Description

Snøhetta US is seeking a Director to lead a team for a Progressive Design-Build project based in Austin, TX. The project requires the person to be located in Austin starting in early 2026, with initial onboarding taking place in the New York studio.  

An ideal candidate is committed to creating and developing exemplary landscape architecture and urban design from concept through execution. They demonstrate strong collaborative, communication, and leadership skills and are trusted partners to internal and external team members. They will lead a multidisciplinary Snohetta team of architects and landscape architects as well as act as a primary contact with other collaborators and with the client group.  Experience working with Progressive Design-Build is a plus, as Snøhetta’s team will lead the design of the Public Realm for a large infrastructure system in central Austin. 

About the job:  

Directors, together with the Partners, are involved in firm-wide strategic matters and the long-term sustainability of Snøhetta beyond their daily participation in project work. They help advance the firm's agenda and the infrastructure necessary to support that work. They have a deep understanding of the mission, goals, and portfolio of Snøhetta, as well as having their own evolving point of view of the work and profession. The Executive team designates the Director’s responsibilities, which may include working on several issues or projects simultaneously. Depending on a project’s scale or complexity, the office may require this person to participate in a specific role other than Director (ex, Project Manager).  

Beyond what is listed below, we look for candidates with experience in the following areas: Strategy, Programming, Urban Design, and Master Planning. Experience in all these areas is not a requirement, but experience in more than one is preferred. 

The Director is exposed to various work methods which are focused on the following core actions:  

• Thinking:  content generation of design, practice methodologies, or company-wide systems through various mediums  
• Doing:  producing and putting thought into action, and carrying out the daily leadership of their teams.
• Interacting:  participation and leadership in meetings, project discussions, employee development and studio life. Develops and nurtures professional relationships outside the studio to benefit Snøhetta. Champions the evolution of Snøhetta. 

Directors are licensed in their profession and have demonstrated a long-term commitment to it.  

Depending upon a candidate’s experience and background, they will be recognized as a Director or Senior Director. 

HOW YOU DO THE JOB:  

The Director is a leader in the firm who helps define and lead project vision with Project Leaders and Partners. Below are just some of the ways you’ll do your work. 

Design: Understand and advance Snøhetta’s design ethos and originate design ideas or develop the design ideas of others through a collaborative process. Direct the process of design, coordination and documentation for the design team and its interface with the consultant team.  Regularly engage Partners or the Partners-in-Charge of specific projects for input. 

Delivery: Manage the project delivery process and advance project development by leading the team in several ways. Oversee the development of the budget, schedule, team, consultants, design, fee, and documentation daily, and adhere to the terms of the project contract. Build and maintain client relationships, ensure strategic alignment, and keep the Partner-in-charge updated throughout the project lifecycle. 

Leadership: You are a trusted, self-aware leader who communicates with clarity, fosters collaboration, and builds strong relationships internally and externally. Mentor and develop future leaders, provide feedback and performance reviews, and share knowledge across the firm. Externally, cultivate clients, contribute to business development, and play a key role in securing new work. Directors are accountable for both the growth of the practice and the success of projects. 

Initiative: Demonstrate strategic thinking and curiosity by leading internal initiatives, reporting outcomes to Partners, and engaging in professional activities outside the firm. Delegate and prioritize work across projects and firm-wide efforts while holding yourself and your teams accountable to deadlines and quality. Support and step in for the Partner-in-Charge when needed, ensuring seamless leadership. 

About your experience:  

• Professional degree and licensure in landscape architecture 
• At least 15+ years of professional landscape architecture design experience, with at least 5 years of project and team management 
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Rhino, Adobe CS, MS Office Suite, Slack, Zoom 
• Successful experience in a leadership role on large-scale, multi-disciplinary projects 
• Exceptional design sensibility, talent, and rigor 
• Experience through all phases of design (concept design through construction administration) 
• Experience working with a range of consultants and large project teams, including associate landscape, civil, electrical, traffic, and structural engineers. 
• Knowledge of grading design, planting design, materials, and technical aspects of landscape architecture 
• Experience working with Progressive Design-Build is a plus 

Snøhetta Culture & Benefits 

All positions at Snøhetta, regardless of level or discipline, expect a person to be a good citizen of the firm who contributes to a positive, inclusive organizational culture. 

The project requires this person to be located in Austin starting in early 2026. This co-location is expected to run for a minimum of 2 years, with the likelihood of extending up to 5 years total. Design-build team members on this project are expected to work in-person 5 days a week. 

Onboarding will take place in Snøhetta’s New York studio to provide the new hire with the time to establish relationships, familiarity with Snøhetta’s design process, and learn the studio’s overall operations and business practices. We expect this onboarding period to run until March.   

By joining Snøhetta, you will join a unique, exciting, and highly knowledgeable environment that enjoys producing excellent work and appreciates a good laugh while having fun together. 

We offer:  

• A multidisciplinary and innovative work environment 
• Lots of fun, discussions, and activities both at work and after office hours 
• Great colleagues who care about each other and their work 

Our robust benefits package is available to full-time employees and is centered on finding balance, well-being and fulfillment at work and home. Some of the ones we’re most excited about are: 

• Generous Paid Time Off to rest and recharge throughout the year. Over 40 days of PTO (vacation, sick, holidays, volunteerism and professional development). Plus floating holidays to take time that’s reflective of one’s culture, background, and identity. Our US office is closed from Christmas to New Year’s Day, so everyone in the studio can unplug. 
• Growth and career development are fostered through our formal Mentorship Program, support for licensure, an educational stipend, and regular knowledge-sharing events. 
• Comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage including a fully funded medical reimbursement program and flexible spending accounts (FSA) to cover additional health expenses. 
• Family support benefits including company-paid parental leaves and return-to-work plans. Dependent Care FSAs for school-aged children or elder relatives. NY Paid Family Leave to care for loved ones in a time of need. 
• 401k plan with matching and a steady vesting schedule. Company-paid life insurance with the option to top up. Annual discretionary bonus at year-end. 
• Connect with colleagues through lunch breaksand meet-ups in the kitchen with snacks, coffee or other tasty beverages. Or, take advantage of year-round Half-Day Fridays and plan an outing with others.