Associate Studio Lead - PLA

Title: Associate Studio Lead               

Division: Planning and Landscape Architecture                            

LJA recognizes that our success depends on the quality of the people we hire. We are currently seeking highly talented individuals that take pride in their work, function exceptionally well in team environments, and contribute to the overall success of the company. As a 100% employee-owned company, we promote an entrepreneurial spirit that helps drive the bottom line and the long-term professional and financial success of our employees. With more than 70 office locations, LJA is growing and ready for talented people to help us build our future.

Summary:  As an Associate Studio Lead at LJA Planning & Landscape Architecture, you will play a crucial role in planning projects' creative and aesthetic oversight. This position is similar to an assistant project manager but strongly emphasizes creativity, art direction, and aesthetic guidance. Your responsibilities will include preparing concept plans, street pattern sketch plans, and site plans and providing direction, guidance, and reviews to ensure high-quality deliverables. You will also contribute to developing and implementing new design methods and processes and provide direction on illustrative exhibits regarding graphics, color, and composition.

General Responsibilities: 

• Concept Plan Preparation:
  • Prepare concept hand-sketched plans for various planning projects, incorporating creative and innovative design solutions.
  • Ensure that concept plans align with the client's vision, project requirements, industry standards, and jurisdictional requirements.
  • When required or at the direction of the Project Manager, Principal Planner, or Planning Director, digitize concept plans for preparation into illustrative exhibit.
  • Create digital color illustrative concept plans
• Street Pattern Plan Preparation:
  • Develop street pattern sketch plans that consider functionality, aesthetics, pedestrian-friendly design, and adherence to jurisdictional regulations.
  • Collaborate with the project team to ensure the street layout complements the overall project vision.
  • Review street patterns after they are in CAD to make sure they adhere to the sketch, overall concept plan, and jurisdictional regulations.
• Lotting Study Preparation
  • Prepare hand-sketched lotting (schematic) studies that show lots in the product type and range provided by the client.
  • Collaborate with the project team to ensure the lotting study adheres to the project vision and to jurisdictional regulations.
• Site Plan Development:
  • Create site plans using hand sketches or CAD software, focusing on spatial organization, circulation, and design aesthetics.
  • Ensure site plans adhere to zoning regulations, environmental considerations, and project objectives.
• Direction and Guidance:
  • Provide clear direction and guidance to the project team regarding concept plans, street layout plans, and lotting studies, so as to ensure that the project adheres to client’s vision.
  • Foster a collaborative environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and professional growth by using group sketching sessions, 10 minute coordination meetings, allow respectful disagreements, etc.
• Design Review:
  • Review and evaluate the design of concept plans, lotting studies, and illustrative exhibits for adherence to design standards and project goals.
  • Provide constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement to maintain high-quality deliverables.
  • Coordinate with the Regulatory Team so as to ensure that the project adheres to jurisdictional requirements such as ordinances, zoning, major thoroughfare plans, etc.
• New Design Methods and Processes:
  • Contribute to developing and implementing new design methods, processes, and technologies to enhance efficiency and creativity.
  • Stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in planning and landscape architecture so as to keep the company at the cutting edge of innovation.
• Aesthetic Oversight:
  • Provide guidance and direction to team members on the various aesthetic aspects of illustrative exhibits, including graphics, color schemes, and composition.
  • Ensure that the visual representation of projects reflects the desired design intent and effectively communicates with the client, the client’s audience, etc.

Required Education and Certification:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in urban planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a related field.

Required Experience:

• Proven experience in concept plan preparation, street pattern sketch plans, and site plan development.
• Strong artistic skills and a keen eye for aesthetics and design.
• Proficiency in CAD software and other design tools.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills to effectively collaborate with project teams and clients.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of planning principles, zoning regulations, and sustainability practices.

As an Associate Studio Lead at LJA Planning & Landscape Architecture, you will have the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects, shaping the visual identity of communities and inspiring others with your creativity and design expertise.