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.
