Description

Snøhetta US is seeking a Project Leader to be a key team member of 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 help lead a multidisciplinary Snøhetta team of architects and landscape architects and represent Snøhetta with other collaborators and client groups. 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:  

A Project Leader is a leader at Snøhetta US who helps define and carry out project vision with Directors and Partners. Project Leaders move a project forward, lead an internal team, coordinate with consultants, and work through all items agreed upon in the contract. They establish relationships with the client and other stakeholders and consultants, together with Directors and Partners, with increasing responsibility as projects progress. Project Leaders develop and mentor those who are a part of their project team(s). They may work on multiple projects at Snøhetta and are involved with employee recruitment and project acquisition efforts. 

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 of these areas is not a requirement, but experience in more than one is preferred. 

The Project Leader is exposed to various work methods that are focused on the following core actions:  

• Thinking:  content generation of design through various mediums
• Doing:  production of drawings, presentations, and general design production tasks.
• Interacting:  participation and leadership in meetings, project discussions, employee development and studio life  

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

How you will do the job:  

The Project Leader leads the process of design, coordination and documentation for the design team and its interface with the consultant team. Below are just some of the ways you’ll do your work.   

Design: Works with the Partner-in-Charge and others to formulate and execute the design direction of the project. Organize, budget, and plan for charrettes during the design phases. 

Delivery: Manage project delivery process and advance the development by leading the team in several ways. Assist in developing and directly manage the budget, schedule, team, consultants, design, fee, and documentation daily, and adhere to the terms of the project contract. Define staffing needs for the work and enter data into project management software (Deltek Vantagepoint).   

Leadership: You are a leader at Snøhetta and demonstrate trustworthiness, forthrightness, self-awareness, and humility. Develop a breadth of leadership skills, including management, collaboration, design, project execution, and team development. Actively develop team members professionally through on-the-job teaching and mentorship. Lead performance conversations and reviews for team members.  

Initiative: Prioritize and delegate work according to project needs or Snøhetta initiatives. Hold yourself and your team accountable to ensure project deadlines and deliverables are met 

About your experience:  

• Professional degree in landscape architecture 
• At least 7-10 years of professional landscape architecture design experience, with at least 2 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 colocation 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.