Senior Landscape Designer (Evanston)

Senior Landscape Designer

Greenwise : Evanston, Illinois

Base Salary: $80,000–$100,000 + Commission

Reports to: Sales Manager

About Greenwise

Greenwise is a leader in sustainable landscape design, construction, and maintenance throughout the Chicagoland area. We are known for our commitment to organic lawn care, native plantings, water-conscious solutions, and a design aesthetic that blends beauty with ecological responsibility. Our clients value thoughtful design, professionalism, and long-term environmental stewardship—and we’re looking for a Senior Landscape Designer who shares those values.

Position Overview

The Senior Landscape Designer plays a key leadership role within our design-build team. This position is responsible for guiding clients through the full design process, producing high-quality sustainable landscapes, and ensuring seamless collaboration with our construction teams. You will also mentor junior designers and help maintain the creative and technical excellence that defines the Greenwise brand.

Key Responsibilities

• Design Leadership — Develop and oversee landscape designs that reflect Greenwise’s sustainability standards, aesthetic values, and client goals.
• Client Collaboration — Serve as the primary point of contact for design clients, building trust, communicating clearly, and translating aspirations into inspired, functional landscapes.
• Design-Build Integration — Lead the transition from concept to construction, coordinating closely with project managers and field crews to ensure design intent is executed accurately.
• Mentorship & Team Development — Support, guide, and review work from junior designers, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented studio environment.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Education — Degree in Landscape Architecture, Landscape Design, or a related field preferred.
• Experience — Minimum of 5 years in residential design-build, including sales, estimating, project management, and strong knowledge of hardscapes, plant materials, and drainage.
• Technical Skills — Proficiency in AutoCAD; experience with 3D modeling tools such as SketchUp or Lumion is a plus.
• Software Aptitude — Ability to quickly learn and utilize internal estimating software.
• Project Management — Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail Orientation — Strong organizational skills, accuracy, and follow-through.
• Communication — Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Physical Requirements

This role involves both office-based design work and on-site project involvement. Candidates must be able to:

• Walk job sites, including uneven terrain
• Lift up to 25 pounds occasionally
• Tolerate outdoor conditions in all seasons
• Conduct site measurements and field assessments

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off & Holidays
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Legal Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Pet Insurance

E-Verify & Equal Opportunity Employment

Greenwise participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.

Join Our Team

If you’re passionate about sustainable design, energized by client collaboration, and excited to shape the future of eco-conscious landscapes in Chicagoland, we’d love to meet you. At Greenwise, your creativity, leadership, and commitment to the environment will make a real impact. Come grow with us and help build a greener, more beautiful world.