Senior Design Lead
The Senior Design Lead is essential to the gardens we design and embodies our brand’s ethos, and keep our mission as the north star at all times: using plants and materials in their rawest form to (re)connect humans with earth. They are constantly seeking new ways to approach landscapes and how we can present design and approaches that embody the ORCA aesthetic. This position will visually communicate the design direction to our team and clients, then work in tandem with design development (both in-house and contractors) overseeing the details that make our designs come to fruition. Reports to the Operations Director.
Conceptual Design:
- Work with Creative Director to drive concept deliverables: hardscape, softscape, and land uses through mixed mediums to convey thoughts such as aerial renderings and conceptual imagery
- Manage Figma mood boards throughout concept and concept revisions
- Present concepts to clients in tandem with Creative Director and Design Manager
- Catalog, research, and organize conceptual direction and images for current and future projects
- Oversee freelance renderer to convey design intent of concept in R1 and R2 phases of project
- Design and prepare schematic layouts in AutoCAD for client presentations
Plant Design:
- Direct plant design for ORCA’s gardens with support from Creative Director
- Work in tandem with drafters to produce construction ready planting plans and schedule
- Work closely with the build team during procurement of plants to answer any design questions or substitutions
- Onsite layout of plant material / site visits for design management as needed
Design Development:
- General construction documentation including elevations, sections and design details
- Redline and manage feedback on design in 50% and 100% CD sets
- Manage freelance drafters as-needed
- Oversee procurement requests with accurate material specifications and hand-off information for procurement
- Review and submit construction sets to clients and contractors
- Field questions and perform construction administration site visits as needed
Key Qualifications:
- Love for plants, rock, and wood
- Able to manage client services, feedback and expectations
- Present clear thoughts and directions to clients (external) and team members (internal)
- Comfortable with a small team and start-up culture. We are a small studio!
- Excellent communication skills and proactive work ethic
- Ability to problem solve and think creatively and critically
- Experience with SketchUp, AutoCAD, Figma and Google Documents
- 5+ years desired experience leading design
Location:
- Based in Los Angeles
- Studio in Highland Park
- Onsite/field time and some travel required
Compensation
- Competitive salary commensurate upon experience
- Health coverage, 401K retirement and stipends once eligibility begins
To apply, please email zach@orcaliving.com with the subject line: ORCA Senior Design Lead. Please include your resume, location, and a short note about why you think you'd be a good fit.