What are the responsibilities and job description for the Landscape Architectural Designer I position at Olson Kundig?
Olson Kundig is a design practice founded on the ideas that buildings can serve as a bridge between nature, culture and people, and that inspiring surroundings have a positive effect on people’s lives. The firm’s work can be found across the globe, with projects as wide-ranging as huts to high rises, homes—often for art collectors—to academic, cultural and civic projects, museums and exhibition design, places of worship, creative production, urban design, and interior design.
We are seeking a Landscape Architectural Designer I to join Olson Kundig and contribute to the design of thoughtful, high-quality outdoor spaces. In this role, you will help develop and visualize design concepts that balance aesthetics and functionality across a range of project types and scales - from gardens and parks to commercial and residential landscapes. Working under the guidance of a project manager and design lead, you will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to translate ideas into well-executed designs that meet aesthetic, environmental, and project goals.
Primary Responsibilities:
Analysis of Design and Planning:
Support the analysis and design of exterior environments through research, site and zoning studies, and early-stage concept development. Assist in producing plans, grading, sections, elevations, and 3D models under guidance from senior staff. Contribute to sustainability-focused design efforts and maintain a portfolio demonstrating design and technical capabilities.
Design Support & Technical Assistance:
Provide technical and documentation support across project phases, including assisting with specifications, construction documents, and construction administration. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and consultants, contribute ideas and deliverables, and support project coordination, timelines, and meeting documentation under the direction of senior team members.
Additional duties and projects:
As assigned or necessary.
Qualifications
Must Have:
Education: Bachelor or Technical degree in landscape, architecture, or closely related field
Experience: Minimum 2 - 4 years of related professional experience or similar role with equivalent work experience
Digital Literacy:
- Beginner proficiency in MS Excel, ERP (Deltek Vision), Digital File Organization, Revit (BIM), Grasshopper, Enscape, Rhino 3D, and ArcGIS.
- Intermediate proficiency in MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, web browser, AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Bluebeam Revu/Studio, Adobe Acrobat, and Sketch-Up
Nice to Have:
Beginner proficiency in AI image generation, LandFX
Consider obtaining licensure as a Landscape Architect (LARE exams).
Ability to work at a variety of project scales from master planning to detail design.
Experience working on High-End Residential, Hospitality (Hotels, F&B, and Resorts), and Workplace, as well as a variety of project scales from Master Planning to Detail design.
Experience with tools for drafting and design (such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite), geographic information systems (GIS) for site analysis, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) for integrated design and documentation.
Ability to solve complex challenges that require creative problem-solving, including the ability to present solutions and recommendations for non-standard situations.
Membership in professional landscape architectural organizations such as ASLA, IFLA, ULI, or similar.
What You Can Expect
- A creative work environment and colleagues who are collaborative, creative, and challenging
- Opportunity to grow professionally
- Check our culture page to learn about life at Olson Kundig
This role is based in Seattle, Washington with less than 10% travel expected.
Equal Opportunity & Pay Transparency
Olson Kundig is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, gender, age, religion, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law. Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations at any point in the employment process.
In compliance with Washington State’s Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (RCW 49.58.110), Olson Kundig provides transparent compensation information in all job postings. For this position based in Seattle, Washington, the annual salary is between $72,000 and $80,000. Final salary decisions are made based upon the extent and relevance of the candidate’s experience, as well as internal equity and external market factors.
All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship and must already possess long-term work authorization.
Salary : $72,000 - $80,000