Associate Design Director Landscape team

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Design Director - Landscape Team

Company: Ramboll (Henning Larsen)

Location: Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark

Job Type: Fuldtid (Full-time)

Category: Landscape Architecture & Urban Design Operations

Date Posted: 2025-09-12

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and drive market growth initiatives for Henning Larsen's landscape design practice within the Danish and Nordic regions, focusing on strategic business development and client acquisition.

• Cultivate and nurture strong relationships with key clients, stakeholders, and collaborators to foster a robust network and enhance project pipeline opportunities.

• Elevate design quality across all phases of landscape projects, from competition entries to final project delivery, ensuring adherence to high standards of creativity and sustainability.

• Integrate sustainability principles and innovative design thinking into all landscape projects, contributing to Henning Larsen's mission of crafting sustainable societies.

• Manage client interactions, presentations, and collaborative processes with confidence, acting as a primary point of contact and brand ambassador.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within Henning Larsen, a part of the Ramboll Group, indicating a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and a commitment to sustainable design practices. The Associate Design Director will be pivotal in expanding market share and solidifying Henning Larsen's reputation for excellence in landscape architecture within Denmark and the Nordics. The role demands a blend of strong design leadership, client relationship management, and strategic business development acumen.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead business development efforts for the landscape sector in Denmark, identifying new opportunities and contributing to the overall growth strategy.

• Proactively engage with potential and existing clients to understand their needs, present Henning Larsen's capabilities, and secure new projects.

• Build and maintain a strong network of industry peers, collaborators, and influencers within the Danish and Nordic landscape architecture and urban design communities.

• Ensure the highest standards of design quality and creative output for all landscape projects, from conceptualization through to completion.

• Drive project delivery excellence, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to client satisfaction, while upholding the firm's design ethos.

• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the landscape team, encouraging new ideas and approaches to design challenges.

• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among internal teams (architects, urban planners, sustainability experts) and external stakeholders.

• Represent Henning Larsen at industry events, conferences, and client meetings, enhancing brand visibility and market presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a dual focus on both "hard" skills like design quality assurance and project delivery, and "soft" skills such as client management, business development, and networking. The emphasis on "driving growth" and "participating in business development" suggests a significant commercial aspect to the role, requiring a proactive and entrepreneurial mindset.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in landscape architecture or urban design practice.

Required Skills:

• Landscape Design Expertise: Demonstrated ability to lead complex landscape design projects from concept to completion.

• Market Insight: Deep understanding of the Danish and Nordic landscape architecture market, including trends, regulations, and key players.

• Client Management: Proven ability to build and maintain strong client relationships, manage expectations, and ensure client satisfaction.

• Business Development: Experience in identifying new business opportunities, developing proposals, and contributing to revenue growth.

• Communication & Presentation: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a strong capacity for persuasive presentations to diverse audiences.

• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams and foster a collaborative work environment.

• Design Quality Assurance: Commitment to maintaining and elevating design excellence and creative output.

• Networking: Established network of contacts within the Danish and Nordic design and development communities.

• Software Proficiency: Competence in relevant design and visualization software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite, GIS).

Preferred Skills:

• Fluency in English and Danish (or another Scandinavian language).

• Experience with sustainability frameworks and green infrastructure design.

• Proven success in winning design competitions.

• Familiarity with project management methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "strong network of collaborators and peers in DK and the Nordics" and "insight into the Danish market" strongly suggests that local experience and connections are critical for success in this role. The emphasis on client management and business development indicates that candidates will be expected to actively contribute to the firm's commercial success beyond just design execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 8 years of diverse landscape architecture and urban design projects, demonstrating a progression of responsibility and design leadership.

• Highlight projects that specifically address Danish or Nordic contexts, emphasizing local environmental conditions, cultural influences, and regulatory frameworks.

• Include examples of client engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and successful project presentations that illustrate strong communication and negotiation skills.

• Feature projects that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and high-quality design outcomes, with clear articulation of design intent and problem-solving approaches.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their approach to design leadership, including methodologies for fostering creativity, ensuring design quality, and managing multidisciplinary teams.

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the project lifecycle in landscape architecture, from initial client brief and site analysis through concept development, detailed design, and construction administration.

• Outline strategies for stakeholder engagement and communication throughout the design process to ensure alignment and buy-in.

• Articulate experience in business development processes, including market research, lead generation, proposal writing, and client relationship management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review will likely focus not only on the aesthetic and technical quality of the work but also on the candidate's ability to lead, collaborate, and drive business growth. Expect to discuss the strategic thinking behind project selection and the candidate's role in achieving specific project or business outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry standards for an Associate Design Director with 8+ years of experience in Copenhagen, Denmark, the estimated annual gross salary range is between DKK 600,000 to DKK 950,000. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, portfolio, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Collaboration with a global network of design professionals and access to a recognized leader in design excellence and innovation.

