Landscape Architecture Associate

Kounkuey Design Initiative (KDI)

is a team of diverse urbanists—landscape architects, urban planners, community organizers, and engineers—united by our shared commitment to building equity, justice, and resilience in communities through design. A BIPOC- and woman-led firm that was founded in 2006, KDI comprises 50 professionals working from four offices : Los Angeles, Eastern Coachella Valley, Nairobi, and Stockholm.

Job Description :

KDI is expanding its portfolio of landscape architecture and is seeking

a Landscape Architecture Associate to join our growing team of 20 staff in Los Angeles, CA. This is a great opportunity for a creative, highly motivated early career professional to work on exciting new projects to advance equity and support community-driven development. The position is based in our Los Angeles office, and will involve periodic travel to our projects in the Eastern Coachella Valley (ECV), other areas of California, and other cities across the U.S.

The Landscape Architecture Associate will work closely with the KDI’s Planning and Community teams, local low-income communities of color, government officials, and other stakeholders to support a wide range of projects and topics, such as :

• Equity-focused site design and neighborhood master planning in L.A. and in cities across the country
• Design, documentation, and construction of community parks, historic cultural sites, streetscapes, and ecologically significant sites.
• Research and project development on topics such as green schoolyards, gender equity, and climate change adaptation in low-income communities of color
• Participatory design and activation of public spaces, from vacant lots to large parks
• Economic and social development programs
• Leadership development / capacity building for residents in under-resourced communities on improving the built environment

Roles and Responsibilities :

Project Planning, Documentation, and Execution

Complex project management : lead the development and execution of landscape architecture and planning projects from concept through completion, ensuring alignment with KDI's mission.

Manage project teams, both internal and external.

Guide design and technical documentation of projects with oversight and guidance from KDI leadership. Project types will range from masterplans to site design.

Deliver projects on time and on budget.

Identify and manage project risks and develop mitigation strategies to address potential issues.

Oversee project compliance with internal and external requirements.

Prepare project reports and presentations for funders, partners, and internal leadership.

Track and document project outcomes, lessons learned, and best practices to inform future projects and organizational learning.

Ensure that projects meet quality standards and adhere to KDI’s values of social and environmental sustainability.

Implement quality control measures to track project progress, ensuring all deliverables meet or exceed expectations.

Resource and Budget Management

Appropriately manage large, complex projects and budgets, ensuring efficient allocation and tracking of resources and expenses.

Collaborate with the finance team to prepare budgets and monitor expenditures.

Seek cost-effective solutions and negotiate with vendors and contractors to optimize project resources.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

Act as the primary liaison between clients, community members, and project teams to ensure clear communication and alignment on project goals and expectations.

Facilitate meetings, workshops, and presentations with community stakeholders, ensuring inclusive participation and feedback.

Maintain positive relationships with partners, funders, and other stakeholders, fostering a collaborative and transparent environment.

Team Leadership and Development

Lead and mentor project team members, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that promotes growth and skill development.

Set clear goals and expectations for project team members, and provide regular feedback.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

Identify opportunities to improve project processes and methodologies, implementing best practices and innovative approaches.

Stay current with industry trends and emerging practices in design and community development to inform project strategy and execution.

Support KDI’s commitment to social impact by aligning project work with larger community needs and development goals.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture

3 years minimum experience in complex project management of landscape architecture projects, with demonstrated success

Design and technical expertise in all phases of landscape architecture design including concept design, design development, and construction documentation.

Experience meeting deadlines, managing multiple tasks, leading teams of staff and subconsultants, and taking initiative to solve problems

Strength in design communication, including graphic, written, verbal, and collaboration skills

Strong commitment to social justice

Excellent professional ethics, leadership skills, accountability, and decision-making capabilities.

Excellent presentation and public speaking skills

Proficient in MS Office, Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, Rhino3D, and Google Workspace Apps required

Driver’s license and reliable mode of transportation

Ability and willingness to travel

Fluency in Spanish strongly preferred

Location Schedule

This is a

salaried

full-time,

in-person

position (with flexible schedule options – 9 / 80 or traditional schedule).

Salary : 90-105K

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401k with matching, Paid Time Off

How to Apply

Send electronic copy of cover letter, resume, portfolio, and three (3) references to

lajobs@kounkuey.org

with

Subject heading : Landscape Architecture Associate : Your Name

We are a woman-led, bipoc-led practice committed to recruiting and retaining a team that reflects the communities we partner with. We prioritize inclusion, transparency, collaboration, courage and rigor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status or medical condition (including AIDS, and cancer-related medical condition). We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Salary : $90,000 - $105,000