Studio Lead - PLA LJA Engineering - 4.1 Kansas City, MO Job Details 16 hours ago Benefits Paid parental leave Internal mobility program Paid holidays Health insurance Dental insurance Tuition reimbursement Paid time off Parental leave Employee stock ownership plan Opportunities for advancement Referral program Qualifications Construction detail documentation Team leadership Technical documentation Design development project phase Construction document project phase Schedule management Architectural project management Architecture License Managing landscape design projects Construction industry experience Client management Construction schedules Leading team collaboration initiatives Building code analysis Managing projects Project stakeholder communication Full Job Description

WHAT LJA HAS TO OFFER LJA

is offering an exciting opportunity that will allow you to reach your full career potential. The structure of our organization is designed to amplify your capabilities while gaining the benefits of being an employee-owner. What truly sets this opportunity apart is the chance to collaborate every day with dedicated, skilled, and supportive leaders. Whether you are in the office, in the field, or behind the scenes, working at LJA gives you the chance to grow through hands-on experience and exposure to a broad range of clients and services.

WHAT MAKES LJA DIFFERENT

At LJA, our employee-owners take pride in their work and their workplace. We're guided by leaders who foster a culture of respect, collaboration and a shared vision of success. Our difference is evident in the experiences and opportunities we provide: Employee-owned. Client-focused Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Consistently ranked as a Top Workplace Internal recruitment team, in-house training, and a marketing department specific to our industry We celebrate flexibility, allowing every team and office to lead with their proven approach Our culture champions continuous learning and personal growth We believe success comes through constant evolution and communication We are passionate about having fun and making money, all while creating impact

POSITION OVERVIEW

As a Studio Lead - PLA at LJA Land Development , you will lead the architectural execution of multidisciplinary projects that integrate built form, landscape, and experience across a range of environments. This role supports projects such as parks, amenity centers, civic and recreational facilities, mixed-use developments, outdoor hospitality settings, boutique lodging, trailheads, community gathering spaces, and downtown plazas. The ideal candidate brings strong design thinking, technical expertise, project leadership, and the ability to organize production across multiple projects simultaneously.

A TYPICAL DAY MIGHT INCLUDE

Translating conceptual vision into buildable, code-compliant design solutions across a variety of project types. Leading architectural project development from concept through construction documentation and construction administration. Collaborating closely with civil engineering, landscape architecture, and planning teams to ensure integrated project delivery. Coordinating and managing multiple projects across varying scales, including parks, amenity centers, and experience-driven environments. Serving as the primary architectural point of contact for clients, consultants, and internal teams. Managing project budgets, schedules, production efforts, and team coordination to support successful project delivery. Communicating proactively and consistently to support high-quality outcomes and long-term client relationships.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited program. Licensed Architect required. Ability to maintain working knowledge of applicable building codes, construction methods, materials, and detailing appropriate to each project type.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience leading architectural project development from concept through construction documentation and administration. Strong project management skills with the ability to organize production across multiple projects simultaneously. Ability to translate conceptual design ideas into buildable, code-compliant solutions. Experience coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, including civil engineering, landscape architecture, and planning. Strong communication skills with the ability to serve as the primary architectural contact for clients, consultants, and internal teams. Organized, adaptable, collaborative, and comfortable contributing across design, documentation, coordination, and client engagement. Working knowledge of construction methods, materials, and detailing.

IDEALLY, YOU SHOULD ALSO HAVE

Experience with parks, amenity centers, civic and recreational facilities, mixed-use developments, outdoor hospitality, boutique lodging, trailheads, community gathering spaces, or downtown plaza/public space projects. A design-forward mindset with the ability to help shape memorable, functional, and experience-driven environments. Experience working across architecture, landscape architecture, and planning to deliver cohesive, high-quality places. Strong client relationship skills and the ability to support long-term client partnerships. Comfort wearing multiple hats in a growing design team environment.

LEVEL UP WITH LJA

At LJA, we're 100% employee-owned. This drives results, rewards ambition and supports long-term success for every team member. With almost 100 locations and 3,000+ employee-owners (and growing) , we're building something big! We want you to be part of it. Your future grows here.

Generous Time Off:

PTO, paid holidays, and a full office closure between Christmas and New Year's.

Comprehensive Benefits:

Multiple plan options for health, dental, and pets. Along with mental health support.

Family Support:

Paid maternity and parental leave to help you focus on what matters most.

Education Support:

Tuition reimbursement and in-house courses provided by our Learning and Development team.

Referral Bonuses:

Know great talent? Get rewarded for helping us grow.

Community Impact:

Company-sponsored volunteer days and philanthropic initiatives.

Professional Development:

Memberships to industry organizations to keep you connected and growing.

Career Growth:

Great internal mobility opportunities to advance your career.

Fun Culture:

LJA social events, employee sports teams, bring your kid to work day, etc.

To Executive Search Firms & Staffing Agencies:

LJA Engineering, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes from any agencies that have not signed a service agreement. All unsolicited resumes will be considered LJA's property. This includes resumes submitted directly to hiring managers without contacting LJA's Human Resources Talent Department. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.