• A dynamic, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture that fosters talent, collaboration, and creativity.

• Membership in a global landscape team comprising over 160 professionals.

• Opportunity to work in a centrally located office in Vesterbrogade, Copenhagen.

• Potential for professional development and career advancement within the Henning Larsen/Ramboll group.

Working Hours:

The standard working hours are likely around 37-40 hours per week, typical for a full-time position in Denmark. The role may require flexibility to meet project deadlines and client needs, potentially involving occasional work outside standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from publicly available data for senior landscape architecture and design director roles in Copenhagen, considering the specific experience level and the reputation of Henning Larsen/Ramboll. Benefits are inferred from common offerings in international design firms and specific mentions in the job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Engineering Consultancy (as part of Ramboll Group).

Company Size: Henning Larsen has over 550 employees globally, with studios in eight countries. As part of the Ramboll Group, the combined entity is significantly larger, offering a broad range of expertise. This size provides opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration and access to extensive resources.

Founded: Henning Larsen was founded in 1949. Its integration with Ramboll (founded in 1945) signifies a long history of innovation and expertise in the built environment.

Team Structure:

• The Landscape team is part of a global design community within Henning Larsen.

• In Copenhagen, the team likely consists of landscape architects, urban designers, and sustainability experts working collaboratively.

• The Associate Design Director will report to the Head of Department, Caroline Németh, and will work closely with business development teams and other design disciplines within the firm.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Henning Larsen believes that creativity is propelled by the active use of data and knowledge in the design process.

• Sustainability Focus: A core mission is to craft sustainable societies where people and nature flourish, integrating sustainability into all projects.

• Interdisciplinary Expertise: Leveraging the combined strengths of Henning Larsen and Ramboll for deep, integrated knowledge.

• Global Network, Local Context: Applying world-class knowledge within a local context to create impactful designs.

Company Website: https://www.ramboll.com/, https://www.henninglarsen.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes Nordic values, a commitment to sustainability, and a collaborative, empowering environment. The integration with Ramboll provides a unique interdisciplinary advantage, allowing for a holistic approach to design and problem-solving. The team structure suggests a flat hierarchy with opportunities for direct impact and close collaboration with leadership.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Associate Design Director is a senior leadership position, typically positioned between Senior Designer/Project Lead and a full Design Director or Partner level. It signifies a transition into a more strategic, client-facing, and business-driving role, often with P&L responsibility for specific market segments or projects.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Head of Department, Landscape, providing a clear line of management and mentorship. This structure allows for direct guidance and feedback on performance and career development.

Operations Impact: The Associate Design Director will have a significant impact on the firm's strategic direction and financial performance within the Danish and Nordic landscape markets. Success in this role will directly contribute to expanding market share, securing high-profile projects, and enhancing Henning Larsen's reputation for design excellence and sustainability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance to a full Design Director or Partner level, taking on greater responsibility for market leadership and firm strategy.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in business development, client management, and strategic planning, potentially through internal training, external courses, or mentorship.

• Project Diversity: Exposure to a wide range of impactful projects, from urban regeneration to ecological restoration, allowing for continuous learning and portfolio expansion.

• Global Mobility: As part of a global firm, there may be opportunities to engage with international projects or studio exchanges.

• Specialization: Possibility to develop specialized expertise within niche areas of landscape architecture or urban design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical step for professionals looking to transition from project-focused leadership to market-facing business leadership within the design industry. The dual focus on design excellence and business development offers a comprehensive career growth path.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Henning Larsen operates design studios, which are typically creative, collaborative, and inspiring work environments. They are often designed to foster innovation and interaction.

Office Location(s): The role is based at their office in Vesterbrogade, Copenhagen, which is described as centrally located. This offers good accessibility and proximity to urban amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Expect a mix of open-plan working areas, meeting rooms, and project-specific collaboration zones designed to encourage team interaction and idea sharing.

• Technology & Tools: Access to state-of-the-art design software, visualization tools, and digital collaboration platforms necessary for high-quality design work.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for interaction with a diverse team of landscape architects, architects, urban planners, and sustainability experts, fostering a rich learning and exchange environment.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours are expected, with a culture that likely supports work-life balance while also acknowledging the need for flexibility to meet project demands and client commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The central Copenhagen location and the nature of a design studio environment suggest a vibrant and engaging workplace. The emphasis on collaboration implies a culture where teamwork and shared learning are highly valued.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: Review of application, CV, and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience against the role requirements.

