Discover a Career with Downing Construction

Downing is seeking a Site Designer with a background in civil engineering and/or landscape architecture to support our design-build projects. This is a hands-on role that works closely with architecture, construction, and external consultants from early feasibility through construction. The focus is feasibility site planning; code, utilities, grading, and coordination; not isolated concept work. You will be involved early, help shape what is feasible, and stay engaged as projects move toward construction.

Key Responsibilities

• Site Planning & Feasibility
  • Prepare site concepts, feasibility plans, and master planning studies.
  • Evaluate zoning, setbacks, parking, access, utilities, and development constraints.
• Municipal Coordination
  • Interface with municipal staff and agencies.
  • Prepare and manage municipal submittals; track review comments and approvals.
• Technical Coordination
  • Review and cross-check civil, architectural, structural, and MEP drawings.
  • Identify conflicts early and support resolution before they reach the field.
• Preliminary Site & Utility Layout
  • Develop preliminary grading, hardscape, and utility routing concepts for feasibility and early budgeting/coordination.
• Construction Collaboration
  • Coordinate closely with Downing’s construction team and external civil consultants.
  • Provide constructability input and assist with cost-driven design decisions.
• Code & Field Verification
  • Perform site ADA analysis and site compliance reviews.
  • Conduct field verification.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, or related field.
• Experience
  • 2–7 years of experience in a design-build or multidisciplinary environment.
  • Strong understanding of how site, civil, and architectural drawings work together.
• Software
  • Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD and Civil 3D.
  • Experience with visualization tools (Lumion, Enscape, or similar) is a plus.
• Technical Judgment
  • Experience incorporating budget and constructability considerations into design work, and communicating these to our internal team and external partners.
• Communication
  • Clear written, graphic, and verbal communication.
  • Comfortable working with both municipal reviewers and field staff.
• Licensure
  • RLA or PE licensure preferred but not required.

Why Downing?

You won't just be drawing lines; you’ll be building them. We offer a fast-paced, collaborative environment. If you’re ready to move beyond paper architecture and into the world of active construction, let’s talk.