Landscape Architecture Practice Lead

Develop the Landscape Architecture Practice in Charlotte

At McAdams, we invest in growth-minded leaders who are eager to build, innovate, and elevate those around them. As the Landscape Architecture Practice Lead for the Charlotte metro, this role drives the growth and strategic direction of McAdams’ landscape architecture practice. The leader in this position will oversee operations, elevate design quality, develop talent, and expand the firm’s client base and market presence — serving as the primary driver of performance and practice evolution.

This role plays a key part in generating new business, strengthening partnerships, and collaborating across service lines to deliver integrated, high-quality work. While engaged in project delivery, focus on team development and leading the practice is front and center — setting direction, removing barriers, and positioning the team for sustained growth and success.

Why McAdams

Joining McAdams isn’t just a career move; it’s an invitation to be part of something extraordinary. We’re growing, and our people are a big part of that. From exciting projects to a culture that embraces creativity, choosing McAdams means choosing a workplace where you’re not just an employee — you’re a vital piece of our success story.

We invest in leaders who want to build:

• Opportunities to shape strategy and grow a practice
• Exposure to high-impact projects across multiple market sectors
• A united, team-first culture
• A platform for long-term career growth and leadership development

See what our teammates have to say about their experience at McAdams: https://youtu.be/XnX3G3m75uU?si=ijoQMf1E6E7dmayT

What You’ll Do

• Build, lead, and grow the landscape architecture practice within the market, establishing a clear vision for the group and driving sustained expansion through strong client relationships, market presence, and strategic positioning
• Align the practice’s vision and strategy with the broader Planning + Design service line strategy as well as market-specific goals, ensuring local efforts contribute to firmwide priorities and long-term growth
• Own the overall health and performance of the practice, monitoring key metric such as backlog, revenue, utilization, profitability, staffing capacity, and accounts receivable, and taking proactive action to maintain a balanced, high-performing operation
• Drive business development efforts including generating new client relationships, expanding existing accounts, and identifying opportunities that position the practice for long-term growth
• Strengthen the practice’s presence and reputation in the market, actively engaging in industry events, conferences, and professional organizations to build relationships, enhance visibility, and position the firm as a leader in landscape architecture
• Actively lead and support proposal and pursuit efforts, partnering with marketing and others to develop compelling strategies, define scope, and position the practice to win new work
• Lead and develop a high-performing team, providing coaching, mentorship, and clear direction while fostering a collaborative, accountable culture supporting both individual growth and team success
• Proactively plan for the future of the practice, aligning team capabilities with growth goals by identifying talent needs, closing skill gaps, and advancing succession and development strategies
• Guide the design direction and quality of work across the practice, ensuring projects reflect the firm’s design ethos and contribute to a strong, competitive portfolio
• Partner across service lines to deliver integrated solutions, strengthening internal collaboration and positioning the firm to pursue and win multidisciplinary work
• Provide oversight and direction on project work, staying engaged in key or complex projects to support delivery, remove barriers, and ensure outcomes align with client expectations and firm standards—while maintaining primary focus on leading the practice rather than day-to-day project management
• Set the tone for the practice, modeling leadership behaviors, reinforcing firm values, and contributing to broader firm initiatives and strategic priorities

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited program in Landscape Architecture, City/Community/Regional Planning, Urban Planning, or related field required
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in landscape architecture, planning, design, or a related field
• RLA licensure required
• Demonstrated leadership experience with responsibility for team performance, financial outcomes, and client relationships
• Extensive experience in private land development design projects, with the ability to lead and guide teams through complex site, entitlement, and regulatory challenges
• Deep expertise in landscape architecture design, with a strong emphasis on creativity, design excellence, and high-quality project outcomes
• Proven track record in business development, including developing new clients and expanding existing accounts
• Strong financial acumen, with experience managing budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage clients, teams, and stakeholders effectively
• Ability to lead in a fast-paced environment, balancing multiple priorities while maintaining focus on strategic objectives
• Proficiency with relevant design and business software tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office)
• Commitment to collaboration, team development, and continuous improvement

Work Environment + Physical Demands

The characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. When properly requested and when feasible (without undue hardship to the company), reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Work will primarily be in an office setting with limited opportunities to be exposed to adverse environmental conditions
• Work will be primarily working with fingers by picking, pinching, typing, and grasping often with repetitive motion
• Must have visual acuity for viewing a computer screen, the ability to talk, hear and sit for extended periods of time
• Must be able to carry, lift, push/pull up to 5 pounds frequently and up to 30 pounds occasionally
• Additional physical duties may be required as necessary

Ready To Lead With Us?

If you’re ready to elevate a design practice, develop a team, and expand McAdams’ client base in Charlotte, NC, we’d love to connect.