Design Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

KW Landscape Architects (KW) is seeking to hire a Design Manager in our San Antonio office. This position emphasizes conceptual innovation, advanced problem-solving, and the ability to shape projects from early visioning through detailed design execution. This position guides design intent to be not only impactful and forward-looking but also technically feasible, sustainable, and aligned with client goals. This role represents a pivotal step toward design leadership.

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.
• Translate initial ideas into sketches, diagrams, and graphics that communicate vision to clients and internal teams.

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.

Maintaining Design Integrity

• Protect and carry design intent through design documentation and into construction phases.
• Bridge design and production by reviewing drawings, details, and specifications for alignment with project vision.
• Oversee preparation of high-quality renderings, graphics, and presentation materials that convey project vision with clarity and impact.
• Participate in site visits and provide input to maintain design quality through construction.

Project Management & Collaboration

• Set and monitor timelines for design deliverables so they align with project schedules.
• Lead coordination at the project level across departments, offices, and consultants.
• Resolve design and technical conflicts proactively, maintaining project alignment and integrity.
• Actively share best practices and lessons learned to strengthen cross-office collaboration.

Presentation and Communication

• Participate actively in client meetings and presentations as a design voice for KW.
• Prepare and deliver compelling visuals, reports, and presentation packages.
• Contribute to business development efforts by assisting with design narratives, visuals, proposals and competitions.
• Represent the firm in professional organizations, design juries, and community engagements to enhance visibility and influence.
• Demonstrate collaborative and inclusive communication within project teams to support a strong studio culture.

Team Development, Accountability and Operational Awareness

• Guide and develop junior designers through mentorship, constructive feedback, and design critique, advancing both technical capabilities and conceptual approaches.
• Conduct quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) reviews of junior team members’ work.
• Foster a positive and inclusive team culture by modeling professionalism and accountability.
• Demonstrate understanding of project fees, scope, and schedule, aligning design objectives with project resources.
• Track and report project progress, proactively communicating challenges and opportunities.
• Support leadership in shaping company-wide design standards and embedding sustainable practices across projects.

Career Progression

• Employees are generally expected to spend a minimum of two years at the manger level to strengthen leadership capacity and project experience; earlier advancement may be considered when performance consistently exceeds expectations and executive readiness is demonstrated.
• Advancement requires demonstrated responsibility for leading projects from concept through design development and, depending on scale, through construction documentation, with consistent client-facing contributions.
• Consistently manage smaller, simpler projects independently while supporting Design Managers and Directors on larger, more complex projects to further develop design leadership.
• Well-rounded project experience across a variety of project types and scales, demonstrating adaptability and versatility in design approaches.
• Continued progress toward licensure is expected, with employees advancing through additional LARE sections and moving toward full registration.
• Actively participate in professional organizations or community design efforts that promote the landscape architecture field and enhance KW’s visibility.
• Strengthen existing client relationships by identifying and suggesting potential opportunities for future work.
• Progression is contingent not only on individual readiness but also on business needs, such as department capacity, role availability and organizational priorities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES)

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Landscape Architecture, Architecture, or related design discipline from an accredited university.
• Minimum 4-6 years of professional experience in landscape architecture or related field, with demonstrated responsibility for significant portions of the design process on projects of varying scale, scope, and complexity carried through schematic design or design development.
• Proficiency in industry-standard design and visualization software, including AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino, Lumion, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft 365, with the ability to guide teams in effective use of these tools.
• Proven experience guiding design teams and collaborating across disciplines, with excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills for clients and team members.
• Ability to develop design concepts that span from large-scale planning to site-specific detail.
• Demonstrated commitment to licensure, including CLARB registration and preparation for LARE exams.
• Active participation in AEC and landscape architecture organizations through committee involvement, presentations, or mentorship.

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.