Senior Landscape Designer

Position Description

Job Title: Senior Landscape Designer

Location: New York, NY (In-Office) & Client Sites

Reports To: Principal Designer

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

The Senior Landscape Designer is responsible for leading the design, documentation, and execution of landscape design projects from concept through construction. This role provides advanced design expertise, project oversight, and quality control across multiple concurrent projects. The Senior Landscape Designer ensures that all design work reflects Grace Fuller Design’s standards, coordinates with internal and external project stakeholders, and provides mentorship and direction to junior team members.

The position requires a high level of technical proficiency, independent judgment, and professional communication with clients, consultants, and contractors.

• Lead and oversee design development across all project phases, including concept design, schematic design, design development, and construction documentation.
• Produce high-quality CAD drawings, planting plans, grading and layout plans, construction details, diagrams, illustrative plans, and presentation renderings.
• Develop and refine planting concepts, bloom calendars, species recommendations, and horticultural strategies appropriate to each project.
• Ensure all design output aligns with Grace Fuller Design’s aesthetic, quality standards, sustainability goals, and documentation protocols.
• Conduct internal reviews and provide final approval on drawings and documents prepared by junior and intermediate team members.
• Maintain consistency in design intent and technical clarity across all project deliverables.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned clients, maintaining clear, professional communication throughout all phases of the project.
• Prepare and lead client presentations, progress reviews, design workshops, and on-site walkthroughs.
• Translate client needs and feedback into actionable design direction while safeguarding design integrity.
• Prepare high-level conceptual presentations as well as detailed, refined presentation packages for client review and approval.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients built on trust, responsiveness, and design professionalism.

• Manage project schedules, deliverables, staffing needs, and budgets to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and profitability.
• Coordinate internally with Principal, designers, and project coordinators to maintain workflow alignment and timely production.
• Coordinate externally with contractors, subcontractors, fabricators, consultants, engineers, arborists, and maintenance professionals.
• Conduct on-site inspections, field verification, installation oversight, and support construction administration efforts.
• Identify design challenges early and propose solutions that maintain design intent and project schedule.
• Contribute to business development through the preparation of proposals, interview presentations, and participation in design competitions.

• Provide day-to-day guidance, critique, and technical support to junior and intermediate designers.
• Oversee internal design reviews, pin-ups, redlines, and quality-control checks.
• Support professional growth of emerging designers through constructive feedback and skill-building opportunities.
• Uphold and enforce firm documentation standards, workflows, file organization protocols, and best practices.
• Promote a collaborative studio culture that encourages creativity, accountability, and high-quality design execution.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Landscape Design/Architecture or a related field.
• 5–8 years of professional experience in high-end residential or boutique landscape design.
• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and hand sketching.
• Strong understanding of horticulture, planting design, materials, and construction methods.
• Excellent client-facing and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with strong attention to…