Principal of Landscape Architecture at GPAC

Principal of Landscape Architecture and Director of Los Angeles Operations

A national firm specializing in design, planning, communications, management, science, and technology is seeking a senior-level professional for the role of Principal of Landscape Architecture and Director of Operations in the Los Angeles office. The firm focuses on creating environments where people, communities, and ecosystems thrive, leveraging over 40 years of expertise to plan, design, and sustain environments that support human development. The team values passion, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence.

This role combines strategic leadership, project oversight, and operational management. The firm offers a hybrid work schedule, with a preference for in-person collaboration at least three times a week to foster learning, team-building, and mentorship.

Responsibilities

• Collaboration: Work as part of a multidisciplinary team on diverse projects, including public spaces, parks, campus master plans, green infrastructure, and more, primarily in Southern California but also nationwide.
• Project Management: Lead project teams, oversee scopes, budgets, schedules, and deliverables, and maintain high-quality standards.
• Design Leadership: Provide innovative design solutions and actively contribute to project deliverables, from concepts to construction documents.
• Financial Oversight: Partner with leadership to manage financial performance, including profitability, utilization, and project accounting.
• Operations Management: Oversee daily office operations, facilities, staff workload, and compliance with systems and processes.
• Client Development: Build and maintain client relationships, identify opportunities, and contribute to business development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture.
• Licensed landscape architect (California preferred).
• Local to or willing to relocate to the Los Angeles area.
• Experience leading design teams and fostering a collaborative studio environment.
• Strong skills in construction documentation, administration, and project management.
• Proficiency in public presentations and stakeholder engagement.
• Marketing and business development experience, including proposal preparation and client relationship management.
• Expertise in AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Creative Cloud; familiarity with Deltek is a plus.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to mentor and supervise staff.

Compensation and Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary range, commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package, including PTO, holidays, medical, dental, vision, FSA, HRA with employer contributions, and 401K matching. The firm fosters a flexible and rewarding work environment that supports professional growth and camaraderie.

*For a highly confidential conversation call/text Jessica at

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.