Position Overview:
Knot Studio is seeking a talented and motivated Lead Landscape Architect with 12+ years of experience to join our team of Landscape Architects, Environmental Graphic Designers, and Environmental Justice Practitioners. This role requires an experienced designer who brings conceptual clarity, technical rigor, and collaborative leadership to projects that integrate ecology, community, and craft. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong ability to lead projects from concept through construction, mentor emerging designers, and cultivate trusted relationships with clients, partners, and collaborators.
About Knot Studio:
Knot Studio is a team of wayfinders, place makers, and change agents committed to shaping the human experience of place and reinforcing the natural systems that sustain all life. We work across disciplines to cultivate an ecology of ideas and build frameworks that reveal meaning, promote equity, and inspire belonging. We offer services within the disciplines of environmental graphic design, landscape architecture, and environmental justice. Our global portfolio spans civic, cultural, residential, education, parks and recreation projects.
Key Responsibilities:
● Lead landscape architectural design with big-picture thinking, crafting clear and compelling design narratives that respond holistically to context, client goals, and environmental systems
● Translate conceptual design intent seamlessly through all phases of documentation, ensuring continuity from vision to detail
● Provide design leadership and technical oversight across all project phases, mentoring junior practitioners through critique, guidance, and example
● Communicate design ideas with clarity and excellence through written narratives, verbal presentations, hand sketches, and computer-assisted graphics
● Develop and oversee high-quality presentation packages that effectively convey design intent, strategy, and materiality
● Prepare, manage, and review comprehensive technical drawing sets, including construction details, specifications, and coordination with consultants
● Apply strong construction knowledge to ensure clarity, accuracy, and constructability within construction documents
● Participate in construction observation, including site visits, preparation of field reports, and review of shop drawings and submittals
● Manage multiple projects and deadlines concurrently, working collaboratively with diverse teams while maintaining quality, efficiency, and accountability
As a member of our studio…
You are an exceptional designer, able to link big-picture ideas to contextual insight and material specificity. You have a deep command of built and ecological systems and thrive in complex design contexts. You value collaboration, model calm leadership, and take pride in helping teams navigate technical and interpersonal challenges toward resolution and success.
Qualifications:
● Bachelor’s or master’s degree in landscape architecture
● 12+ years of professional experience, including demonstrated experience as a project lead
● Licensure in Landscape Architecture
● Proven ability to oversee full project workstreams and delegate effectively
● Strong graphic, verbal, and written communication skills
● Expertise in construction documentation and construction observation
● Strong understanding of planting, materials, detailing, and sustainable design systems
● Knowledge of local, state, and federal codes and standards
● Enthusiasm for inclusive design, environmental stewardship, and creative collaboration
● Mastery of AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and Bluebeam for oversight and review
● Strong working knowledge of modeling tools (Rhino, SketchUp, Lumion, etc.)
● Proficiency with project management tools (Deltek, Asana, Miro, MS Office)
Location
This role will be located in our Portland, Oregon office where we offer a unique approach to flexible work ways.
Compensation
This is a full-time, salaried position with an annual compensation range of $90,000 – $110,000, depending on qualifications and experience.
To apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio of work (PDF format, 10MB max) to https://www.knotstudio.com/careers/.
Why Join Knot Studio?
• Contribute to meaningful projects that combine design excellence with positive ecological and social impact.
• Work in a collaborative studio environment with a passionate and talented team.
• Enjoy opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic, interdisciplinary practice.
• Competitive salary and benefits, including flexible work options and continuing education support.
Knot Studio is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.