About Trophic Design
Trophic Design is a certified Indigenous-owned and operated Landscape Architecture firm based in Southern Ontario. Our practice is guided by the deep interconnection of ecological, cultural, and social systems. We work towards restorative, land-based design that honours Indigenous Ways of Knowing and All of Our Relations. We work across public, private, and non-profit sectors, with a strong presence in large-scale urban and infrastructure projects in the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding regions. Current key work includes landscape design and Indigenous advisory roles on major initiatives such as the public realm and streetscape for Waterfront Toronto’s Ookwemin Minising project and Northcrest’s YZD Downsview Indigenous Hub and District Plans. We collaborate with diverse clients and multi-disciplinary design teams to bring Indigenous perspectives, ecological systems, and climate-resilient design together.
As a practice, Trophic values collaborative design, deep cultural engagement, regenerative landscapes and resilient urban systems. Team members are encouraged to bring their creativity, technical rigour, and commitment to meaningful design.
About the Position
Trophic Design is looking for an Intermediate Landscape Architect to join our team. They will be responsible for leading and supporting a range of project types from site analysis to site activation. The successful candidate will work closely with Principals and project teams and will be a key part of our studio culture.
Responsibilities
- Guide mid-scale project timelines, budgets, communication, and quality control
- Collaborate on Indigenous-led projects with cultural awareness, humility, and sensitivity, integrating Nation-specific protocols.
- Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documentation, Contract Administration
- Facilitate coordination across design disciplines including Indigenous Advisors, Landscape Architects, Ecologists, Engineers, Architects
- Engage with Indigenous advisory processes and cultural landscape frameworks
- Support site field work, construction administration, site reviews and contractor coordination
- Mentor junior staff and support knowledge sharing within the studio
- Contribute to business development, proposals, and presentation materials through strong graphic and written communication
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture (or equivalent) and eligibility for membership with the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (OALA)
- 7+ years of professional experience in Landscape Architecture, with demonstration of responsibility for design development, documentation and construction phases
- Demonstrated experience with a range of project types including public realm, civic infrastructure, master planning
- Demonstrated experience working alongside Indigenous communities and cultural landscape contexts
- Strong technical skills in Vectorworks (preferred), AutoCAD or equivalent, Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino/Sketchup or equivalent modelling and rendering tools
- Strong visual storytelling and communication abilities, with confidence in guiding presentations, workshops, and charrettes across disciplines and communities
- Solid project management skills for time, budget, deliverables, work and leadership in all project components
- Field experience and construction phase familiarity
What Trophic Offers
- An opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Indigenous recognition, placekeeping, and long-term relationships with First Nations in the design and care of landscapes
- A dynamic, values-driven studio environment, working on high-profile public and urban infrastructure projects with strong Indigenous direction, ecological integrity and cultural sensitivity
- Mentorship and professional growth within a mid-sized firm that combines design leadership with meaningful impact
- Opportunity to engage in Indigenous advisory and cultural landscape work, contributing to the firm’s leadership in this space
- Competitive salary (commensurate with experience) and extended benefits
- Support for continuing education, professional development, community and industry engagement
- Offices in Toronto and Cobourg
How to Apply
- Please combine the following into one PDF and send to [email protected] with subject line: ‘Intermediate Landscape Architect Application’
- Cover Letter
- Resume / CV
- Portfolio (15 pages maximum) showing relevant experience and your role/responsibility on each project
- Contact information
- Two professional references
Trophic Design welcomes applicants from Indigenous and equity-deserving communities. We support cultural inclusive design and ongoing learning.
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
