Planning and Landscape Architecture Team Leader

ABOUT THE POSITION

VHB's Raleigh office is actively seeking a visionary Planning and Landscape Architecture Team Leader in Raleigh, NC to lead the strategic growth of our Landscape Architecture practice in the Triangle region. In this role the candidate will:

Leads the strategic growth of the Landscape Architecture practice in the Triangle region, with a focus on Institutional Local Government and Real Estate Markets.
• Define Practice area and growth in alignment with corporate and geographic Strategic Planning goals.
• Grow a high-performing team and lead impactful projects from day

Responsibilities

• Lead business development efforts in the Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) and surrounding markets, identifying opportunities with municipalities, developers, universities, and private institutions.
• Monitor trends in growth, zoning, mobility, stormwater, and climate resilience that shape planning and landscape architecture work in the region.
• Develop and lead a Community Planning and Design practice supported by a multi-disciplinary team focused on problem solving and research-based design.
• Drive business development efforts focused on the Institutional Market (higher education, healthcare, public sector, development etc.).
• Serve as a Senior LA, Planner, and/or PM for complex, high-visibility
• Oversee all phases of design and implementation, from conceptual design, master planning, site planning through construction documentation and periodic
• Build, lead, mentor, and inspire staff, with a path toward building a diverse and multi-disciplinary design team focused on problem solving, core values, and research through the education of design principles, innovations, and trends.
• Oversee all phases of design and implementation, from listening, mission + visioning, site analysis + research, and site planning to construction
• Collaborate closely with VHB's multi-disciplinary teams within the geography and across the corporate footprint.
• Represent the VHB with clients, in communities, and at industry
• Visionary leadership in design, business development, and project
• Serve as the go-to expert for Institutional and public realm design in the greater Triangle market.
• Supervising and mentoring team members while shaping the culture and direction of the group.
• Facilitate public meetings, design workshops, and stakeholder interviews-both in-person and virtual.
• Work closely with VHB Marketing teams and other senior Landscape Architecture leadership to create and elevate collateral materials.
• Coordinate with Landscape Architecture leadership to develop consistent design and project delivery graphics.
• Develop strong and lasting relationships with developers, architects, civil engineers, planners, and community stakeholders as well as municipal leaders and staff.
• Create a physical studio space within the office to support the work needs of designers, utilize to attract new LA talent, and showcase our expertise to internal staff and external clientele.
• Thought Leadership & Innovation
  • Introduce and champion sustainable and resilient design approaches, including low-impact development (LID) and climate-adaptive planting.
  • Leverage emerging tools (AI, GIS, visualization software, digital engagement platforms) to enhance design communication.
  • Publish articles or present case studies that showcase the firm's regional expertise.

Skills & Attributes

• Proven success in leading complex institutional and land development projects across multiple sectors.
• Excellent design sensibility, graphic communication, and storytelling
• In-depth knowledge of landscape construction, materials, and Mid-Atlantic plant
• Familiarity with sustainable design standards (LEED, SITES, ).
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for practice
• Strong organizational, collaboration, and communication
• Visionary Leader - Inspires teams with a clear design philosophy and regional market vision.
• Collaborative - Works seamlessly across disciplines and offices to deliver integrated solutions.
• Resilient - Adapts to shifting client needs, political pressures, and economic conditions.
• Culturally Aware - Sensitive to the Triangle's diverse communities and design heritage.
• Persuasive Communicator - Able to influence decision-makers and build consensus.
• Mentor-Minded - Invests in the growth of junior staff and emerging leaders.
• Results-Oriented - Balances creative aspirations with measurable outcomes and client satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Landscape Architecture (BLA or MLA).
• 15+ years of professional experience with increasing levels of leadership.
• Registered Landscape Architect in North Carolina at a minimum.
• Demonstrated experience with project management, design leadership, and business development.
• Demonstrated abilities in the use of various design and graphic computer programs necessary to complete the master planning, design and construction process including MS Office and the most recent version of Auto Cad 3D. Experience with the following software suites will be considered a plus: Rivit Adobe AutoCAD, Sketchup, Lumion, Enscape, Revit, Artificial Intelligence in project development/delivery, , Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Rhino/Grasshopper/Ladybug

We are VHB! We're an inspired and innovative team of engineers, scientists, planners, and designers who partner with clients in the transportation, real estate, institutional, and energy industries, as well as federal, state, and local governments. Our work helps improve mobility, enhance communities, and contribute to economic vitality. We do this while balancing development and infrastructure needs with stewardship of our environment.

Our people make us great! VHB provides a differentiating employee experience, which includes:

• Diverse and inclusive culture of collaboration and innovation
• Opportunity to work on complex, transformational projects
• Community and social responsibility as sustainable stewards
• Focus on learning, development, and career growth
• Best-in-class benefits, including flexible, hybrid workplace

We are consistently rated one of the top AEC firms to work for across our 30+ offices on the East Coast. We're growing, and we hope you'll join us!

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

#LI-KW1

#LI-Hybrid