Jobs › Mariani Landscape

Landscape Project Director

Mariani Landscape · Highland Park, IL · $90,000–$118,500 a year · Full time

Posted Aug 24, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

You'd support the Design Director with designs, construction documents, estimates and proposals. Show me how you'd talk through a project in your portfolio.

What they are checking: Whether they can explain design thinking clearly and show the range of work the role requires.

You'll supervise landscape designers and design interns. How do you review their work and give feedback?

What they are checking: Whether they can mentor others and raise the quality of the whole team's output.

Tell me about a design that didn't work out once it was built. What did you learn?

What they are checking: Whether they learn from the field and improve their designs over time.

What would you do

A client loves the design but the estimate is far over budget. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can propose smart changes or phases that keep the client's main goals intact.

How do you work with the sales team so designs match what they promised clients?

What they are checking: Whether they coordinate well with sales so expectations line up from start to finish.

How do you handle several deadlines for client presentations in the same week?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage workload and delegate to designers while keeping quality high.

About the work

How do you create a design that stays within a client's budget without losing its character?

What they are checking: Whether they can balance creative vision with cost, which makes designs sellable.

Walk me through how you prepare a full construction document set for a residential project.

What they are checking: Whether they know what details contractors need to build the design correctly.

How do you build an accurate estimate from your design?

What they are checking: Whether they can connect design choices to material and labor costs so proposals are realistic.

What software do you use for drafting and rendering, like AutoCAD or SketchUp?

What they are checking: Whether they have the tools to produce professional drawings and renderings efficiently.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Mariani Landscape.

Work With The Best We are building the premier outdoor living company in the country by creating a “family of family companies” across the nation. Now you can build your landscaping career with the best, working in one of our many company locations nationwide. Learn from the top experts in the field and work on some of the country’s largest and most complex landscape projects. Take advantage of opportunities to share and exchange best practices across our network. The opportunities are endless. POSITION SUMMARY: Mariani Landscape is hiring a Project Director. This position supports the design team by developing quality landscape designs, construction documents, estimates, and proposals for presentations delivered by the Design Director. It also provides mentorship to landscape designers and reviews project work to strengthen the department's overall output. This position interacts with the design team, clients, and sales staff on a regular basis. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following: • Produce quality landscape design with supporting materials such as sketches, elevations, and rendered plans. • Supervises Landscape Designers and Design Interns, in coordination with the Design and Marketing Director, including assigning, reviewing, and checking their work. • Create quality and unique designs within budget parameters and on a timely basis. • Support the Design Team in preparing site analysis, project packages of required drawings, estimates, and proposals on a timely basis. • Communicate with Design Directors and Sr. Project Directors as required to update project status. • Adhere to and help maintain departmental design standards, including planting and AutoCAD standards. • Work independently and collaboratively on recurring and special design projects. • Develop grading and drainage plans in accordance with site engineering principles. • Use appropriate survey equipment to collect site information and verify site conditions. • Provide accurate, professional plans and details for the construction department and subcontractors in an efficient and effective manner. • Obtain pricing and bids from appropriate subcontractors and bidders. • Ensure clear and efficient workflow across project phases. • Identify zoning and building codes, permit requirements, and other project-related requirements. • Consistently evaluate work and determine whether further steps are needed to meet internal and external client expectations. • Prepare accurate estimates, material takeoffs, and bid sheets. • Meet with external clients and professionals to support design development and sales. • Redline peers' designs and constantly push design creativity. • Review Landscape Designers', Project Architects', and Sr. Project Directors' construction drawings to ensure technical and graphic accuracy. • Model creative problem solving and high-quality graphic communication for developing designers. • Help identify skill gaps and recommend training opportunities to the Sr. Project Director or Director of Design. • Communicate problems, client concerns, and associate matters to the Sr. Project Director or Director of Design in a timely manner. • Participate in weekly departmental and training meetings; lead topic discussion in departmental meetings. QUALIFICATIONS: • Bachelor's degree required, with a field of study in Landscape Architecture or Horticulture, with an emphasis in Design. Certification in Landscape Architecture is recommended. • 10 years of experience as a Landscape Designer. • Exemplary knowledge of landscape terminology, plant materials, applicable construction materials, and coordination in design. • Proficiency in AutoCAD. • Thorough understanding of site engineering and use of survey equipment. • Thorough understanding of the Mariani approach to Design/Build and follow Mariani standards. • Proficiency in use of the scanner and large-format printer. • Ability to work in a team environment, including taking direction and constructive feedback from team members, as well as providing feedback to others. • Flexibility to perform duties wherever volume deems it necessary, minimizing non-productive time. • Strong verbal and written communication skills with Mariani associates and clients on a consistent basis. • Strong attention to detail. • Ability to deliver quality results under tight deadlines. • Working knowledge of general computer functions and programs, with the ability to learn and use the company's estimating and design software (ASPIRE). The Perks • 401(k) plan with company match • Medical insurance • Dental insurance • Vision insurance • FSA/HSA • PerkSpot • Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance • Paid time Off • Tuition Reimbursement (after one year of service) Pay Transparency Mariani Enterprises LLC is committed to pay transparency and equity among all employees and provides employees with an environment where pay transparency and dialogue on compensation are allowed. Mariani Enterprises LLC complies with Equal Employment Opportunity laws as well as federal, state, and local laws on compensation, pay transparency, and pay equity. Position Range: $90,000- $118,500 Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Mariani Enterprises, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment with regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service or any other characteristic protected by law.

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