Associate Level Landscape Designer – Chicago

Who We Are: 

At Hoerr Schaudt, we design beautiful, purposeful gardens that connect people, site, and season. 

Gardens elicit joy, soothe our souls, and become places where we interact with each other and the world around us. Drawing upon centuries of time-honored tradition, our work layers botanical silhouettes to shape space and create settings that artfully blend the natural and built environments, be it a residence, streetscape, campus, city park, or botanical garden. 

Job Summary: 

Hoerr Schaudt is seeking a creative, passionate and experienced Landscape Designer with 3-5 years of professional experience to join our Chicago team.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for sustainable, aesthetic, and functional outdoor spaces, and will work closely with senior designers and project managers to develop and implement design concepts for a variety of residential, commercial, and public landscape projects. 

As a Landscape Designer, you will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and detailing outdoor spaces, collaborating with clients, and ensuring that all designs meet environmental, functional, and aesthetic standards. You will play a key role in producing high-quality presentations, construction documentation, and assisting in the execution of landscape projects. 

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Design & Conceptualization: 
    Develop creative and functional landscape designs based on client needs, site conditions, and project goals. 
    Prepare detailed site plans, sketches, and renderings for presentations to clients and stakeholders. 
    Collaborate with project managers and senior designers to refine and execute design concepts. 
  • Project Management Support: 
    Assist in the preparation of project timelines, budgets, and schedules. 
    Support senior team members with project coordination, meetings, and client communications. 
    Ensure timely and accurate delivery of design phases from concept to construction documentation. 
  • Technical Skills & Documentation: 
    Create detailed construction documents, including planting plans, grading plans, and material specifications. 
    Prepare presentations, renderings, and 3D models to effectively communicate design ideas to clients and contractors. 
    Utilize CAD software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, etc.) to produce technical drawings. 
  • Collaboration & Client Interaction: 
    Communicate directly with clients to understand their preferences, requirements, and goals for landscape projects. 
    Provide mentorship to junior staff and peer groups. Actively collaborate with internal and external teams. 

Qualifications: 

  • Education: 
    Bachelor or Master's degree in Landscape Architecture Master’s degree preferred but not required. 
  • Experience: 
    3-5 years of professional experience in landscape design, with a proven portfolio of completed projects. 
    Strong understanding of design principles, plant materials, hardscape elements, and sustainable design practices. 
  • Skills: 
    Proficiency in design and drafting software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar). 
    Ability to create detailed and clear construction documents. 
    Strong communication and collaboration skills, both written and verbal. 
    Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail. 

What We Offer: 

  • Competitive salary and benefits package 
    • Please see a list of our benefits on our careers page 
    • Salary range is $70.000-$102,000 based on experience and background 
  • Opportunities for professional development and career growth. 
  • Collaborative and supportive work environment. 
  • Access to cutting-edge tools and technologies in landscape design. 

How to Apply: 

Please submit your resume, portfolio, and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience to our Director of Human Resources, Meg Graham at mgraham@hoerrschaudt.com