Senior Landscape Architect

SWA/Balsley is actively seeking a highly skilled Senior-Level Landscape Architect with 10+ years of landscape architecture experience. Experience managing NYC Parks Capital Division projects, either as an in-house designer or with an outside consultant, is a plus. Experience working on international projects, particularly in the Middle East and Asia, is a plus.

SWA/Balsley, led by National ASLA Design Medalist Tom Balsley, evolved from Thomas Balsley Associates into a collaborative studio whose philosophy places a high value on design contribution at all phases of a project’s development. SWA/Balsley’s portfolio focuses on the resilient and sustainable urban public realm, urban parks, waterfronts, and landscape infrastructure, as well as high profile and diverse hi-rise, mixed-use, residential, commercial, and institutional projects. In collaboration with Tom Balsley and other studio leaders, you can seize this unique opportunity to spread your wings and contribute your unique leadership to our new growing studio.

SWA Group offers one of the very best benefits packages in the design industry, including employee ownership. Experience a truly collaborative and congenial environment, engage with other SWA studios, and enjoy the unparalleled benefits of the largest landscape architecture firm in the U.S. Join our team, and contribute to work that is environmentally, socially, and culturally impactful throughout the U.S. and abroad.

About the position:

• Domestic and international travel.
• Shared leadership role with managing the studio and its growth.
• Representing the firm at client and agency meetings and industry conferences.
• Contributing to the marketing/business development efforts and recruitment.
• Attendance at firm-wide technical and field group committee gatherings.
• Participation in project/design kick-offs and crits throughout the project’s duration.
• Provide studio leadership and mentoring in technical documentation and construction and provide project management, client management, and coordination of your own projects.
• Provide peer reviews and leadership for Middle East project design teams.

Minimum Requirements:

• 10+ years of professional experience at a landscape architecture firm, with work in both the private and public realms.
• Accredited degree in Landscape Architecture.
  
• Licensed in the State of New York or ability to obtain license within 1 year.
• Strong problem solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating project management of full services.
• Strong attention to detail and organization.
  Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective time management skills.
• Positive attitude and sense of accountability.
• Proficiency in:
  • AutoCAD
  • Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop, esp.)
  • 3D modeling (Lumion, Rhino, and Sketchup, esp.)
  • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, esp.)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing NYC Parks Capital Division projects, either as an in-house designer or with an outside consultant.
• Experience working for or with other NYC public agencies, particularly EDC and DDC.
• Experience working on international projects, particularly in the Middle East and Asia.
• Experience leading a variety of public and private projects at a range of scales.
• Strong knowledge of construction documentation, plant materials, and construction.
• Experience or interest in business development and marketing.
• Prior prime leadership experience with large teams.
• Proficiency in:
  • Revit 3D modeling
  • Hand sketching
  • BIM

Apply:

• Resume and Portfolio (one document, PDF, 20MB max)
• Contact information for 2-3 references
• Cover letter (Optional)

Last updated on Feb 10, 2025