At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-quality landscape architecture projects and manage multidisciplinary teams.
- Company: Join a respected, design-led landscape architecture practice in London focused on urban regeneration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £70,000+ salary, hybrid working, private medical insurance, and profit share.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a collaborative studio while mentoring the next generation of designers.
- Qualifications: Must be a Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute with 10 years' experience.
- Other info: This is a unique chance to step into a senior leadership role in a values-driven business.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Job Description
Senior Associate / Associate Director
Confidential Landscape Architecture Practice – London
A highly regarded, design-led landscape architecture and urbanism practice is seeking a talented and motivated Senior Associate or Associate Director to join their leadership team. Based in London, the studio delivers complex and contextually rich public realm and landscape projects across the UK and internationally, with a strong focus on placemaking, urban regeneration, and environmental sensitivity.
This is a key strategic role offering the opportunity to help shape the future of the studio. The successful candidate will bring a strong design voice, leadership ability, and commercial awareness, supporting the Directors in leading high-profile projects and managing client relationships while helping to mentor and develop the wider team.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design and delivery of high-quality landscape architecture projects across all RIBA stages
- Oversee and manage multidisciplinary teams, ensuring successful project outcomes on time and on budget
- Act as a senior point of contact for clients and collaborators, building long-term relationships
- Contribute to strategic decision-making across the studio, including resource planning and project pipelines
- Support business development, including bids, competitions, and fee proposals
- Champion design excellence, sustainability, and innovation across all aspects of work
- Mentor and develop junior and mid-level team members, fostering a positive studio culture
- Contribute to succession planning and the long-term growth of the business
Required Skills and Experience
- Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute (CMLI)
- A minimum of 10 years' professional experience, with at least 3–5 years in a senior or associate-level role
- Proven ability to lead the design and delivery of complex public realm, urban, and mixed-use projects
- Excellent leadership and communication skills, with a collaborative and professional approach
- Strong understanding of project finances, team resourcing, and contract administration
- Skilled in overseeing drawing packages, technical detailing, and quality control
- Confidence in managing client relationships and representing the practice externally
Salary & Benefits
- £70,000+ salary (depending on experience)
- Discretionary tax-free profit share
- Private medical insurance
- Hybrid working with flexibility around hours and location
- Opportunities for career progression and long-term leadership
- A values-led, employee-owned business with a collaborative, non-hierarchical structure
This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior leadership role within a respected and thoughtful design practice. The position would suit someone passionate about design integrity, team development, and helping to drive a studio’s next chapter.
To request further information or express interest in this confidential opportunity, please get in touch.
Senior Associate employer: Mattinson Partnership
Contact Detail:
Mattinson Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the landscape architecture field, especially those who are already part of or connected to the practice you're interested in. Attend industry events, workshops, and seminars to make valuable connections that could lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by engaging in community projects or initiatives related to urban regeneration and placemaking. This not only demonstrates your commitment to the field but also provides tangible examples of your ability to lead and manage teams effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and innovations in landscape architecture and urbanism. Being well-versed in current practices will allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to the studio's vision during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've led that align with the studio's focus on sustainability and design excellence. Highlight your role in these projects and the outcomes achieved, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of a Senior Associate.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in landscape architecture and urbanism. Emphasise your leadership roles, project management skills, and any specific projects that align with the company's focus on placemaking and environmental sensitivity.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for design integrity and team development. Mention how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities of the role and express your enthusiasm for contributing to the studio's future.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills related to project finances, team resourcing, and contract administration. Provide examples of how you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams and managed client relationships in previous roles.
Showcase Your Design Philosophy: Include a section in your application that discusses your design philosophy and approach to sustainability and innovation. This will help demonstrate your alignment with the studio's values and commitment to design excellence.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mattinson Partnership
✨Showcase Your Design Expertise
As a Senior Associate, your design voice is crucial. Prepare to discuss your previous projects in detail, highlighting your role in the design process and how you ensured quality and innovation. Be ready to share your thoughts on current trends in landscape architecture and how they can be applied to future projects.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership abilities. Think of examples where you've successfully led teams or mentored junior staff. Be prepared to discuss your approach to fostering a positive studio culture and how you handle challenges within a team setting.
✨Understand Project Finances
A solid grasp of project finances is essential for this position. Brush up on your knowledge of budgeting, resource planning, and contract administration. Be ready to discuss how you've managed project budgets in the past and any strategies you've used to keep projects on track financially.
✨Build Rapport with Clients
Client relationships are key in this role. Prepare to talk about your experience managing client expectations and building long-term partnerships. Consider sharing specific examples of how you've navigated challenging client interactions and turned them into successful outcomes.