At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and deliver high-quality landscape projects from concept to construction.
- Company: Gillespies, a leading landscape architecture practice known for innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, hybrid working, and flexi-hours for work-life balance.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for career progression and international projects.
- Why this job: Join a creative team making a positive impact on the built environment with exciting projects.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years in landscape architecture, strong design skills, and proficiency in relevant software.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 € per year.
Gillespies is a leading landscape architecture, masterplanning, planning and urban design practice, recognised for creating responsibly designed, transformative and award-winning places that add real value to people’s lives. We work with ambitious, forward-thinking clients across the UK and internationally on projects that push boundaries in creativity, innovation and sustainability. As cities evolve and the importance of healthy, inclusive and nature-rich places becomes ever more critical, Gillespies is helping to lead a new nature-led urbanism. Our studios are creative, sociable and supportive environments where collaboration, imagination and design rigour go hand in hand. You will join a team that values strong ideas, thoughtful delivery and the ability to work confidently from concept through to construction.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced Landscape Architect / Senior Landscape Architect with a strong design sensibility, technical expertise, and an interest in developing hands-on site experience to join our Oxford Studio. The successful candidate will play an important role in shaping and delivering high-quality landscape projects, from concept design through to construction, ensuring that design intent is realised on site. This role is ideal for someone passionate about creating outstanding landscapes, while bridging the connection between design, technology, and practical execution.
Key Activities
- Contributing to landscape projects from concept through to technical delivery and construction
- Developing compelling design ideas and communicating them clearly through drawings, visualisations and presentations
- Producing high-quality graphic and technical outputs across a range of project stages
- Coordinating with clients, consultants and contractors
- Supporting project management, tender information and on-site delivery
- Collaborating across multidisciplinary teams on UK and international projects
- Contributing to studio-wide thinking around innovation, workflow and design quality
What we’re looking for
Experience and qualifications
- A minimum of 2-4 years’ professional experience in landscape architecture
- A Bachelor’s degree and Postgraduate Diploma / MA in Landscape Architecture
- UK practice experience across relevant project stages
- CMLI is desirable for a Senior LA role, though not essential; equivalent overseas qualifications will also be considered
Portfolio and technical capability
- Strong conceptual design ability and creative thinking
- Work ranging from early concept sketches to technical details and built projects
- Experience of delivering projects through planning, tender and/or construction stages
- Excellent graphic communication and presentation skills
- Confidence developing and communicating ideas from early narrative through to implementation
Software and communication skills
- Proficiency in AutoCAD
- Excellent working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and SketchUp
- Revit would be an advantage
- Strong written and spoken English
- Clear and confident communication with clients, consultants and internal teams
Personal qualities
- Ability to work on complex projects and contribute to design packages with confidence
- Strong organisational skills
- A collaborative mindset, positive attitude and commitment to design quality
- Interest in innovation, digital tools and evolving design methods
Why join Gillespies
Gillespies is passionate about design and dedicated to making a positive impact on the built environment. We offer the opportunity to work on exciting, challenging and meaningful projects within a supportive and stimulating environment. Our offer includes:
- A competitive salary and benefits package
- Ongoing professional development and career progression
- The chance to work on innovative and high-profile projects
- A flexi-hours scheme to support a healthy work-life balance
- Hybrid working — opportunity to work 2 days from home and 3 days in the studio
- A creative, collaborative studio culture with an international team of talented designers
Landscape Architect / Senior Landscape Architect (Oxford, UK) employer: Gillespies
Gillespies is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative studio culture in Oxford where creativity and innovation thrive. With a commitment to professional development, competitive salaries, and a flexible working environment, employees are empowered to work on meaningful projects that positively impact the built environment. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to shaping nature-rich urban spaces while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Landscape Architect / Senior Landscape Architect (Oxford, UK)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, workshops, and meet-ups to connect with fellow landscape architects and potential employers. Don’t be shy; introduce yourself and share your passion for creating transformative spaces.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you get the chance, present it confidently during interviews or casual chats with industry folks. Visuals speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company culture! Before applying or interviewing, dive into Gillespies’ projects and values. Tailor your conversations to show how your design sensibility aligns with their mission of creating nature-rich places.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our creative and collaborative team at Gillespies.
We think you need these skills to ace Landscape Architect / Senior Landscape Architect (Oxford, UK)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio:Your portfolio is your chance to shine! Make sure it showcases your best work, from those early sketches to the final built projects. We want to see your strong conceptual design ability and how you communicate your ideas visually.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in landscape architecture and how it aligns with our values at Gillespies. We love seeing candidates who understand our mission and can contribute to our innovative projects.
Be Clear and Confident:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language to communicate your skills and experiences. We appreciate confident communication, so don’t shy away from showcasing your strengths and what makes you a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our creative and collaborative studio culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gillespies
✨Know Your Portfolio Inside Out
Make sure you can talk confidently about every piece in your portfolio. Highlight the projects that showcase your strong conceptual design ability and technical skills, especially those that align with Gillespies' focus on innovative and sustainable landscapes.
✨Research the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with Gillespies' approach to landscape architecture and their commitment to collaboration and creativity. Be ready to discuss how your personal values and work style fit into their supportive and sociable studio environment.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Brush up on your knowledge of software like AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as your understanding of the project stages from concept to construction. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects to deliver high-quality outputs.
✨Show Your Passion for Nature-Led Urbanism
Express your enthusiasm for creating nature-rich and inclusive spaces. Share examples of how you've integrated sustainability into your designs and how you envision contributing to Gillespies' mission of leading a new nature-led urbanism.
