Careers

Current Openings


JOB CAPTAIN, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE


OVERVIEW:

We are seeking a full-time intermediate landscape designer with 3-5 years of experience for our Costa Mesa office.


Urban Arena is a multi-disciplinary firm on the cutting edge of architecture, landscape architecture, planning, & design. With offices in Costa Mesa, San Diego, and Oakland, UA attracts a diverse group of professionals working on a range of projects from urban villages, retail & entertainment centers, model homes, master-planned residential communities, high-density housing, and sports complexes.


We are hiring a Job Captain to run production. You will manage project designers, check the work, and deliver drawing sets with limited direction from the project manager.


Join us at Urban Arena, where we value every voice. We embody a culture where rigorous work meets a fun office environment and a balanced work-life ethos. With a diverse range of project types, we encourage exploration and believe that every idea matters. Our supportive environment fosters personal growth and ensures you have everything you need to succeed.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Mentor project designers on technical execution, company standards, and how a set gets built
  • Own end-to-end production of deliverables, including hands-on drafting when the schedule requires it
  • Coordinate with internal teams and assign design resources against project priorities
  • Run quality control against project specifications, firm standards, and client expectations
  • Act as a secondary contact for clients and consultants

    KEY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND OTHER ABILITIES:

  • Proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, and Microsoft Office. Land F/X is a plus
  • Strong working knowledge of AI tools used in design production
  • Autonomously shift and realign daily priorities as project requirements evolve, consistently hitting critical deadlines through self-direction rather than micro-management
  • Clear written and verbal communication

    EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture and three years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination
  • A portfolio with construction-document work you produced or led

    BENEFITS:

  • Alternative work schedule in the office Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Friday is remote, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
  • After the introductory period, one additional remote day per week
  • Medical, dental, vision, basic life and AD&D, and 401(k)
  • Pay range $32–$41/hour, depending on experience and demonstrated production leadership


    PROJECT DESIGNER, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE


    OVERVIEW:

    We are seeking a full-time, motivated Landscape Designer to join our team in our Costa Mesa office.


    Urban Arena is a multi-disciplinary firm on the cutting edge of architecture, landscape architecture, planning, & design. With offices in Costa Mesa, San Diego, and Oakland, UA attracts a diverse group of professionals working on a range of projects from urban villages, retail & entertainment centers, model homes, master-planned residential communities, high-density housing, and sports complexes.


    We are looking for a creative individual to join our team and assist in the design and creation of a diverse mix of projects.

    DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Collaborates with the project team to understand project scope and produces high-quality design deliverables
  • Executes design concepts and project milestones based on strategic direction from leadership
  • Demonstrates alignment with project leadership, efficiently turning managerial direction into actionable design outputs
  • Utilizes strong self-direction, leveraging independent problem-solving skills

    KEY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND OTHER ABILITIES:

  • Experience with AutoCAD, Microsoft Office Suite programs, and Photoshop
  • Experience with InDesign, Land F/X, SketchUp, and is a plus
  • Basic business skills such as multitasking, organization, time management, and professionalism

    EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in landscape architecture or at least two years of industry work experience

    BENEFITS:

  • Alternative work schedule in the office Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Friday is remote, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
  • After the introductory period, one additional remote day per week
  • Medical, dental, vision, basic life and AD&D, and 401(k)
  • Pay range $25–$35/hour, depending on experience and demonstrated production leadership

    • How to Apply – All Positions Above:

    Please email resume and portfolio to: Loren@urbanarena.com. No phone calls or drop-ins please.