Design Principal Landscape Architect

Job Title: Principal, Landscape Architecture
Organization: Kounkuey Design Initiative (KDI)
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Start Date: Immediately

Email: mary@multiplicitypartnership.com with your resume and portfolio.

Kounkuey Design Initiative (KDI) is an international, non-profit, design and community development firm, offering landscape architecture among its many services. KDI uses design as a tool for social justice. Specifically, the firm collaborates with under-resourced communities to advance equity and activate the unrealized potential in neighborhoods and cities. This mission is accomplished through advocacy, research, planning, and built works. KDI works on projects that advance a just public realm at all scales including: parks, park master plans, environmental planning projects, industrial design, affordable
housing, civic spaces and commemorative landscapes.

With offices in Los Angeles, East Coachella Valley, Nairobi, and Stockholm, KDI continues to grow and further its mission, with domestic and international projects. KDI has been recognized for its innovative approach to poverty alleviation by notable institutions such as Cooper Hewitt, Architectural League NY, The Rockefeller Foundation, UN-Habitat and Ashoka Changemakers.
 

KDI is seeking a unique Principal, Landscape Architect to co-lead and build the
Landscape Design team in our Los Angeles office, and carry out our mission to advance equity, and activate the unrealized potential in neighborhoods and cities, in partnership with under-resourced communities facing political, social, and physical challenges.

Scope and Responsibilities
The Principal, Landscape Architecture will be responsible for strengthening and growing KDI’s landscape design practice; building our staff’s and organization’s capacity to deliver innovative, multi-faceted built projects; and expanding our reach to new communities throughout California and the U.S.
 

We’re looking for someone with a strong interest in social justice and participatory processes; exceptional design ability; extensive experience implementing built projects; a track record as a leader who can work collaboratively, mentor staff, and carry out a vision for what design can achieve in under-resourced communities.
 

This is not a conventional design principal role; for the chosen candidate, this is an incredible opportunity to lead public projects, shape KDI’s design department, grow a team, and work extensively with communities. 

At KDI, Principles Take Accountability and Responsibility for 5 Key Areas:
 

• design vision: upholding KDI quality standards on all project work, and ensuring all work is thoughtful, practical, and uniquely represents the communities we serve

• business development / future vision: creating & responding to new
opportunities that align with KDI’s commitment to social justice through the built environment. Growing relationships with key stakeholders including municipalities, philanthropies & other agencies to advocate for KDI’s bespoke design process.

• team management: the principal leads the design team as a whole, and the individuals within it. They are responsible for team cohesion through rituals including meetings, pinups, etc; performance management, balancing staff loads, supporting employee professional development, and strategically growing the design team with an eye towards the future

• mission ambassador / client management: At KDI, we have a high degree of responsibility to navigate the terrain between the communities we serve, key government decision makers, and funding entities. The Design Principal serves as a chief negotiator across these groups, working through competing priorities & conflict resolution with the utmost professionalism and a lens of care.

• technical expertise: The Design Principal owns the responsibility for technical rigor of design work at varied scales, including industrial and landscape. The Design Principal facilitates technical assessment of all work produced at KDI, and ensures that expertise is enlisted from skilled external sources as and when needed.

Qualifications & Experience:
• 10+ years practicing as a landscape architect, with a proven track record of
leading high-quality design and implementation of public spaces, and leading
design teams

• Masters in Landscape Architecture or related field preferred

• Must be a licensed landscape architect (CA license not required, but must be
willing/able to become licensed in CA, if hired)

• Extensive experience managing consultant teams, overseeing production of
construction drawings and specifications, and leading construction
administration

• Experience with budgeting and financial management

• Candidates should be interested in working in a nimble, fast-paced environment.

• Candidates must be ready to work in-person from our Los Angeles studio four
days per week (Monday - Thursday)

• Experience working with government clients and stakeholders preferred

• Experience with non-profits (as a collaborator with non-profit partners, board
members, volunteers, etc) is a plus

• Willingness to travel to the Coachella Valley regularly (during work hours), and
nationally and internationally as needed (possible trips to Kenya or other
international destinations)

This role is based in Los Angeles, California and in office presence is required. 

Email: mary@multiplicitypartnership.com with your resume and portfolio.

Skills
Strong skills with AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite. (Rhino and other 3D modeling
software is used):

• Proficiency with detailing, redlining, and writing specifications;
• Strong verbal presentation, writing, and graphic communication skills;
• Grant writing skills are a plus;
• Written and spoken fluency in Spanish is a plus, but not required.

Location + Schedule
This is a salaried, full-time, in-person position, at our Los Angeles Studio (with
flexible schedule options – 9/80 or traditional schedule). Compensation range is $100-$160k depending on experience and skills. 

KDI is a woman-led, bipoc-led practice committed to recruiting and retaining a team that reflects the communities we partner with. We prioritize inclusion, transparency, collaboration, courage and rigor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status or
medical condition. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Email: mary@multiplicitypartnership.com with your resume and portfolio.