Job Description

Specialized Recruiting Group is seeking a Landscape Designer to join a premier luxury design-build firm specializing in high-end residential outdoor environments.

We're looking for a Landscape Designer to own the client relationship from the first prospect visit through design, contract, build, and handoff. This role combines hands-on design work (concept development, CAD construction drawings, and client presentations) with organizing the front end of the sales process and leading plant, material, and tree selection and sourcing.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable presenting concepts to a discerning luxury client, producing detailed CAD drawings for a complex hardscape installation, and making sure every project moves from sales into design and estimating with clean, complete information. From sweeping estate gardens and handcrafted hardscape installations to serene water features and bespoke outdoor living spaces, the right Landscape Designer will share the firm's artistry, precision, and unwavering commitment to quality.

This is a direct hire position (no contracting or probationary period) with our client, who offers a competitive salary, health benefits package, and performance and project-based bonus opportunities. If you're interested in joining a collaborative, passionate team of landscape professionals and a culture that values craftsmanship, creativity, and continuous professional growth, we'd love to speak with you.

Key Responsibilities

Landscape Design

• Develop comprehensive landscape design concepts for high-end residential and commercial clients, from initial consultation through final design presentation.
• Conduct site analysis and assessments to inform designs that are both aesthetically exceptional and site-appropriate.
• Produce detailed CAD drawings including site plans, planting plans, grading plans, hardscape layouts, and construction details.
• Create compelling visual presentations including 3D renderings, material boards, and plant palettes tailored to luxury clientele.
• Present designs to clients, clearly communicating design intent and responding to feedback with professionalism.
• Collaborate with the project management team to keep designs constructible, on budget, and aligned with project timelines.
• Estimate each design produced through the company's estimating system, and supply the estimating department with accurate site measurements, photos, and design specifications.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, and other design professionals on integrated project teams.
• Work with our contracted design partner on the largest and most complex projects, sharing CAD files and site data as needed.
• Maintain and organize design files, as-built documentation, and project records.

Client Relationships

• Serve as the client's primary advocate and single point of contact from the initial sales meeting through design, contract, build, and handoff.
• Attend sales and design meetings alongside the Head of Sales to give every client a consistent, professional experience.
• Partner with the Head of Sales to bring organization and a consistent, repeatable process to the front end of the sales cycle.
• Build and maintain standardized templates and checklists for prospect visits, client intake, and meeting notes.
• Take photos and measurements during prospect and site visits, and log client information, photos, measurements, and selections in Company Cam / CRM promptly after every visit or meeting.
• Assist in creating design-build proposals and contracts (GDB).
• Manage change order requests throughout the build.
• Coordinate handoff and ongoing communication with the build team.

Plant & Materials Selection

• Lead plant, tree, and material selection for client projects, working from approved designs and site conditions.
• Select and specify hardscape elements, lighting, irrigation components, and outdoor furnishings.
• Lead materials selection meetings with clients.
• Coordinate sourcing and acquisition of plant material and trees with growers and vendors, in line with project timelines and budgets.
• Document and upload all plant and material selections alongside other project selections in the project system.
• Stay current with luxury landscape design trends, new materials, and industry best practices.

Desired Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of professional landscape design experience, with a portfolio demonstrating high-end or luxury project work.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Landscape Architecture, Landscape Design, Horticulture, or a closely related field.
• Licensure as a Landscape Architect (RLA) or active pursuit of licensure.
• Client-facing experience in design-build sales, project management, or an equivalent design/construction role.
• Ability to produce professional, client-ready design drawings and presentations.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and experience with 3D visualization tools such as Rhino and Lumion.
• Strong understanding of hardscape design principles including natural stone, pavers, retaining walls, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, and water features.
• Solid horticultural knowledge including plant identification, selection, and performance across regional growing conditions.
• Familiarity with North Carolina native plants, regional soil conditions, and local municipal design standards.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the confidence to present to and consult with luxury clientele and manage long-term client relationships.

All applicants must provide a design portfolio, verifiable professional references, and consent to a background check. AutoCAD proficiency is a firm requirement and will be evaluated during the hiring process.

If this sounds like the right opportunity, we want to hear from you! Apply online today for immediate consideration.

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