STUDIO JOHN SHARP

Overview

Studio John Sharp is a fast growing LA based environmental design studio pushing creative boundaries at the intersection of ecologies, human and nature. Our typical project scopes include the complete reenvisioning of exterior residential and commercial environments including site planning and garden design, architectural interventions, custom design build elements, and comprehensive furnishing. We are fortunate to work with many architecturally distinctive and historic homes and imaginative clients throughout the country.

The hybrid Project Manager & Designer position plays a vital role in bridging creative design capabilities with project management excellence. This position works closely with the team to drive successful execution of design projects through all phases from concept to completion delivering exceptional quality, client satisfaction, and adherence to project timelines, budgets, and creative direction.

Our Studio is a vibrant operation at a major stage of growth - this position is well suited for skilled, confident, and motivated creatives to contribute talent and skills to an emerging practice and grow with an incredible team. We are looking for a highly qualified, talented, organized, agile, and collaborative player for whom taking ownership is true nature.

Responsibilities

Project Management:

• Collaborate closely with the design principal and team while taking complete ownership of progressing a project efficiently through all lifecycle milestones - from concept to completion.
• Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets.
• Produce project estimates, comprehensive budgets and negotiate competitive contractor bids.
• Manage project logistics, including resource allocation, workflows, scheduling, vendor and contractor communications.
• Monitor and communicate project progress, identify potential risks or issues, and implement proactive solutions throughout to keep projects on track and within budget.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, providing regular updates, addressing inquiries or concerns, and maintaining positive client relationships throughout the project lifecycle.
• Utilize Studio Designer Software to maintain day to day project accounting administration.
• Collaborate with the accounting team to keep project records and billing up to date.

Design:

• Contribute creative ideas, concepts, and solutions to design project assignments.
• Develop detailed landscape designs, drawings, and renderings that reflect high level design direction, client preferences, project requirements, and site conditions.
• Select appropriate plant species, materials, and elements to enhance the aesthetic and functional aspects of landscape designs.
• Collaborate and communicate regularly with the Studio team to ensure design integrity, quality, and adherence to client expectations.
• Create dynamic digital and material design presentations.
• Draft detailed build plans and specs for custom furnishings and features.

Client Engagement:

• Represent the studio in communications with clients to understand their vision, goals, and requirements for outdoor spaces, and incorporate feedback into design iterations.
• Conduct client presentations and walkthroughs to communicate design concepts, gather feedback, and secure client approvals.
• Foster positive, collaborative relationships with clients, demonstrating professionalism, responsiveness, and a commitment to exceeding expectations.
• Maintain regular schedules of client communication and updates.

Studio Team Collaboration:

• Work closely with the Founder/Design Principal, General Manager, and design team to foster a collaborative, supportive, and creative work environment.
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, providing updates, sharing insights, and addressing any project-related challenges or opportunities.
• Support the professional development and growth of junior team members through mentorship, guidance, and knowledge-sharing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Environmental Design, or related field.
• Proven experience in landscape design and project management, specifically in a high-end residential / commercial design firm.
• Strong design skills, creativity, and proficiency in design software such as CAD, Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp and Procreate.
• Excellent project management abilities, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, create budgets, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Experience with Studio Designer Accounting Software is a plus.
• Illustration and Hand Drawing Capabilities is a major plus.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and client management skills, with a customer-centric approach to client engagement. Exceptional written and verbal skills.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
• LA based with reliable transportation.