Begin Your Landscape Architecture Career from Design Through Construction SQLA, Inc. is seeking a motivated and highly organized recent landscape architecture graduate to join our boutique landscape architecture and design-build firm. This is a unique entry-level opportunity for someone who wants to develop as a designer while learning how landscape projects move from initial concepts through purchasing, construction, and completion.
The position is approximately:
50% landscape design and project support 50% purchasing, vendor coordination, and project administration You will work closely with SQLA's principal, who brings approximately 40 years of landscape architecture, planning, and design experience. Because SQLA is a small, hands-on firm, you will receive direct exposure to the decisions, materials, relationships, and practical problem-solving involved in bringing landscape designs to life. The ideal candidate is creative, detail-oriented, dependable, and willing to wear multiple hats. This is a fully in person office role and especially well suited to a recent graduate who wants broad professional experience rather than being limited to one narrow part of the design process. About SQLA SQLA, Inc. is a Los Angeles-based landscape architecture and design-build firm serving commercial, residential, institutional, hospitality, urban, and community projects. Our integrated approach connects design with material selection, purchasing, construction, and project execution. This gives our team members a practical understanding of how design decisions affect budgets, timelines, constructability, and the completed environment. As a boutique firm, we offer emerging professionals the opportunity to work closely with experienced leadership, participate in multiple phases of a project, and take on increasing responsibility as their capabilities grow. Primary Responsibilities Landscape Design and Project Support — Approximately 50% Assist the principal and project team with landscape architecture and design-build assignments. Support projects through conceptual design, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and construction administration. Prepare plans, drawings, diagrams, presentations, renderings, and other project materials. Translate design direction, sketches, comments, and redlines into accurate project documents. Research plants, landscape materials, site furnishings, products, and construction methods. Help develop planting concepts, material palettes, product selections, and presentation packages. Organize project drawings, specifications, photographs, research, and supporting documentation. Participate in internal design discussions, project meetings, and site visits as appropriate. Coordinate with project managers, contractors, vendors, and other members of the design-build team. Help ensure that design intent is clearly communicated and carried through during project execution. Purchasing and Project Coordination — Approximately 50% Research plants, materials, products, manufacturers, vendors, and suppliers for active projects. Request and compare vendor proposals, product information, availability, and pricing. Assist with preparing and tracking purchase orders, product orders, deliveries, and material schedules. Communicate professionally with vendors and suppliers by telephone and email. Follow up on quotes, orders, lead times, backorders, substitutions, and delivery commitments. Confirm that ordered materials and products align with project drawings, specifications, quantities, and schedules. Maintain accurate purchasing logs, vendor records, material schedules, and project files. Coordinate purchasing information with designers, project managers, accounting personnel, and field teams. Assist with matching vendor invoices to purchase orders, proposals, and delivery records. Help identify and resolve pricing, product, billing, availability, and delivery discrepancies. Provide general project coordination and administrative support as needed in a collaborative small-firm environment. Preferred Qualifications Recent bachelor's or master's degree in Landscape Architecture from an accredited or recognized college or university. Zero to two years of professional or internship experience. Portfolio demonstrating design thinking, creativity, technical ability, and visual communication. Working proficiency in AutoCAD or comparable drafting software. Familiarity with SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, 3D modeling, rendering, Revit, GIS, or related design applications is a plus. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, email, and digital file-management systems. Interest in plants, landscape materials, products, construction methods, and the built environment. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Comfort speaking with vendors, suppliers, contractors, and other project partners by telephone and email. Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines. Ability to follow through consistently and help ensure that commitments are completed. Openness to feedback and a willingness to ask questions and learn. Ability to work full-time, on-site at SQLA's Los Angeles office. The Right Person for This Role You may be a strong fit if you: Recently completed a landscape architecture degree and are ready to begin your professional career. Want direct mentorship from an experienced landscape architect and firm principal. Enjoy both creative design and the detailed coordination required to execute a project successfully. Are curious about how materials are sourced, priced, purchased, delivered, and installed. Are comfortable moving between drawing production, product research, vendor communication, and project follow-up. Take ownership of assignments and follow through until issues are resolved. Thrive in a small, entrepreneurial firm where team members contribute in multiple ways. Want to understand the complete journey from design concept to completed landscape. What You Will Gain Direct mentorship from a principal with approximately 40 years of professional experience. Practical experience in both landscape design and purchasing. Exposure to multiple project types and phases of development. A stronger understanding of materials, pricing, constructability, and project execution. Opportunities to work with designers, contractors, suppliers, manufacturers, and clients. Experience seeing design ideas move from plans and presentations into built environments. Increasing responsibility as your technical skills, judgment, and confidence develop. A broad foundation for a long-term career in landscape architecture and design-build. Specific benefits and eligibility requirements will be discussed during the hiring process.
How to Apply Please submit:
Your résumé. Your landscape architecture portfolio or a link to your portfolio. A brief introduction explaining why you are interested in a position combining landscape design, purchasing, and design-build experience. Your availability to begin working.
Pay:
$25.00 - $28.00 per hour Application Question(s): Have you recently graduated within the last 12-18 months? Do you have a bachelor's degree in
