Director of Austin

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of the Austin office is a senior design and business leader responsible for shaping the creative direction, studio culture, operational performance, and market presence of KW’s Austin office.

This role carries full responsibility for the business growth and financial performance of the studio, with an expectation to operate with an ownership mindset and make decisions that support the long-term success, profitability, culture, and reputation of the Austin office and the firm. Core responsibilities include elevating design quality, strengthening client relationships, growing the studio’s portfolio, and developing a high-performing team capable of delivering complex, design-forward work across commercial, mixed-use, master planned, civic, hospitality, retail, and multifamily markets.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Design Vision and Project Leadership

• Set and champion the design direction for the office, maintaining a high standard of creativity, technical rigor, and built quality across all project types.
• Lead the design and delivery of large-scale, multi-million-dollar projects from concept through construction administration, with particular depth in commercial and mixed-use typologies.
• Translate complex program requirements, ecological conditions, and client goals into compelling, buildable landscape solutions.
• Drive design exploration through sketching, diagramming, modeling, and material research while maintaining a hands-on presence in the design process at all phases.
• Oversee site analysis, spatial strategy, planting design, and material selection, holding the team to standards that reflect KW’s reputation for excellence.
• Champion sustainable design practices, emerging technologies, and innovative approaches that push the boundaries of the discipline.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, manage, and grow the design team, including designers, project managers, and support staff, in collaboration with team members across KW offices.
• Establish a culture defined by design passion, collaboration, accountability, and continuous professional development.
• Identify, mentor, and develop future leaders within the Austin office by providing regular feedback, design critiques, increased responsibility, and clear opportunities for professional growth, reinforcing a culture where leadership development is expected at all levels.
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, and performance management in partnership with firm leadership and HR.
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of top design talent through active engagement with universities, professional organizations, industry events, and personal networks.
• Allocate resources across projects effectively, balancing design quality with project schedules and budget requirements.
• Demonstrate sound judgment in personnel, project, and business decisions while balancing the needs of clients, staff, and the firm.

Project and Financial Management

• Maintain full oversight of project portfolios, tracking scope, schedule, budget, and deliverable quality across all active work.
• Monitor office financial performance including revenue targets, utilization rates, project margins, and billing efficiency.
• Coordinate across disciplines including architects, civil engineers, MEP consultants, and contractors to deliver seamlessly integrated landscape solutions.
• Anticipate and resolve design, schedule, and client challenges proactively, maintaining momentum from design through closeout.
• Model the operational standards the team is expected

Client Relationships and Business Development

• Serve as the primary client relationship leader for key accounts, building long-term partnerships grounded in trust and design excellence.
• Cultivate client experiences that build trust, generate repeat business, expand service opportunities, and position KW as a long-term strategic partner
• Lead and contribute to proposal development, presentations, and project pursuits across multiple markets.
• Represent KW at industry events, conferences, and professional organizations to build the firm’s visibility and network.
• Lead the strategic growth of the Austin studio by identifying market opportunities, strengthening client relationships, expanding KW’s visibility, and positioning the firm for continued growth across new project types, client sectors, and market segments.

Communication and Design Discourse

• Deliver clear, compelling presentations to clients, agency partners, and internal audiences at all stages of design.
• Lead design charrettes, reviews, and workshops that elevate the quality of design thinking across the team.
• Act as a key liaison between the design team, firm-wide leadership, and external project partners.
• Champion collaboration across KW offices by connecting firm-wide expertise, resources, and relationships to strengthen project outcomes, client service, and staff development.
• Contribute to firm-wide design initiatives, knowledge sharing, and thought leadership.
• Represent KW’s design identity in public forums, including community engagement processes, agency presentations, and industry platforms where the firm’s voice and values are on display.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES)

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 13 to 15 years of progressive experience in landscape architecture, with a demonstrated track record leading complex, multi-million-dollar projects from concept through construction.
• Broad project type experience required, with depth in commercial studio work (corporate campuses, mixed-use, hospitality, civic, retail) in addition to multi-family residential and master planned communities.
• Proven experience leading and managing a design studio or team, including hiring, mentorship, performance management, and resource allocation.
• Professional Landscape Architect (PLA) licensure required.
• Strong working knowledge of AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, Rhino, Lumion, and other visualization tools, with the ability to guide design communication, production quality, and presentation strategy.
• Exceptional design communication skills with the ability to convey ideas through sketching, diagrams, models, and presentations at all project phases.
• A portfolio that demonstrates not just technical range but a recognizable point of view, evidenced through built work quality, published projects, awards, speaking engagements, or professional leadership within the discipline
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing studio budgets, project profitability, and utilization.
• Active participation in ASLA, ULI, AIA, or other relevant professional organizations, with a strong industry network preferred.
• Willingness to travel as needed for client meetings, site visits, and industry events.

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 is 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.