Design Executive

POSITION SUMMARY

KW Landscape Architects (KW) is seeking a Design Executive to join our Houston or Austin office and provide strategic design leadership from early site analysis and conceptual visioning through detailed design and construction. This position shapes project vision and design execution, developing innovative, contextually responsive landscape architecture solutions that are impactful, forward-looking, technically feasible, sustainable, and aligned with client goals. The Design Executive plays a pivotal role in advancing design excellence, guiding creative problem-solving, and elevating project outcomes while helping shape KW’s design culture and future.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Concept and Schematic Design

• Conduct site analysis through research, field visits, and data collection to understand ecological, cultural, and spatial context.
• Develop design concepts informed by site conditions, client vision, and programmatic needs.
• Create compelling diagrams, sketches, and visual narratives to communicate design intent.
• Lead design charrettes and collaborative workshops to refine ideas with the internal team and external project partners.

Design Development

• Translate conceptual ideas into detailed design solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.
• Develop illustrative plans, 3D models, and renderings to communicate design refinements.
• Research and specify materials, planting palettes, and site furnishings aligned with project goals.
• Work closely with engineers, architects, and consultants to resolve grading, drainage, and infrastructure coordination.
• Review and incorporate client feedback to advance the design.

Collaboration & Coordination

• Participate and lead project meetings and design reviews to ensure alignment with broader site planning and architectural goals.
• Coordinate with project managers, consultants, and contractors to maintain design intent through each project phase.
• Provide clear guidance to junior designers and technical teams to ensure consistency in execution.

Maintaining Design Intent Through Documentation & Construction

• Review construction drawings, details, and specifications to uphold the original design vision.
• Support the development of RFls, submittals, and on-site mock-ups to troubleshoot issues proactively.
• Attend a site visit during construction to verify alignment with the approved design and provide real-time adjustments as needed to CA team.
• Work collaboratively with contractors and fabricators to ensure material selections and construction methods support the project’s sustainability and aesthetic goals.

Self-Management & Accountability

• Manage personal schedule and workload for the week, ensuring deadlines and milestones are met.
• Understand the project’s fee, schedule and deliverables required to communicate design. Ensure timely progress and responsiveness.
• Communicate progress with the director during weekly reviews, flagging any challenges or needs for additional support.
• Adapt to evolving project needs while maintaining efficiency and focus.
• Input time into Ajera accurately and on time, ensuring accountability and maintaining the assigned utilization rate.

Leadership & Mentorship

• Guide junior team members in design thinking, technical detailing, and project coordination.
• Contribute to firm-wide design discussions and knowledge sharing.
• Serve as a design advocate, helping push creative boundaries while ensuring real-world feasibility.
• Present solutions to design challenges on projects and initiatives.

Presentation and Communication

• Prepare and deliver client presentations, reports, and design packages.
• Clearly articulate design ideas through compelling visuals, diagrams, and verbal communication.
• Represent the firm in public meetings, community engagement sessions, and client workshops as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES)

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Landscape Architecture, Architecture, or related design discipline from an accredited university.
• Minimum 8+ years of relevant experience in landscape architecture, urban design, or related fields.
• Strong skills in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, lnDesign), Rhino, Miro, and/or Lumion; experience with Revit is a plus.
• Ability to analyze complex site conditions, synthesize information, and develop strategic design solutions.
• Active participation in AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) organizations to stay informed on industry trends and best practices.
• Excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills to convey design intent, collaborate effectively, and engage with clients and stakeholders.
• Ability to promote the firm, build professional relationships, and contribute to business development efforts.
• Demonstrates initiative, takes responsibility for project success, and manages workload effectively.
• Works well in multidisciplinary teams, providing guidance to junior designers and aligning with project managers, consultants, and contractors.
• Willingness to travel as needed for site visits, client meetings, and industry events.
• Assists with other assignments and/or special projects as requested.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include those required for reading, writing and typing. This position will be working primarily indoors and some of the time in an outdoor environment. From this movement, the employee will encounter varying temperatures. The noise level on the project site work environment can be high but are low in the office environment.

ABOUT KW LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

KW Landscape Architects (KW) is a professional landscape architecture firm with offices in Austin, Houston, Indianapolis, and San Antonio. Since its founding in 1991 as a two-person operation, KW has grown into a thriving team of over 50 professionals with four offices nationwide. In recent years, Partners Darin and Wesley have focused on preparing the next generation of leadership by establishing a multidisciplinary leadership team. This team brings together experts in landscape design, project management, construction administration, technology, marketing, and business development. Our mission is to design exceptional outdoor spaces that inspire people to step outside and engage with the world around them. We believe great outdoor environments have the power to create welcoming spaces that build community, nurture belonging, and enrich shared experiences.

SALARY & PERKS

KW offers a competitive salary commensurate with background and experience. We enjoy 1/2-day Fridays, an endless supply of coffee and office snacks, and flexible office hours. Our competitive benefits package includes PTO, a yearly holiday office closure, a 401K plan with matching contributions, health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), a monthly wellness stipend, and support for your professional growth and involvement in AEC and/or HR-specific organizations. Professional development is a cornerstone of our firm, and we want you to continue to grow in your field and career.