Landscape Designer

Landscape Designer I (1–3 Years Experience)

Design with Purpose. Learn Through Collaboration.

At ZEN Associates, landscape architecture is more than creating beautiful spaces, it is about shaping the way people live, gather, and connect with nature. For more than 45 years, our award-winning Design + Build firm has brought together landscape architects, interior designers, construction professionals, and horticulturists to create extraordinary environments that are thoughtfully designed, expertly crafted, and built to endure.

In addition to a traditional design firm, our designers are involved well beyond the drawing board. You'll collaborate with the same construction professionals who build your work, visit active job sites, learn how details come together in the field, and watch your ideas become reality. If you're looking for an environment where you'll be challenged, mentored, and inspired every day, we'd love to meet you.

Why You'll Love Working at ZEN

As an early-career landscape designer, you'll work side-by-side with experienced professionals who genuinely enjoy teaching. From sketching concepts to detailing construction documents and walking projects under construction, you'll gain experience that many designers don't receive until much later in their careers.

· Daily mentorship from senior landscape architects and firm principal.

· Hands-on involvement throughout the entire Design + Build process.

· Projects ranging from luxury residential estates and rooftop gardens to urban landscapes and select institutional and commercial work.

· Collaboration with landscape architects, interior designers, construction managers, and horticulturists in one integrated studio.

· A culture that values creativity, craftsmanship, curiosity, humility, and continuous learning.

What You'll Do

· Assist with all phases of the landscape architecture design process, from conceptual design through construction documentation.

· Produce presentation drawings, hand sketches, renderings, and graphic materials that communicate design intent.

· Develop 3D models and visualizations using Rhino, D5 Render, or comparable software.

· Prepare detailed construction drawings, including plans, grading studies, sections, details, and layout plans.

· Assist with preliminary planting plans using knowledge of New England plant material.

· Coordinate with senior designers and construction managers to develop practical, buildable design solutions.

· Participate in design reviews, internal coordination meetings, and occasional site visits to support project development.

What We're Looking For

· Bachelor's or Master's degree in Landscape Architecture from an accredited program.

· 1–3 years of professional experience in a landscape architecture or landscape design firm.

· A strong design sense and appreciation for proportion, space, materials, and craftsmanship.

· Excellent graphic, verbal, and written communication skills.

· Curiosity, initiative, and a desire to continue learning.

· Ability to work collaboratively while managing multiple assignments.

Software

· AutoCAD

· Adobe Creative Suite

· Rhino (or comparable 3D modeling software)

· D5 Render (or comparable rendering software)

· Microsoft Office

Benefits

· Competitive salary based on experience

· Health and dental insurance

· 401(k) and profit sharing

· Paid time off

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, portfolio featuring recent work, samples of construction documents, and examples of hand graphics or sketches. We welcome additional work that demonstrates your creative process, curiosity, and passion for landscape architecture.

Email application materials to [email protected].