, Civil 3D, LandFX, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office; 3-D software such as SketchUp, and hand/digital graphic rendering capabilities
• Self-starter with strong drive for personal growth and a commitment to continuous improvement
• Display exceptional oral and written communication and interpersonal skills to present materials to clients, development team, stakeholders, general public, etc.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of design, planning, and regulatory requirements and standards
• Excellent communication, critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills to facilitate accurate, efficient, and quality project deliverables
• Possess a general understanding of the financial aspects of projects, including budgeting, cost control, and profitability
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a team
• Work Environment + Physical Demands
• The characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. When properly requested and when feasible (without undue hardship to the company), reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
• Work will primarily be in an office setting with limited opportunities to be exposed to adverse environmental conditions, however when conducting field work, exposure to outside environmental conditions should be expected.
• Work will be primarily working with fingers by picking, pinching, typing, and grasping often with repetitive motion.
• Must have visual acuity for viewing a computer screen, the ability to talk, hear and sit for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to carry, lift and push/pull up to 5 pounds frequently and up to 30 pounds occasionally. When working in the field, the need to carry, lift and push/pull up to 50 or higher pounds may occur.
• Field based work will involve long-term standing and frequent walking as well as include common hazards encountered while maneuvering through project sites.
• Must have the ability to see, smell, hear, talk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel and twist, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, sit, stand, and walk.
• Additional physical duties may be required as necessary.
• McAdams is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard for 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.
• If you need assistance with our online application system process, please contact the Human Resources Team at 919.361.5000 or hrteam@mcadamsco.com.
• Please read these notices for important information regarding applying for work with McAdams.
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