Senior Landscape Architect/Senior Playground Designer (Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds)

About Us

At Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds, we connect children with nature by creating natural play opportunities that emphasize creativity, interaction, and pedagogy. Our team is a diverse group of designers, educators, fabricators, and constructors, dedicated to fostering natural curiosity, creativity, and a sense of adventure through our playgrounds and educational initiatives.

Position Overview

As the Senior Landscape Architect/Senior Playground Designer, you will play a pivotal role in designing and executing innovative natural playgrounds. This position is heavily focused on quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) of construction drawings, requiring a strong background in construction documentation and technical expertise. You will also manage projects, oversee budgets and schedules, and mentor junior team members to ensure the highest standards of design and quality.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Assurance & Quality Control

• Review technical drawings, specifications, and other project documentation for accuracy, compliance, clarity, and completeness.
• Collaborate with project teams to address and resolve design or documentation challenges promptly.
• Implement continuous improvement practices to enhance design quality and project outcomes.

Project Management

• Manage all phases of projects, from conceptual design to construction documentation and implementation.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project schedules, ensuring all milestones and deliverables are met.
• Monitor project budgets, optimize resource allocation, and control costs to achieve financial targets.
• Coordinate with clients, contractors, consultants, and internal teams to ensure seamless project execution.

Design Leadership

• Conceptualize and refine innovative designs for natural playgrounds, incorporating client feedback and stakeholder input.
• Ensure designs meet relevant codes, standards, and best practices.
• Provide creative and technical expertise to guide the integration of functional and aesthetic elements into projects.

Technical Expertise & Mentorship

• Provide guidance on on-site analysis, grading, planting design, and material selection to support project goals.
• Utilize advanced design tools such as AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite to create detailed plans, renderings, and presentations.
• Mentor junior designers, offering constructive feedback and fostering their technical and professional development.

Risk Management

• Identify potential risks in design and construction, including compliance, safety, and environmental impact.
• Develop and implement strategies to mitigate risks, ensuring successful project outcomes.
• Conduct site visits to monitor construction progress, resolve design issues, and ensure alignment with project specifications.

Business Development:

• Support the Managing Director of Design in identifying and pursuing new business opportunities and client relationships.
• Participate in client meetings, presentations, and interviews to secure new projects and expand the service lines portfolio.
• Contribute to the preparation of marketing materials, project proposals, and bid submissions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing clients, ensuring repeat business and long-term partnerships.

Qualifications

• A bachelors or masters degree in landscape architecture, urban design, or a related field; or comparable experience.
• 710 years of relevant experience in landscape design, with a focus on playgrounds, parks, or similar projects.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite are required.
• Proficiency in SketchUp or other design/rendering tools is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of construction documents and QA/QC processes
• Experience in hand rendering is an asset.
• Proven experience managing project schedules, budgets, and resources.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership abilities.