Principal Landscape Architect
About this role
Work With The Best
We are building the premier outdoor living company in the country by creating a “family of family companies” across the nation. Now you can build your landscaping career with the best, working in one of our many company locations nationwide. Learn from the top experts in the field and work on some of the country’s largest and most complex landscape projects. Take advantage of opportunities to share and exchange best practices across our network. The opportunities are endless.
Responsibilities and Duties
Strategic Leadership & Design Direction
Lead and oversee multiple projects from concept through construction, ensuring alignment with the firm’s design philosophy and client expectations.
Establish design vision, maintain quality control, and uphold innovation across all deliverables.
Mentor and support project teams, providing guidance, feedback, and professional development.
Direct client engagement, including presentations, project reviews, and ongoing relationship management.
Oversee resource allocation, staffing, and workload distribution for efficient project execution.
Collaboration & Coordination
Partner with executive leadership to shape business strategy and studio growth.
Collaborate with architects, engineers, and contractors to integrate landscape design seamlessly into larger project frameworks.
Foster strong relationships with clients, consultants, and stakeholders by communicating design intent clearly and effectively.
Represent the firm at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to strengthen the company’s brand and influence.
Technical & Documentation Oversight
Review and approve design documents, renderings, and technical drawings prepared by design teams.
Ensure compliance with zoning codes, permitting processes, and industry regulations.
Conduct site visits to review progress, resolve field challenges, and maintain design integrity.
Provide oversight on construction administration, materials, and specifications.
What We Offer
Competitive salary, benefits package, and performance-based incentives.
Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
A collaborative and supportive studio culture that values innovation and excellence.
Access to cutting-edge design tools, technology, and ongoing training.
A chance to work on high-profile, award-winning projects that make a lasting impact.
You will be connected to the work as we build nearly 100% of our designs and own every detail from concept through completion.
Job Requirements
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture.
Licensed Landscape Architect with 8–12+ years of professional experience.
Proven track record of leading complex, high-profile projects from design through construction.
Exceptional design sensibility combined with technical knowledge of construction methods, grading, and materials.
Strong leadership, mentoring, and team management skills.
Expertise in design tools such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, Lumion, Rhino, or similar software.
Excellent communication, presentation, and client-relations skills.
Passion for advancing innovative, sustainable, and impactful outdoor environments.
The Perks
401(k) plan with company match
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
FSA/HSA
PerkSpot
Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance
Paid time Off
Tuition Reimbursement (after one year of service)
Position Range:
$140,000.00-$190,000.00
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Mariani Enterprises, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment with regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service or any other characteristic protected by law.
Company at a glance
For more than 60 years, Mariani Landscape has been the trusted market leader in the residential landscape industry, and has earned a reputation for designing, constructing, maintaining, and enhancing extraordinary and innovative landscapes. Chairman Frank Mariani is fond of saying, “Let’s make our next project our best project.” Our over 800 devoted employees in the Chicago area share in this passion for excellence, delivering personalized, hand-made service to multiple generations of clients.
Known for our distinct Mariani mint green trucks, the company is recognized nationally for its award-winning design, best-of-class landscape practices, game-changing innovation, and continuing thought leadership. This includes professional organizations such as Acanthus, The Professional Landcare Network, the American Society of Landscape Architects, and the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, National Landscape Contractors Association, and Luxe RED, among others.
Now Mariani Landscape is building the best residential landscape firm in the world by creating a “family of family companies” across the nation. Mariani Landscape is elevating the residential landscape industry as a whole by partnering with other premium, family-owned landscape companies to deliver even better client experiences, providing the best career opportunities for associates, and being the best stewards of the earth.
Top Benefits
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- FSA/HSA
- PerkSpot
- Long-Term Disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
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