Landscape Designer (3-5 years)

Landscape Architect / Designer (3-5 years)

San Rafael, CA

VITA Planning and Landscape Architecture, Inc. is located north of San Francisco in Marin County and consists of a core group of planners, landscape architects, and architects. The focus of our practice is planning and landscape design for large-scale, high-end recreation communities, urban mixed-use, hotel, and resort development. We find that most of our projects are “special situations” where a new market opportunity, a sensitive environment, a historic context or a complex approvals process requires an innovative approach. We have completed projects in many regions of the United States as well as the Caribbean, Hawai’i, Asia, Central and South America, and throughout the Pacific Rim.

VITA is a studio of planners, architects, and landscape architects dedicated to respectfully merging the built environment with the natural setting through thoughtful, collaborative design. Inherent in our design process are knowledge and respect for local and regional cultures and history, the natural setting, and the business objectives of our clients. This understanding of the land and its inhabitants is the foundation of our work and provides cultural connections to place.

Position Role & Responsibilities

Working with us in this role, you may be responsible for:

• Design (design studies, sketches, and conceptual studies using hand drawing and digital media)
• 3D modeling
• Producing presentation graphics and presentations
• Assisting in the preparation of construction drawings/documents, sets (grading plans, planting plans, layout plans, technical details, and specifications)
• Assist in the development of site development plans submitted for development approval in conformance with plans, specifications, and ordinances
• Compiling and analyzing data on site conditions
• Assist in the preparation of cost estimates, technical reports, and memos
• Attending and participating in meetings (incl. oral presentations, interaction with clients, consultant teams, and travel)
• Work with senior designers and principals on a collaborative team from conceptual design through construction documentation

Requirements

• A professional undergraduate or graduate degree or certificate from an accredited program in landscape architecture or architecture.

Candidate Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of professional experience in a landscape architecture office
• Strong design skills
• Strong problem solving, critical thinking skills, analysis
• Attention to detail and organization
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• Effective time management skills
• Leadership qualities and ability to take initiative; self-motivation
• Ability to take direction
• Positive attitude
• Sense of accountability
• Ability and willingness to travel (subject to Covid conditions)
• Project management/project coordination experience
• Experience with schematic design, design development, and construction documents
• Demonstrated the ability to successfully work directly with clients and other consultants
• Demonstrated the ability to successfully direct the work of junior staff and train entry level designers
• Technical understanding of landscape architecture site development elements
• Licensure as a landscape architect, planner, or architect, or is in the process of becoming licensed (is considered a bonus)
• Understanding of when support is needed from senior staff and the ability to execute and integrate direction/input provided.
• Ability to teach the efficient use of CAD and Adobe Suite to junior staff
• Ability to direct (with the support of senior staff) the preparation of conceptual and schematic deliverables as well as construction documents, including grading, drainage, lighting, planting, and construction details.

Proficiency in:

• AutoCAD 2014+
• Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, esp.)
• Microsoft Office
• 3D modeling 
• Google Earth Pro
• Hand sketching

• Lumion
• Revit
• ArcMap/ ArcGIS
• Bluebeam Revu

Apply

• Portfolio (PDF, 15MB max.)
• Resume/CV (word or PDF)
• Contact info for 2-3 references
• Email or cover letter