Junior Landscape Designer

CROWN TOWN LANDSCAPES LLC

Junior Designer

Full-time | Charlotte, NC | Reports to: Senior Designer

Crown Town Landscapes helps values-driven homeowners transform their properties into beautiful, environmentally responsible landscapes.

Our work connects landscape design, installation, maintenance, composting, and farming into one system. The organic waste we collect is turned into nutrient-rich compost that feeds both the landscapes we build and our farm, which grows local produce, via our sister companies Crown Town Compost and Crown Town Farm.

Through this work, we help create closed-loop homes that reflect our clients’ values while actively improving the health of the natural environment.

Our goal is to build a company that produces:

• Exceptional landscapes
• Healthy soil
• Local food
• Meaningful work for our team

Our Values

• Stay Grounded — Trust, accommodate and be candid. The highest success is shared success.
• Be About It — Hard work is just about the only thing that works.
• Obstacles Are the Way — Challenges will come. Choose to learn.
• People First — Serve others and the rest will fall into place.
• No Finish Line — We can always do better. We can always do more.

The Problem This Role Solves

The Junior Designer exists to carry a growing share of the production load with accuracy and speed, take ownership of smaller residential projects, and develop into a well-rounded designer under the mentorship of our Senior Designer.

When this role is working well:

• Design drafts, plans, and plant lists are produced quickly and accurately, freeing senior design time for high-stakes work
• Smaller residential projects move from consultation to approved design smoothly and on schedule
• Plant lists, material orders, and design files are clean, organized, and never a source of project delays
• AI-assisted workflows developed by the design team are adopted consistently and improved through day-to-day use
• Installation teams receive complete, correct plans and material lists
• The Junior Designer is visibly growing in skill, judgment, and independence

Role Purpose

The Junior Designer supports the design team across all phases of the design process — from site assessment through installation handoff — while leading the design of smaller, less complex residential projects. This role works closely with the Senior Designer, Sales, and Operations.

This is a growth role. It is built for an early-career designer with strong fundamentals, a hunger to learn, and a genuine interest in using AI and digital tools to work smarter. With demonstrated performance, it offers a clear path toward greater project ownership.

Core Responsibilities

A. Project Design & Client Support

• Lead design on smaller and less complex residential projects, with review and guidance from the Senior Designer
• Support the Senior Designer on large-scale and high-value projects with drafting, research, and design development
• Participate in site assessments and client consultations; take accurate measurements, photos, and notes
• Develop design concepts aligned with client needs, site conditions, budget, and Crown Town’s design guardrails
• Present designs on assigned projects and incorporate client and senior-designer feedback
• Build knowledge of design trends, plant varieties, materials, and industry best practices

B. Drafting, Site Planning & Rendering

• Produce site plans and construction documents using CAD/design software (VectorWorks preferred; training provided for candidates experienced in comparable tools)
• Build 3D models and renderings to support client presentations, under the direction of the Senior Designer
• Check plans for technical accuracy: dimensions, grades, drainage notes, plant specifications, and material details
• Deliver drafts and revisions on schedule and keep design files organized and properly archived

C. AI Tools & Workflow Adoption

• Use AI tools daily to accelerate drafting, rendering, plant research, and presentation work
• Adopt and follow the AI-assisted workflows developed and documented by the Senior Designer
• Test new tools and techniques when asked, and share what works and what doesn’t
• Bring curiosity and a willingness to experiment — if there’s a faster or better way, flag it

D. Plant & Material Management

• Build and update plant lists for assigned projects, ensuring they match the final design
• Check plant inventory and availability with vendors to support project timelines
• Help maintain the supplier catalog and research new vendors and material sources
• Prepare plant and material orders for review and reconcile them against finalized designs
• Confirm order details, delivery dates, and pricing with vendors, and track fulfillment

E. Installation Support

• Prepare and deliver complete plan sets and material lists to installation teams
• Visit job sites to observe installations, answer questions, and document progress against the design
• Learn from field execution and bring lessons back into future designs

F. Proposal & Administrative Support

• Assemble design packages and presentation materials for the Senior Designer and Sales Manager
• Help prepare visually clear, accurately scoped proposal materials
• Assist with scheduling design meetings, managing design calendars, and handling routine email correspondence

What We’re Looking For

We’re not hiring for years of experience or a specific software badge — we’re hiring for strong fundamentals, attention to detail, and a real drive to grow as a designer.

• 0–2 years of experience in landscape design, landscape architecture, horticulture, or a related field (internships and co-ops count)
• Bachelor’s or associate degree in Landscape Architecture, Landscape Design, Horticulture, or a related field — or equivalent hands-on experience
• A portfolio (academic or professional) that shows design fundamentals, spatial thinking, and attention to detail
• Working knowledge of CAD or design software (VectorWorks is a plus; AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, Morpholio, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar — and willingness to train on VectorWorks — is welcome)
• Comfort using AI tools and genuine enthusiasm for learning how they apply to design and visualization
• Foundational knowledge of plants, landscape materials, and construction techniques — and a desire to deepen it
• Ability to read landscape and site plans, or a strong willingness to learn
• Clear communication skills and comfort working with clients, crews, and teammates
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to juggle multiple tasks and deadlines
• Coachability: welcomes feedback and acts on it quickly
• Passion for permaculture and ecologically responsible design
• Valid driver’s license and ability to visit job sites in varying weather conditions

What Success Looks Like

First 90 days

• Fluent in Crown Town’s design standards, guardrails, file structure, and core software
• Producing accurate plant lists, drafts, and material takeoffs with minimal correction
• Using the team’s AI-assisted workflows as part of daily work

First year

• Independently leading smaller residential projects from consultation through installation handoff
• Plans, plant lists, and orders are accurate and never a source of delays
• Installation teams are well-prepared on assigned projects
• Clients on assigned projects feel informed and confident
• Contributing ideas that improve the team’s tools and workflows
• The design team is faster and stronger because this person is on it

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• What landscape design software do you have experience with?
• Do you have 4-5 years of a clean driving record? This role will need to be able to drive company vehicles to/from job sites.

Experience:

• landscape design: 4 years (Required)

Location:

• Charlotte, NC 28205 (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Charlotte, NC 28205 (Required)

Work Location: In person