STUDIO JOHN SHARP
Studio John Sharp is guided and driven by a commitment to redefining how people connect with the natural world. By fusing artistry with functionality, Studio John Sharp stands at the cutting edge of environmental design, crafting evocative and wonder-filled spaces. Resonating far beyond aesthetics, Studio John Sharp is an environmental design practice rooted in a passion for expressive living and deeply grounded in a reverence for nature.
Founded by John Sharp in 2018 in Los Angeles, CA, the studio emerged organically through John's cumulative passions of landscape architecture, interior design, vintage collecting, art curation, and the lived experience of place. Building on its grassroots origins, Studio John Sharp has refined its interdisciplinary practice and emerged at the forefront of shaping the future of outdoor environments.
Featured in leading publications, including Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Wallpaper, Dwell, and Vogue Living, Studio John Sharp’s portfolio reflects a rare ability to engage with architectural heritage while pushing the boundaries of contemporary landscape design. The studio's work includes visionary exteriors for landmark homes by modernist masters such as John Lautner, Richard Neutra, and William Earl Wear. Now dividing his time between Los Angeles and Taos, NM, John leads projects across diverse geographies - from the cultural landscapes of Austin, TX, to the stark beauty of the California deserts.
Specializing in distinctive architectural homes and iconic properties, the studio brings a dynamic, lifestyle-centric approach to landscape design - one that embraces emotion, romance, and the art of living well. Each project is conceived in collaboration with the client as a one-of-a-kind narrative, resulting in immersive, personal worlds that feel both grounded and transcendent.
Open Positions
General Manager
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 re-envisioning of exterior 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 General Manager position is the highest-level position at the Studio reporting directly into the founder, John Sharp. This person will oversee the day-to-day operations of the studio, focusing on strategic goals, financial performance, operations and team management. They will act as a scaled-down CEO, responsible for achieving company objectives and ensuring the studio's growth and success.
Overview
You are a natural leader, inspiring and motivating the team to achieve peak performance. You are also a highly attuned individual, able to foster a collaborative and creative environment and Studio space. You have experience in overseeing business operations, human resources, and finance. You're an expert communicator who has a strong ability to delegate responsibility and collaborate across a range of departments. You can build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring client satisfaction and retention. Ultimately, you're driven by a desire to lead our studio to maximum productivity and efficiency while maintaining the culture and reputation we have carefully crafted over the past ten years.
Objectives
- Develop a strategic plan for optimized productivity
- Review and improve organizational effectiveness by developing processes, overseeing employees, establishing a highly motivational work environment, and implementing innovative changes
- Adhere to company standards for excellence and quality
- Manage up to the Studio founder, keeping him updated on the health of the business and its key accounts
- Seek out opportunities for expansion and growth by developing new business relationships
- Provide guidance and feedback to help others strengthen specific knowledge/skill areas
Responsibilities
- Oversee day-to-day operations, assign weekly performance goals and ensure their completion, and accomplish your own goals
- Manage all HR activities such as recruitment, onboarding/training, employee development, reviews, and handbooks
- Develop and implementing business plans, budgets, and marketing strategies to achieve company goals
- Oversee budgeting, billing, cash flow, and financial reporting with the Bookkeeping Team and CPA to ensure the Studio's financial health
- Develop, implement, and maintain budgetary and resource allocation plans
- Delegate responsibilities to the best-qualified employees and enforce all policies, procedures, standards, specifications, guidelines, training programs, and cultural values
- Maintain project timelines to ensure tasks are accomplished effectively
- Resolve internal staff conflicts efficiently and to the mutual benefit of all involved
- Track and evaluate the Studio's performance against set goals, making necessary adjustments to improve efficiency and profitability
Qualifications
- Proven success in a managerial role at a Design Studio or Creative Agency
- Strong decision-making ability
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and delegation skills
- Proven ability to develop and achieve financial plans
- Ability to motivate and lead employees, and hold them accountable
- Strong working knowledge of operational procedures, systems building
- Proficiency in Studio Designer
Junior Designer
Overview
The Junior Designer position plays a vital role in the 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.
Responsibilities
Design:
- Create dynamic digital and material design presentations with landscape designs, drawings, and renderings that interpret design direction, client preferences, project requirements, and site conditions.
- Select appropriate species, materials, and finishes that elevate both form and function.
- Draft detailed build plans and specs for custom furnishings and features.
- Ensure design integrity, quality, and adherence to studio expectations.
Project Management:
- Engage in progressing a project efficiently through all lifecycle milestones- from concept to completion.
- Act as the point of contact for vendors and contractors with the ability to solicit and negotiate competitive bids and process purchasing.
- Manage project logistics, including resource allocation, workflows, scheduling, and communications.
- Monitor and communicate project progress, identify potential risks or issues, and suggest proactive solutions throughout to keep projects on track and within budget.
- Maintain accurate project records and billing via Studio Designer and Google Drive.
- Collaborate with the accounting team to keep project records and billing up to date.
- Assist in developing project plans, estimates, timelines, and comprehensive budgets.
- Serve as a client liaison upon request, providing updates, addressing inquiries or concerns, and nurturing a positive relationship throughout the project.
Client Engagement:
- Take meeting notes and translate client and studio needs into clear design directives and updates.
- Assist in client presentations and walkthroughs upon request.
- Foster positive, collaborative relationships with clients, demonstrating professionalism, responsiveness, and a commitment to exceeding expectations.
Collaboration:
- Work closely with the Founder/Design Principal, Creative Operations Director, 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.
- Leverage administrative tools, systems, and processes to streamline an integrated workflow.
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.
- Proficiency in design software such as CAD, Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp and Procreate.
- Strong visual and conceptual design skills, hand-drawing/illustration skills a major plus.
- Detail-oriented and highly organized; capable of managing multiple deadlines and tasks at once.
- Experience with Studio Designer Accounting preferred.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with strong interpersonal abilities and a client-focused approach to relationship management
- Flexibility, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset- thrives in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
- LA based with reliable transportation.
How to Apply
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio showcasing your landscape design and project management experience to experience@studiojohnsharp.com. Please include "General Manager" or "Junior Designer" in the subject line of your email or application.