Associate Principal - Landscape Architecture or Master Planning

Associate Principal - Landscape Architecture or Master Planning Associate Principal | Landscape Architecture and Urban Design Location:
Hybrid - Tempe, AZ

I am partnered with a nationally recognized landscape architecture and planning firm known for delivering high impact public spaces, destination parks, waterfronts, and transformative urban environments. They produce meaningful, legacy level work and operate with a high performance, highly collaborative design culture. Client name fully anonymized per request.

They are hiring an Associate Principal who can step in as a project leader, trusted client partner, and culture carrier. This is a senior role for someone who has mastered the craft, understands how to run complex design projects, and can influence vision, strategy, and execution at a firm-wide level.

If you want to help shape marquee public realm projects across the country while growing into a future Principal seat, this is that lane.

• Serve as a primary client contact and begin taking on Principal in Charge responsibilities with support from senior leadership.
• Oversee Project Managers and ensure high quality execution across design, planning, documentation, and delivery.
• Support proposal development, project positioning, and firm-wide strategic planning.
• Lead design direction and guide project teams through conceptual planning, master planning, schematic design, technical documentation, and construction oversight.
• Review consultant scopes, coordinate across disciplines, identify risks, and keep projects aligned with scope, intent, and budget.
• Represent the firm in client meetings, interviews, public presentations, and industry events.
• Mentor and elevate teams, support staff development, and contribute to a strong, positive studio culture.

• 15 plus years in landscape architecture, architecture, or planning with a proven track record leading major projects.
• Professional degree in Landscape Architecture (BSLA, BLA, MLA), Architecture, or Planning.
• Licensed Landscape Architect or Architect.
• Strong executive presence and the ability to represent high caliber work to clients, partners, and industry stakeholders.
• Deep expertise in one or more critical areas such as master planning, conceptual design, construction documentation, or technical implementation.
• Full understanding of large scale design processes, consultant coordination, proposal development, and project financials.
• Ability to drive collaboration, motivate teams, and reinforce a culture of quality, respect, and accountability.

You will help lead a firm that shapes award-winning landscapes, civic spaces, and community-defining environments. This is a strategic seat with real influence on design, team culture, client relationships, and the long-term direction of the practice.

If you want to grow into a future Principal role and be part of a firm doing meaningful, high visibility work, this is a strong next step.

If this aligns with your experience and where you want your career to go, reach out or send your resume and portfolio link. Happy to walk you through the opportunity and next steps.