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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Employees are generally expected to spend a minimum of two years at the manager 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…