Description

About DWY Landscape Architects
DWY Landscape Architects is a boutique design firm in Sarasota with a secondary office in Naples. Founded and led by David W. Young, ASLA, the firm has amassed an award-winning portfolio over the past 26 years that includes residential estates, luxury condominium and resort communities, commercial and institutional projects throughout Florida and the islands.

Devoted to the profession and all its elements – art, environment, architecture, engineering, and sociology – DWY Landscape Architects is dedicated to creating distinctive, sustainable spaces that bring people closer to nature in refined, elegant, and significant ways through clean, modern designs harmonious with the region’s natural environment.

DWYLA is a small, collaborative studio — and that means the work you do here varies, matters and is visible.

The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Senior Associate/ Project Manager to join our team in a pivotal role. As the firm continues to grow, our principal must focus on maintaining a high level of design concepts and business development. The Senior Associate/ Project Manager will own each project from concept handoff through construction administration, responsible for ensuring every client experience reflects the quality and care.

This is not a support role. You will lead projects, manage client relationships, direct production staff, and be the primary point of contact for clients from schematic design through completion.

Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership & Scope Management

• Receive project handoff from Principal at concept or schematic phase and assume full ownership through project closeout.
• Engage with clients and project team at handoff to develop a thorough understanding of scope, goals, schedule, regulatory requirements, and budget constraints.
• Develop or refine written scope of work, project schedule, and fee budget in collaboration with Principal and client; ensure all parties share a clear and aligned understanding before advancing.
• Define and communicate alternatives and solutions when obstacles arise; present options clearly to clients with recommended path forward.
• Proactively monitor scope creep; prepare and obtain Change Orders prior to undertaking additional work outside the original contract.
• Serve as the primary client contact from handoff through construction administration; maintain communication that reflects the firm's commitment to responsiveness and care.
• Direct and mentor junior staff; provide guidance on technical execution, professional development, and project management discipline.
• Coordinate workload and task assignments across active projects in collaboration with Principal.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of firm processes, standards, and studio culture.

Project Execution & Documentation

• Advance plans from design development through construction documents and permitting.
• Coordinate all project tasks across internal team members, consultants, and outside professionals to keep projects on track and on budget.
• Represent clients at project meetings with consultants, governmental agencies, and other stakeholders; sign and submit development applications on behalf of client and firm as appropriate.
• Administer the construction phase: manage RFIs, submittals, site observations, and contractor communications.
• Maintain thorough and well-organized project files throughout the life of each project.

 Budget & Schedule Accountability

• Monitor team member hours and task progress against project estimates.
• Communicate project status, budget tracking, and issues to clients and the project team on a consistent basis.
• Ensure projects meet firm standards for content, accuracy, and completeness at every phase
• Participate in QA/QC reviews with Principal at defined milestones.

Requirements

Required

• Bachelor's degree in landscape architecture or architecture from an accredited program.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in landscape architectural or architectural design, construction documentation, and construction administration, including collaboration on multidisciplinary projects with architects and engineers.
• Demonstrated track record of satisfied clients and repeat client relationships.
• Proven ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously across various stages of development while maintaining design integrity.
• Superior communication skills (written, verbal, and graphic) with the ability to present design vision clearly to a wide range of audiences.
• Proficiency in CAD-based design software (AutoCAD, Vectorworks, or comparable platform).
• Working proficiency with project management and collaboration tools such as Bluebeam, Adobe, MS Project, and the Microsoft Office suite.

Preferred
      ASLA licensure or AIA licensure (active or inactive considered).

      Familiarity with design visualization tools including SketchUp, Rhino, and Revit.

      Familiarity with Florida jurisdictions and permitting processes.

      Track record of coaching, mentoring, and developing junior staff.