Residential Landscape Designer

About the Company

For Garden’s Sake is a family-run garden center and landscaping business that has been serving customers since 1999. The company continues to expand and provides a convenient, all-in-one destination for plant sales, landscape design and installation, and lawn care services.

Employees work in a pleasant, natural setting alongside a team that supports growth, learning, and high performance. The organization emphasizes employee care as much as customer care and encourages team members to build their skills over time.

A unique part of the workplace: resident goats, chickens, and ducks.

Role Overview

The company is looking for an experienced Residential Landscape Designer to create custom outdoor environments for homeowners. The role involves turning client lifestyles and preferences into practical, buildable designs that combine visual appeal with site functionality. Projects may include planting plans, paver and stone features, irrigation, lighting, and related outdoor elements.

This position is focused on residential design and sales support, not municipal or suburban planning. It is a full-time, year-round, in-office role based in Durham, NC.

The estimated first-year total earning potential is $80,000+ and includes a base salary of $50,000-$60,000 depending on experience, plus commission. The company also notes reimbursement for continuing education credits related to Landscape Contractors’ License maintenance and renewal, along with benefits and growth opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Meet clients on site to understand their needs and present practical design recommendations.
• Develop landscape plans in AutoCAD covering planting, hardscape elements, lighting, and drainage.
• Prepare design presentations and pricing estimates for residential and commercial properties using field measurements and site analysis.
• Act as a main point of contact for clients, building trust and helping move projects toward a sale.
• Work closely with internal support teams to improve designs, communicate with clients, and advance project and personal sales.
• Spend significant time on design work, client meetings, site evaluations, and plan revisions.

Requirements

• Must hold a valid driver’s license with no major violations.
• Preferred background includes a bachelor’s or master’s degree in landscape architecture or landscape design, or equivalent hands-on expertise gained through prior landscape design work and strong horticulture knowledge.
• Demonstrated professional experience designing landscapes and hardscapes.
• Solid knowledge of plant materials suitable for North Carolina and correct planting practices.
• Good understanding of landscape construction products, processes, and methods, including softscape, hardscape, grading, drainage, irrigation, and lighting.
• Strong AutoCAD skills; experience with Adobe Creative Suite or 3D design software is an advantage.
• Comfort with technology, a willingness to learn, and familiarity with Google Workspace and LMN estimating software is a plus.
• Track record of supporting sales growth through lead generation and strong client relationships.
• Professional, approachable, and confident manner with the ability to build positive relationships easily.
• Self-driven attitude with the motivation to meet and exceed personal and company goals.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational ability.

Compensation and Benefits

First-year total compensation is estimated at $80,000+ and includes a base salary of $50,000-$60,000 plus commission. Benefits include paid time off, paid holidays, medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, a matching 401(k), and employee discounts at the garden center. The company also offers reimbursement for CE credits related to Landscape Contractors’ License renewal.

Work Environment

This is an in-office, full-time, year-round position in Durham, NC, with a strong emphasis on client consultations, design work, site visits, and revisions.

Additional Notes

The employer highlights opportunities for advancement as the business continues to grow.

This role is not intended for city or suburban planning work.