Landscape Architect Project Manager

Company Name: Thomas & Hutton

Location: Durham, NC

Project Focus: Parks & Recreation, Master Planned Communities, Commercial, and Multidisciplinary Site Planning

Work Setting: In-Office

Salary: $110,000 – $145,000 + Performance Bonus (Estimated based on seniority)

Recruited Exclusively By: Luxus | AEC Talent Partners

Position Overview

Are you a visionary designer ready to transcend traditional site planning and lead high-impact, multidisciplinary projects? We are seeking a Landscape Architect Project Manager to join our elite team in Durham. In this role, you are not merely managing tasks; you are the primary architect of the environment, responsible for steering complex projects from initial concept through final construction. You will integrate aesthetic excellence with technical precision, ensuring that every master plan and public space leaves a lasting legacy on the North Carolina landscape.

Joining our team means stepping into a culture of recognized excellence where your professional growth is a priority. You will have the opportunity to mentor the next generation of designers while benefiting from a robust, 10% retirement contribution structure and a benefits package that leads the industry. As a key leader within the firm, you will foster a collaborative environment where innovative design meets strategic execution, backed by a firm that has been consistently ranked as one of the best places to work in the Southeast.

Core Responsibilities

• Design Leadership & Mentorship: Lead and inspire a team of landscape architects, providing technical guidance and creative support to produce high-quality, sustainable design solutions.

• Full-Cycle Project Stewardship: Oversee the entire project lifecycle, ensuring every milestone is achieved on schedule and within budget while maintaining the highest standards of design integrity.

• Strategic Client Partnership: Act as the primary point of contact for clients, nurturing long-term relationships through expert consultation, proposal development, and fee negotiation.

• Multidisciplinary Integration: Collaborate seamlessly with internal civil, environmental, and structural engineering teams to deliver unified, complex site solutions.

• Public & Regulatory Navigation: Lead projects through the entitlement process, ensuring full compliance with local regulations and industry standards.

• Business Development: Represent the firm in networking environments and lead project interviews to secure new, high-profile opportunities.

• Operational Excellence: Continuously refine project processes and techniques to enhance team efficiency and project outcomes.

• Talent Development: Implement growth strategies for junior team members, guiding their professional trajectory within the firm.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from an accredited program.

• Licensure: Active Professional Landscape Architect (PLA) or Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) license.

• Experience: 8–10 years of progressive experience in landscape architecture design and project management.

• Technical Proficiency: Expert knowledge of site planning, cost estimation, and the entitlement process.

• Management: Proven track record of leading, motivating, and mentoring a design team in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Sector Expertise: Deep experience in large-scale master planned communities and complex park systems.

• Sustainability: Advanced knowledge of sustainable design principles and LEED or SITES accreditation.

• Software Acumen: Proficiency in industry-standard design and rendering software (AutoCAD, Land F/X, Adobe Creative Suite, or Revit).

• Regional Knowledge: Strong familiarity with North Carolina permitting processes and local jurisdictional requirements.

Elite Benefits Package (Commencing 2025)

• Unrivaled Retirement: A 6% 401k match plus additional profit sharing, totaling a 10% employer contribution.

• Zero-Cost Healthcare: The firm pays 100% of medical premiums for both the employee and Family Coverage.

• Holistic Wellness: New wellness program via Personify Health with over $800 in annual rewards/bonuses.

• Lifestyle Support: Increased gym reimbursements, enhanced vision coverage, and new Pet Insurance options.

About Thomas & Hutton

Thomas & Hutton is a premier, award-winning multidisciplinary consulting firm with a storied history of providing innovative design solutions throughout the Southeast. Recognized as a "Best Place to Work" in Georgia and South Carolina, the firm provides a comprehensive suite of services including Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, and GIS. Our culture is built on the power of listening to our employees and acting on their feedback to create a world-class workplace.

About Luxus | AEC Talent Partners

Luxus is an exclusive AEC recruiting firm managing this search on behalf of Thomas & Hutton. We partner with the most prestigious structural, civil, and architectural firms in the country to connect top-tier talent with legacy-building opportunities. Not the perfect fit for this role? We still want to hear from you. Our network is constantly expanding with exclusive, unlisted positions across the AEC sector. Connect with us today to discuss your career trajectory.

Keywords: Landscape Architect, Project Manager, PLA, RLA, Site Planning, Master Planning, Durham AEC Jobs, Landscape Design, Urban Design, Entitlements, Land Development, Civil Engineering Integration, Sustainable Design, Project Management, AEC Leadership.