Job Description

Carex Design Group is a family-owned landscape architecture and design-build firm in Knoxville, Tennessee, dedicated to creating thoughtful, high-quality outdoor environments. As our firm continues to grow, we are seeking a passionate residential-focused Landscape Architect or Designer who is ready to take on meaningful design responsibilities while contributing to a collaborative, high-performing team. Experience ranges are encouraged to apply, as the right person is as important as the right experience!

We’re rooted in the belief that time outdoors is a simple, restorative habit that supports human wellbeing and happiness. To that end, our team combines art and science to sell, plan, design and implement residential and commercial outdoor spaces that support health and happiness through a connection with nature. If you share a commitment to excellent design, meaningful client relationships, lifelong learning, and community stewardship, we’re ready to talk with you!

You’d be a great fit for this position if you:

• Exude professionalism and have the know-how to back it up
• Communicate well by listening first and then sharing your perspective
• Believe two heads are better than one when creating awesome designs
• Manage yourself and your time well
• Think before acting and act responsibly
• Adapt to changes easily and comfortably
• Value others and are open to all types of people

This role offers the opportunity to work alongside a talented and widely respected team including a landscape architect whose international experience spans golf course design, high-rise developments, master-planned communities, and a diverse portfolio of residential and commercial projects. The successful candidate may play a key role in project development from initial consultations and concept through implementation, bringing both creativity and technical expertise to a wide variety of projects.

At Carex Design Group, you will have the chance to deepen your professional expertise, expand your design leadership skills, and make a visible impact within a growing firm. Unlike larger organizations, our small-firm environment provides greater autonomy, increased responsibility, direct client interaction, opportunities for professional growth, and a fun work environment.

Job Title: Landscape Architect / Designer

Qualifications & Skills

· Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture (BLA/BSLA/MLA) or similar field.

· Licensure: Professional Landscape Architect (PLA) license is a plus (or on track for licensure via the L.A.R.E.), or equivalent landscape design certification.

· Technical Expertise: Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp or similar 3-D modeling software, Adobe Creative Suite, and understanding of GIS software. 

· STEAM & Analytical Skills: Strong foundation in STEM-based site analysis, plant science, grading, and environmental engineering principles integrated with strong skills in creative processes, aesthetics and user-centric design and experience. 

· Communication Skills: Outstanding visual communication, interpersonal skills and presentation skills. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Client Engagement & Project Development: Assist or lead client consultations to understand project goals, vision, preferences, and requirements. Present design concepts, develop project scopes, and assist with project budgets and cost estimates.
• Proposal Development & Fee Estimating: Prepare and present project proposals, scopes of work, fee estimates and presentation materials to support client acquisition and project development efforts.
• Project Coordination & Collaboration: Collaborate with clients, the Principal Landscape Architect, consultants, contractors, and industry vendors throughout the planning and design process to ensure project objectives are met.
• Site Inventory & Analysis: Gather and evaluate site data, including existing conditions, topography, drainage patterns, slopes, sun exposure, soil conditions, and other environmental factors that influence design decisions.
• Landscape Design & Planning: Develop creative, functional, and aesthetically compelling landscape designs, including site plans, hardscape layouts, planting plans, and related design solutions for high-end residential and commercial properties.
• Plant Selection & Material Specification: Select and specify appropriate plant materials, hardscape materials, landscape components, and site furnishings, that align with project goals, site conditions, budget requirements, and overall design intent.
• Sustainable Design Integration: Incorporate environmentally responsible design principles, including native planting strategies, sustainable water management practices, and site-appropriate landscape solutions.
• Design Visualization & Presentation: Prepare visual representations of design concepts and plans using computer-aided design, drafting, and 3D rendering software to effectively communicate design intent to clients and project stakeholders.
• Construction Documentation: Prepare detailed construction drawings, specifications, schedules, and supporting technical documentation. Ensure all project records and documentation are accurately created, maintained, and updated.
• Code & Regulatory Compliance: Ensure designs comply with applicable local ordinances, zoning requirements, HOA guidelines, and environmental regulations.
• Project Management: Manage design budgets, project schedules, and deadlines throughout the design and documentation phases to support successful project delivery.
• Technical Leadership & Team Support: Provide technical guidance, design input, and constructive feedback to junior designers, helping maintain design quality, consistency, and adherence to firm standards.
• Business Development: Support firm growth through networking, relationship-building, marketing activities, and participation in occasional evening or weekend events to cultivate new business opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience

• Varied years (1-5+) of professional experience in landscape architecture or landscape design, including direct client interaction and project leadership responsibilities.
• Residential landscape architecture experience preferred
• Sales experience or aptitude preferred
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and SketchUp (or similar 3-D design software)
• Strong 2D and 3D design and graphic skills

Competencies

• Demonstrates high standards of service to clients and team members; remains calm when faced with challenging or difficult situations; effectively resolves service issues.
• Accomplishes thorough and accurate work; offers ideas and solutions to improve outcomes and enhance service; considers the situation and relevant information before acting; effectively implements improvements.
• Acts with the highest levels of personal ethics, honesty and accountability.
• Applies job specific knowledge, skills and experiences to accomplish results; requires appropriate level of supervision; completes work in a timely manner; uses sound judgment in decision-making; demonstrates reliability and dependability; uses time and resources responsibly; complies with policies and procedures; keeps work area organized, neat and clean.
• Expresses facts and ideas in a clear, convincing and organized manner; listens effectively; demonstrates professionalism, respect and compassion in communications with others; follows proper channels of communication and shares essential information in a timely manner; maintains appropriate confidentiality.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships; recognizes strengths and contributions of others; manages and resolves conflicts in a positive and constructive manner.

Working Conditions

This position is a regular, full-time, exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Some evening hours, weekend work and travel may be required.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person

Compensation, Benefits and Perks:

· $48,000 to $69,000 per year

· Flexible, 40-hour schedule Monday to Friday

· Unlimited vacation

· Company holidays, including Juneteenth, MLK, Jr. Day and others

· 401K with company match

· Health Stipend

· Relocation assistance negotiable

· Support for continuing education, professional licensure testing fees, and ASLA membership dues. 

· Opportunities to participate in company-sponsored community service and charitable initiatives

· Team-building events including bowling, rafting, kayaking, and other activities

· Bonus opportunities

Ability to Relocate:

• Knoxville, TN 37919: Relocate before starting work (Required)

About Carex Design Group:

Carex Design Group is a family-owned landscape architecture and design firm in Knoxville, Tennessee, dedicated to creating thoughtful, high-quality outdoor environments that promote health, happiness, and connection with nature. We believe that great landscape design should not only enhance private spaces but also strengthen the communities in which we live and work. Through volunteerism, charitable partnerships, and active community engagement, we strive to make a positive impact both through our projects and beyond them. We regularly support charitable organizations, participate in volunteer service initiatives, and encourage our employees to engage in causes that improve the quality of life in East Tennessee. We look for team members who share a desire to use their talents and time to make a positive impact beyond project work.

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