New York, USA
Landscape architect/ecologist
at Oxman
Oxman is seeking a landscape architect/ecologist to join its team in New York, USA.
Oxman is a hybrid design and R&D company that fuses design, technology and biology to invent multi-scale products and environments.
The fusion of disciplines within our work opens previously impossible opportunities within each domain, allowing design to inspire science and science to inspire design.
At Oxman we question dominant modes of design that have divorced us from nature by prioritising humanity above all else (human-centric design). Although it is design that has caused this rift, we believe that design also offers the greatest opportunity to heal it.
We propose a nature-centric approach that delivers design solutions by, for and with the natural world, while advancing humanity. In this pursuit, we reject all forms of segregation and instead call for a radical synergy between human-made and nature-grown environments.
This approach demands that we design across scales for systems-level impact. We consider every designed construct a whole system of heterogeneous and complex interrelations – not isolated objects – that are intrinsically connected to their environments. In doing so, we open ourselves up to moving beyond mere maintenance toward the advancement of nature.
Summary
Oxman is seeking a landscape architect to join an all-star interdisciplinary team of deep thinkers and brilliant makers, leveraging data-driven approaches to ecology and landscape design with the goal of mediating between human-made and nature-grown environments.
The ideal candidate will apply state of the art methods in ecological modelling, geospatial analysis towards the design of sites and spaces that empower non-humans while meeting human needs.
They will develop striking plans, processes and strategies to engage with complex natural environments and behaviour spaces, not only through top down planning but also through data-driven experimentation in controlled environments alongside botanists and microbiologists. They will interact with computational designers to develop decision making, form finding and simulation systems that guide future designs.
Suitable candidates may have a background in landscape architecture, urban planning, ecology, ecosystem engineering, geospatial analysis or other related fields.
Core responsibilities
Creating landscape designs, plans and models:
- develop landscape designs that harmonise with Oxman’s nature-centric design philosophy, focusing on integrating natural systems and human activities for the benefit of nature
- produce detailed plans and models that reflect the use of materials, plant species and ecological processes to create sustainable and culturally rich environments
- utilise advanced design software to create comprehensive and visually compelling design documents that communicate the vision effectively
Developing strategies for environmental sustainability:
- formulate and implement strategies and plans that prioritise environmental sustainability, such as renewable energy integration, water conservation techniques and soil regeneration practices
- apply nature-centric design principles to real-world sites, ensuring that designs support biodiversity, resilience and ecological balance
- conduct site assessments to understand the unique environmental conditions and tailor strategies that enhance the ecological health of the area
- facilitate dialogue with community members and stakeholders to understand and integrate cultural needs and values alongside ecological goals
Developing ecosystem and landscape analysis and creation methods:
- create and refine methods for analysing ecosystems and landscapes to facilitate a deeper understanding of the interactions between human and non-human elements
- develop visualisations, tools and methods that aid in exploring and mediating these interactions
- utilise these tools to identify opportunities for the generation of sites with enhanced biodiversity, mitigating environmental impacts and fostering sustainable land use practices
Conducting research for data-driven approaches:
- engage in rigorous research to gather and analyse data on ecological and landscape dynamics, supporting projects with evidence-based insights
- develop metrics and indicators to measure the ecological performance of designs and inform continuous improvement
- collaborate with academic institutions, research organisations and other experts
Implementation of design concepts:
- bring design concepts to life through the application of 3d modelling, geospatial analysis tools and ecological modelling methods
- assist in the creation of site designs, controlled experiments and models that test and refine innovative landscape solutions
- oversee the installation and maintenance of landscape elements, ensuring they meet design specifications and ecological goals
Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team:
- work closely with engineers, computer scientists, biologists, designers and other professionals to integrate diverse expertise into cohesive landscape solutions
- participate in interdisciplinary project teams, contributing landscape architecture insights to broader innovation initiatives
- foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and creative problem-solving
Communication of ideas and progress:
- clearly articulate ideas, work and progress through various communication outlets, including team meetings, presentations and written reports
- engage in creative communication methods, such as storytelling, visual art and interactive media, to make complex concepts accessible an compelling
- provide regular updates on project milestones, challenges and successes, ensuring transparency and alignment with project goals
Qualifications and competencies:
- minimum four years of experience in a landscape architecture practice or research environment dedicated to ecological modelling and simulation
- portfolio demonstrating out-of-the-box thinking and stellar taste in design
- mastery of digital design tools such as Rhino, Grasshopper or ArcGIS
- proficiency in programming is a plus (Python and/or C++)
- research experience in ecological modelling or geospatial analysis
- strong understanding of artistic fundamentals of composition, form and colour
- strong commitment to the team – maintains positive working relationships with diverse people, including internal team and external partners
- embodies ethics and integrity in all work, respecting both company and broader community policies in all conduct
Oxman does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or any other legally protected characteristics.
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