Landscape Designer

Who We Are:   

At Hoerr Schaudt, we design beautiful, purposeful gardens that connect people, site, and season.   

Gardens elicit joy, soothe our souls, and become places where we interact with each other and the world around us. Drawing upon centuries of time-honored tradition, our work layers botanical silhouettes to shape space and create settings that artfully blend the natural and built environments, be it a residence, streetscape, campus, city park, or botanical garden.   

Job Summary:   

Hoerr Schaudt is seeking a creative, passionate and experienced Landscape Designer to join our Chicago team.  

The ideal candidate will have at least TWO YEARS of experience (not counting internships), passion for sustainable, aesthetic, and functional outdoor spaces, and will work closely with senior designers and project managers to develop and implement design concepts for a variety of residential, commercial, and public landscape projects. 

As a Landscape Designer, you will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and detailing outdoor spaces, collaborating with clients, and ensuring that all designs meet environmental, functional, and aesthetic standards. You will play a key role in producing high-quality presentations and assisting in the execution of landscape projects.   

Key Responsibilities: 

Design & Conceptualization: 

• Develop creative and functional landscape designs based on client needs, site conditions, and project goals.
• Prepare detailed site plans, sketches, and renderings for presentations to clients and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with project managers and senior designers to refine and execute design concepts. 

Technical Skills & Documentation: 

• Create detailed construction documents, including planting plans, grading plans, and material specifications.
• Prepare presentations, renderings, and 3D models to effectively communicate design ideas to clients and contractors.
• Utilize CAD software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, etc.) to produce technical drawings. 

Collaboration & Client Interaction: 

• Communicate directly with clients to understand their preferences, requirements, and goals for landscape projects.
• Provide mentorship to junior staff and peer groups. Actively collaborate with internal and external teams. 

 Project Management Support: 

• Assist in the preparation of project timelines, budgets, and schedules.
• Support senior team members with project coordination, meetings, and client communications.
• Ensure timely and accurate delivery of design phases from concept to construction documentation. 

Qualifications: 

Education: 

• Bachelor or master’s degree in landscape architecture. Master’s degree preferred but not required.

Experience: 

• 2 years of professional experience in landscape design, with a proven portfolio of completed projects.
• Understanding of design principles, plant materials, hardscape elements, and sustainable design practices.

Skills: 

• Proficiency in design and drafting software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar).
• Ability to create detailed and clear construction documents.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, both written and verbal.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail. 

What We Offer: 

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Please see a list of our benefits on our careers page
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Access to cutting-edge tools and technologies in landscape design. 

Additional Information: 

• Work Environment: Monday through Friday 8:30-5:30 with an hour for lunch/breaks.
• Benefits: Health benefits, paid time off, 401(k), to/from office commute paid, or parking provided, and opportunities for career growth within a dynamic and expanding company.
• Salary: Range is $65,000-$80,000; the offer will be based on experience, skills and background in similar positions. 

Physical requirements of the role: 

• Lifting, Carrying and Moving: Occasional lifting, carrying and moving up to 20 lbs. or more of plant and landscape-related materials (paint, stakes, tools, lasers, samples etc.) onsite or to/from the site and in the office. Specifically, during layouts, occasional lifting, carrying and moving can be large parts of the workday.
• Mobility: Occasional visits to jobsites require being outdoors for extended periods from time-to-time in variable site conditions, and this position will require walking, hiking, kneeling and standing for extended periods of time during the day on varied terrain: dirt, rocks, concrete, grass, wet and dry surfaces, finished and unfinished landscapes and varied ground conditions.
• Working conditions: Our clients’ projects are across the USA, and therefore this position requires the ability to work outdoors occasionally at jobsites in all weather conditions and throughout all seasons: sun, rain, ice, snow, etc., depending on location.
• Protective Gear: Requirement to wear clothing for the expected site and weather conditions, including protective clothing and hard-toed boots/shoes (where dictated) 

How to Apply: LinkedIn only applications will not be considered.

Please submit your resume, portfolio, and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience to our Director of Human Resources, Meg Graham at mgraham@hoerrschaudt.com