Principal Landscape Architect - PLA

WHAT PHARIS DESIGN AN LJA COMPANY HAS TO OFFER

Pharis Design an LJA Company is offering an exciting opportunity that will allow you to reach your full career potential. The structure of our organization is designed to amplify your capabilities while gaining the benefits of being an employee-owner. What truly sets this opportunity apart is the chance to collaborate every day with dedicated, skilled, and supportive leaders. Whether you are in the office, in the field, or behind the scenes, working at LJA gives you the chance to grow through hands-on experience and exposure to a broad range of clients and services.

WHAT MAKES PHARIS DESIGN AN LJA COMPANY DIFFERENT

At Pharis Design an LJA Inc, our employee-owners take pride in their work and their workplace. We’re guided by leaders who foster a culture of respect, collaboration and a shared vision of success. Our difference is evident in the experiences and opportunities we provide:

• Employee-owned. Client-focused
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Consistently ranked as a Top Workplace
• Internal recruitment team, in-house training, and a marketing department specific to our industry
• We celebrate flexibility, allowing every team and office to lead with their proven approach
• Our culture champions continuous learning and personal growth
• We believe success comes through constant evolution and communication
• We are passionate about having fun and making money, all while creating impact

POSITION OVERVIEW: As a Principal Landscape Architect at Pharis Design an LJA Company, you will be responsible for leading a team of landscape designers to develop innovative, creative, and integrated design solutions at all phases of work, from pursuit to conceptual design through to successful project implementation.

A TYPICAL DAY MIGHT INCLUDE:

• Develop innovative and effective design solutions with a high level of skill and creativity in landscape architecture.
• Mentor and develop junior design staff. Challenge, inspire and motivate others to join in the constant pursuit of design excellence. Maintain and improve employee morale by meeting regularly with staff members and establishing an open line of communication.
• Work with other principals to organize and manage the office’s day-to-day operations.
• Assist with the development of the short and long-term company objectives.
• Manage Landscape Architect Project Managers and staff to ensure quality of work is consistent with Pharis Design/ LJA quality standards, as well as meeting all applicable deadlines and budgets.
• Evolve a collaborative and inclusive design process and culture that emphasizes design exploration, iterative problem-solving and sustainable design.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and other allied site disciplines on commercial and large-scale design projects.
• Lead landscape architecture design within projects of varying scales, guiding concepts, and ideas from pursuit through concept development to construction documentation and construction administration.
• Develop budgets and project proposals, approve expenses and timesheets, review invoices and other functions related to managing teams and projects.
• Review and approve subconsultant contracts as needed.
• Establish and retain a leading-edge knowledge of sustainable site concepts.

Business Development Responsibilities:

• Support the development of strong client relationships; engage in business development and marketing efforts to win work. Place value on repeat clients.
• Identify potential teaming opportunities with architects, engineers, and other industry professionals.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with City and County jurisdictions.
• Assist with marketing and public relations efforts.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Undergraduate Degree in Landscape Architecture.
• Licensed Landscape Architect

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in landscape architecture. preferably with community-based planning, from conceptual plans to detailed lot plans, but must also have diverse interests, intellectual curiosity, and an interest in producing a range of innovative and creative products to meet client needs.
• 5+ years’ experience as a practice leader and manager with direct reports.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Bluebeam and Microsoft Office Suite required. Knowledge of 3D applications and workflows.
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to build strong relationships

LEVEL UP WITH LJA

At LJA, we’re 100% employee-owned. This drives results, rewards ambition and supports long-term success for every team member. With almost 100 locations and 3,000+ employee-owners (and growing), we’re building something big! We want you to be part of it. Your future grows here.

• 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.

To Executive Search Firms & Staffing Agencies: LJA Engineering, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes from any agencies that have not signed a service agreement. All unsolicited resumes will be considered LJA's property. This includes resumes submitted directly to hiring managers without contacting LJA's Human Resources Talent Department.