Design Studio Manager

Archipro Staff Agency • Full-time • Illinois, Lake Forest, Lake Forest • 3w ago

Design Studio Manager

Landscape Design — Lake Forest, IL
Full-Time | On-Site | Competitive Salary Based on Experience

Company Overview

This is a premier, residential-focused Landscape Design, Build, and Maintenance firm with an in-house nursery and a team of over 125 professionals. Known for delivering high-end, innovative outdoor environments, they are recognized as one of the Midwest’s most respected landscape design firms, serving discerning residential clients with excellence and artistry.

The Opportunity

This Landscape Design firm is seeking a Design Studio Manager to serve as the operational and technical leader of its design studio. This is a key leadership role responsible for managing workflow, ensuring technical excellence, and driving accountability across the design team.

This is not a lead designer position. Instead, you will act as the engine behind the studio, translating and reinforcing the design vision established by the President & Head of Design. You will oversee schedules, manage deliverables, and ensure that all design packages are accurate, complete, and production-ready.

You will directly supervise and mentor a team of approximately eight designers, ensuring productivity, quality, and adherence to deadlines. This role requires someone who can balance leadership, technical expertise, and operational discipline to keep projects moving efficiently.

Reporting to the Vice President & General Manager, you will collaborate closely with Design Operations, Horticulture, Installation, and Estimating to maintain alignment across all phases of the design process.

What You’ll Do

Design Workflow & Studio Leadership

Manage day-to-day design workflow, tracking project status, milestones, and deadlines
Schedule and oversee design production, identify bottlenecks, and rebalance workloads
Enforce deadlines and ensure accountability across the design team
Lead weekly design production meetings to review workload, progress, and technical status
Monitor and enforce time tracking to ensure all billable hours are captured

Design Oversight & Quality Control

Review design packages for grading, drainage, space planning, and documentation completeness
Ensure all deliverables meet company standards and are production-ready
Translate leadership design direction into actionable guidance for the team
Maintain consistency in design execution aligned with company standards

Team Leadership & Development

Supervise, mentor, and develop approximately 8 designers
Provide performance feedback, coaching, and professional development guidance
Participate in hiring, onboarding, and performance management
Drive accountability for productivity, quality, and deadlines

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Coordinate with Installation, Horticulture, and Estimating teams
Ensure design packages support construction and project execution
Maintain clear communication across departments to support project success

What You Bring

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture or related field
10+ years of professional experience (high-end residential design preferred)
5+ years of leadership experience managing and developing design teams
Strong technical expertise in grading, drainage, and construction documentation
Proven ability to manage multiple projects and enforce deadlines
Understanding of high-end residential design and client expectations
Proficiency in AutoCAD (preferred) and Adobe Creative Suite
Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) preferred, but not required

Work Environment

Full-time, year-round position based on-site in Lake Forest, IL
Collaborative studio environment with regular interaction with field teams
Occasional site visits to support design execution
Flexibility required during peak workload periods
Company-provided laptop and mobile phone

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
Paid vacation and holidays
Health insurance
401(k) with company match
Flexible Spending Accounts
Performance-based bonus opportunities

Why Join COMPANY?

This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-impact leadership role within a nationally respected residential landscape design firm. You’ll help shape the output of a talented design team while contributing to projects that reflect the highest level of craftsmanship and design excellence.

To Apply

Please submit your resume, portfolio showcasing relevant project experience, and a cover letter describing your interest in residential landscape design and leadership. Apply to www.archipro.com, Morgan@Archipro.com, 866-966-2488

We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Related Jobs

Procurement Manager

PulteGroup • Full-time • Schaumburg, Illinois, United States • 2w ago

Residential Project Management Vendor Management Budget Management

Build a Career That Builds Your Future — with PulteGroup! Welcome to PulteGroup where we believe in building more than just homes—we believe in building inspired employees, meaningful careers, and a legacy of excellence...

2w ago

Apply

Interior Designer

Interior Talent • Full-time • Park Ridge, IL, US • 3w ago

Residential Project Management Interior Design Technical Design

Interior Designer | High-End Residential Interior Design Location: Park Ridge, IL W orking Style: Full-time in the office We’re partnering with a highly regarded boutique interior design studio known for creating elega...

3w ago

Apply

Interior Designer

Steinhafels • Full-time • Crystal Lake, Illinois, United States • 2w ago

Residential Client Relations Interior Design

Overview Interior Designers: Bring Your Creative Vision to Life at Steinhafels! Are you an Interior Designer who loves transforming spaces and helping clients bring their dream homes to life? Steinhafels is looking for p...

2w ago

Apply

Interior Designer

Steinhafels • Full-time • Schaumburg, Illinois, United States • 2w ago

Residential Client Relations Interior Design

2w ago

Apply

Interior Design Retail Sales Professional

Ethan Allen Global Inc • Full-time • Skokie, Illinois, United States • 2w ago

Residential Space Planning Client Relations Interior Design

Named America's #1 Premium Furniture Retailer by Newsweek , Ethan Allen is a leading interior design destination combining state-of-the-art technology with personal service. After more than 90 profitable years in busine...

2w ago

Apply

Lab Assistant - Interior Design (Part-Time)

Harper College • Part-time • Palatine, Illinois, United States • 3w ago

Corporate Interiors Interior Design Assistant Interior Design Intern

This position is funded through a Perkins grant. Continued employment is contingent upon ongoing grant funding approval. Responsible for upkeep and organization of the facilities and instructional supplies of the Interi...

3w ago

Apply

Associate – Interior Design

AmTab Manufacturing Co • Full-time • Bensenville, Illinois, United States • 3w ago

Corporate Interiors Project Management Interior Design Technical Design

Description At AmTab Manufacturing Corporation, we do more than build school furniture — we transform everyday cafeterias, libraries, and classrooms into high-impact learning environments that inspire students to thrive....

3w ago

Apply

Sales

SPACE 519 • Full-time • Wilmette, IL, US • from $50 / year • 1m ago

Retail Design Part-Time Client Relations

SPACE 519 is looking for a Sales Stylist (full or part-time) who has a love for fashion, home décor, beauty and all things chic. We offer a small team where all members’ contributions are valued. SPACE 519 has been laude...

1m ago

Apply