Job Description

CLIENT SUMMARY

PLOT Studio is a Birmingham-based landscape architecture and urban design firm led by Principals Matt Phillips and Ryan Collins. Established in 2022, PLOT is dedicated to shaping meaningful, lasting places across the Southeast.

Built on the belief that landscape architects have the power to influence how communities connect, grow, and thrive, PLOT partners with public and private clients to bring thoughtful design to life—from parks, greenways, and civic spaces to mixed-use, multifamily, and industrial developments.

PLOT’s mission is simple: to advance the state of landscape architecture in Alabama through design excellence, collaboration, and mentorship.

Notable projects include:

• Downtown Trussville Redevelopment and Municipal Campus
• Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater (Albertville, AL)
• Urban Market and Streetscape Projects (Anniston, AL)
• Urban Supply Development (Birmingham, AL)
• Greenway and park designs across multiple municipalities throughout the Southeast

With an emphasis on innovation, integrity, and impact, PLOT is growing a studio that blends creative design with technical precision—and they’re looking for a Studio Director to help lead that mission forward.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

PLOT Studio is seeking a Studio Director to lead the day-to-day operations of its Birmingham studio.

This senior-level role will oversee project execution, staff development, scheduling, and quality control—working closely with Principals Matt Phillips and Ryan Collins, who focus on external strategy and firm growth. The Studio Director will strengthen the internal team, ensuring excellence in design, delivery, and mentorship.

Ideal candidates are licensed landscape architects with significant experience managing complex public and private projects who thrive on developing people and elevating design quality. The position reports directly to Matt Phillips and Ryan Collins.

POSITION KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Production & Technical Leadership

• Oversee studio-wide QA/QC, ensuring technical excellence and consistency across projects.
• Manage complex, multi-phased landscape architecture projects from concept through construction.
• Support design teams in production, deadlines, and document delivery.
• Uphold the firm’s design standards and ensure each project reflects PLOT’s identity and values.

Studio & Project Management

• Coordinate studio scheduling, resource allocation, and staffing needs.
• Lead project setup, budgeting, and workflow processes alongside Project Managers.
• Manage project timelines, ensuring budgets, milestones, and client expectations are met.
• Serve as a bridge between Principals, clients, and internal design teams.

Mentorship & Team Development

• Lead and mentor design staff through collaboration, critique, and training.
• Model approachability, humility, and excellence—building trust and confidence within the team.
• Support professional growth by identifying skill gaps and development opportunities.
• Cultivate an engaging, collaborative studio culture that promotes innovation and accountability.

Client & Partner Collaboration

• Represent PLOT Studio with professionalism and clarity in meetings, presentations, and site visits.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with architects, engineers, developers, and municipal partners.
• Participate in select client-facing meetings to support the Principals and ensure project alignment.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE NEEDED

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from an accredited program.
• Licensed Professional Landscape Architect (PLA), or eligible within one year.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in landscape architecture, with some experience in a leadership or project management role.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-phase projects—public and private.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor design teams, balancing high-quality design with efficiency.
• Strong technical background in project documentation, construction administration, and coordination with multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Collaborative, visionary, and approachable leader who remains calm under pressure.
• Passion for elevating the landscape architecture profession and mentoring the next generation of designers.
• Deep understanding of Alabama’s or the Southeast’s development and municipal landscape preferred.

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