Landscape Architect 1 - Chicago, Illinois, , United States

About Us · Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $7.6 ...

Job description

About Us

Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $7.6 billion in revenue for 2024, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building," providing fast track, efficient solutions for industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential related building projects.

About LJC

LJC Design & Engineering is a full-service architecture, engineering, and design firm committed to enhancing the quality of the human experience through integrated design. We are a team of high-energy professionals who share a passion for design, a collaborative approach, and a casual culture. We solve challenges by leveraging the collective expertise and ingenuity of the best and brightest minds across development, design, and construction

The Role We Want You For

Lamar Johnson Collaborative (LJC) is looking to hire a Landscape Architect 1 (5+ years of experience) to join our landscape and planning practice team in Chicago or St. Louis. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects requiring strong urban planning and master planning skills — from large-scale campus and community plans to detailed site designs. The ideal candidate will have a background in urban planning or urban design, with the ability to connect landscape architecture to the broader context of community, mobility, and development strategy.

We're looking for a motivated, collaborative designer who thrives in a multidisciplinary environment — working closely with colleagues across architecture, planning, and Clayco's construction and real estate teams. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to design excellence, strengthen our practice, and help shape communities through integrated, forward-thinking design.

The Specifics of the Role

• Lead and support the design, documentation, and delivery of landscape and master planning projects across all phases, from concept to construction.
• Contribute urban planning and urban design expertise to support the development of cohesive site, district, and campus-scale visions.
• Collaborate across disciplines to integrate design and constructability for high-performing built environments.
• Participate in business development efforts, assisting with proposals, presentations, and pursuit strategies for new and diverse project types.
• Provide creative input and technical expertise in areas such as planning, zoning, entitlement, environmental design, and community engagement.
• Coordinate with internal and external teams to ensure quality, clarity, and consistency in all deliverables.
• Represent LJC and Clayco at industry events, community meetings, and civic engagements.
• Contribute to mentorship and practice growth within the landscape and planning team.
• Embody LJC's core values of integrity, humility, and fearlessness in all interactions and work.
  

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Landscape Architecture; coursework or degree in Urban Planning or Urban Design a strong plus
• 5+ years of professional experience in landscape architecture, urban planning, or urban design
• Professional Landscape Architect (PLA) licensure preferred
• Demonstrated experience in master planning, site design, and the integration of landscape and planning strategies
• Proficiency in design and documentation software, including:
• AutoDesk (AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D)
• Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
• GIS (ArcView, ArcGIS)
• 3D Modeling tools (Rhino, SketchUp)
• Strong graphic, written, and verbal communication skills

Proven ability to build collaborative relationships and contribute to a multidisciplinary team environment

Some Things You Should Know

• Our clients and projects are nationwide – occasional travel will be part of the job.
• No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does.
• We work on creative, complex, award-winning, high-profile projects.

Why Clayco and LJC?

• 2025 Best Places to Work – St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
• 2025 ENR Midwest – Midwest Contractor (#1).
• 2025 ENR Top 100 Design-Build Firms – Design-Build Contractor (Top 5).
• 2025 ENR Top 100 Green Contractors – Green Contractor (Top 3).
• 2025 ENR Top 25 Data Center Builders – Data Center Contractor (Top 3).
  

Benefits

• Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs.
  

Compensation

• The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The Clayco Nationwide salary range for this position is approximately $80,000-$95,000+/- annually (not adjusted for location).