Landscape Architect III in Chicago, Illinois at DJ&A

Senior Landscape Architect

Founded in 1973, DJ&A is a multidisciplinary professional services consulting firm with office locations across the United States. Our team of more than 500 professionals works across the country to deliver a diverse range of engineering, environmental, survey, mapping, landscape architecture, and planning projects for federal, state, local, tribal, and private clientele.

DJ&A is seeking a Senior Landscape Architect to join our growing team in the Chicagoland area. In partnership with our sister company, Robinson Engineering, this position will report to DJ&A’s landscape architecture team and focus on expanding our presence in the Chicagoland municipal market. Building on Robinson’s established municipal engineering practice and DJ&A’s strong nationwide landscape architecture portfolio, the successful candidate will identify new opportunities, cultivate client relationships, and grow the local practice through the development and delivery of high-quality projects. This role offers the opportunity to lead local and regional landscape architecture and site development projects while serving as a trusted advisor to existing and prospective clients. Additionally, the position offers opportunities to contribute to nationwide federal contracts in collaboration with DJ&A’s partners, including the National Park Service (NPS) and the US Forest Service (USFS).

Please note: A portfolio (PDF or link) showcasing your design, graphic, and 3D visualization work — Lumion renderings in particular — is required for consideration.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Project Delivery

• Contribute to landscape architecture projects from concept through construction, including site design, planning, planting plans, grading, hardscape, irrigation design, and coordination with municipalities and stakeholders.
• Assist with the management of scope, schedule, budget, and internal resources to ensure successful project delivery.
• Oversee preparation of landscape plans, specifications, reports, and cost estimates.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary internal teams and external consultants.
• Take ownership of project outcomes by leading with integrity, clear communication, and a commitment to delivering quality work that serves both clients and communities.
• Contribute to QA/QC reviews to ensure accurate, thoughtful, and high-quality deliverables that reflect our commitment to never compromising on quality.

Client Engagement & Business Development

• Build on Robinson Engineering’s established municipal client relationships to identify cross-selling opportunities and expand the range of landscape architecture services offered to its clients.
• Lead business development efforts to establish and grow DJ&A’s landscape architecture practice in the Chicagoland market, building a sustainable pipeline of private, municipal, and public-sector LA projects.
• Proactively identify, pursue, and secure new LA project opportunities with municipalities, county governments, public works and parks and recreation departments.
• Develop and execute client engagement strategies to build our local LA presence, expand market awareness, and establish long-term client relationships.
• Serve as a trusted landscape architecture advisor to existing and prospective clients, identifying client needs and connecting them with solutions that leverage DJ&A’s broader technical capabilities.
• Lead and support LA pursuit efforts, including client meetings, relationship development, teaming strategies, proposal development, and interviews, from initial opportunity identification through project award.
• Foster long-term client partnerships through responsive service, reliable follow-through, and transparent communication, positioning DJ&A as a trusted, go-to LA consultant..

The Team

• You would be joining a growing team of professionals, including five other landscape architects and designers located at other DJ&A locations across the country.
• Virtual communication, remote staff mentoring, and organization are top priorities for this position.
• Be the Landscape Architecture voice for a team of multi-disciplinedisciplined professionals, advocate for the greatest design outcome.
• Contribute to a respectful, inclusive team culture where people feel supported, challenged, and valued.

Preferred Project Experience:

• Urban and civic landscape design
• Parks, trails, and open space planning
• Streetscape and transportation corridor design
• Site development for public and private clients
• Municipal coordination and permitting
• Development of exhibits for public display and input.
• Experience with federal projects, including National Park Service (NPS) and federal project delivery, is preferred, but not required.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture from an LAAB-accredited program (required).
• Professional Landscape Architect (PLA) licensure preferred; candidates actively pursuing licensure are encouraged to apply.
• 10+ years of progressive landscape architecture experience.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and/or other industry-standard design software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to quality, attention to detail, and client service.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, and use computer equipment for extended periods.
• Occasional travel to project sites, including outdoor environments and construction areas.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. occasionally.

Salary and Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Medical insurance
  • 401(k) with employer contribution
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Professional development support, including licensure and training
  • Flexible work schedule

Office Location

• South Holland, IL or Frankfort, IL (Chicagoland area)

Who Will Thrive in This Role

You may thrive in this role if you:

• Enjoy landscape architecture and take pride in leading projects from concept through completion.
• Care deeply about quality, accuracy, and delivering work you stand behind.
• Value relationships and enjoy being a trusted advisor to clients and collaborators.
• Are organized, proactive, and comfortable balancing design work with communication and staff mentoring.
• Appreciate a workplace where integrity, collaboration, and people matter as much as technical expertise.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, please visit the EEO website here.

DJ&A is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at careers@djanda.com.