2. First Interview: Likely with the Head of Department (Caroline Németh) to discuss background, experience, design philosophy, and fit with the team and company culture. Focus on understanding your approach to client management and business development.

3. Second Interview/Workshop: May involve a more in-depth discussion, potentially including a presentation of your portfolio, a case study on a relevant project, or a discussion on how you would approach market growth in Denmark. This stage often assesses strategic thinking, design leadership, and communication skills.

4. Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss overall fit, long-term vision, and alignment with the firm's strategic goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your design leadership, client management capabilities, business development contributions, and understanding of the Danish/Nordic context.

• Highlight Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the design challenges, your specific role and contributions, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., client satisfaction, design awards, sustainability impact).

• Showcase Business Acumen: Include examples of how you've contributed to business development, client acquisition, or relationship building. If possible, quantify your impact.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type, client sector, or by showcasing your progression over your 8+ years of experience. Ensure high-quality visuals and concise, informative descriptions.

• Narrative is Key: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio, telling the story behind each project and explaining your design process, decision-making, and collaborative approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Analysis: Be ready to discuss your insights into the current Danish landscape architecture market, identify key opportunities and challenges for Henning Larsen, and propose strategies for growth.

• Client Engagement Scenarios: Prepare responses to hypothetical client interaction scenarios, demonstrating your approach to understanding client needs, managing expectations, and building strong relationships.

• Design Vision: Articulate your personal design philosophy, your approach to sustainable design, and how you envision advancing Henning Larsen's design standards in the region.

• Business Development Pitch: Practice presenting your value proposition and how you would contribute to the firm's commercial success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, evaluating not only design talent but also commercial acumen and leadership potential. The portfolio is a critical component, serving as the primary evidence of your capabilities in all these areas.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD, Vectorworks (common in landscape architecture).

• 3D Modeling & Visualization: Rhino, SketchUp, 3ds Max, Lumion, Enscape.

• Graphics & Design: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for presentations and visual communication.

• GIS Software: ArcGIS or QGIS for site analysis and spatial data management.

• BIM Software: Revit (increasingly adopted in integrated design practices).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) for managing client relationships and tracking business development activities.

• Project management software (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, MS Project) for workflow tracking and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design software is essential. Experience with BIM and GIS is increasingly valuable for integrated design processes and data-driven analysis. Familiarity with CRM and project management tools will support the business development and delivery aspects of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Sustainability: A core value driving all design decisions and project outcomes, aiming for positive societal and environmental impact.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork, interdisciplinary exchange, and shared knowledge across global studios and professions.

• Excellence & Professionalism: Commitment to high standards in design, client service, and all aspects of work.

• Curiosity & Innovation: Encouraging continuous learning, exploration of new ideas, and pushing the boundaries of design.

• Freedom & Empowerment: Providing individuals with the autonomy and support to contribute meaningfully and grow professionally.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect close working relationships with architects, urban planners, engineers, and sustainability specialists, fostering a holistic design approach.

• Open Communication: A culture that values open dialogue, feedback, and constructive critique to enhance design quality and team performance.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, project learnings, and innovative techniques across the team and globally.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are deeply embedded in its mission and operational ethos, focusing on creating positive societal impact through design. Professionals joining this team should be prepared to engage in a highly collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Market Competition: Navigating a competitive landscape for landscape architecture projects in Denmark and the Nordics, requiring strong differentiation and business development efforts.

• Client Acquisition: Identifying and securing new high-profile clients and projects in a dynamic market.

• Design Innovation: Continuously pushing design boundaries and integrating cutting-edge sustainability practices to maintain a leading edge.

• Stakeholder Management: Effectively managing diverse stakeholder expectations and interests on complex urban and landscape projects.

• Balancing Design & Business: Successfully integrating commercial objectives with creative design principles.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Methodologies: Opportunities to learn and apply new techniques in sustainable design, ecological planning, and digital design tools.

• Business Development Skills: Formal and informal training in client relationship management, negotiation, and strategic market development.

• Leadership Training: Development programs focused on leadership, team management, and strategic decision-making.

• Industry Engagement: Opportunities to participate in conferences, workshops, and industry events to stay abreast of trends and expand professional networks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to overcome significant professional challenges by leveraging strong design skills, strategic thinking, and a collaborative approach, which in turn fuels significant personal and professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach driving market growth for Henning Larsen's landscape team in Denmark over the next 3-5 years?" (Focus on market analysis, strategic initiatives, and client engagement plans.)

• "Describe a time you successfully managed a challenging client relationship or negotiated a complex project. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Assess client management and communication skills.)

• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio that best exemplifies your design leadership and ability to integrate sustainability. What were the key challenges and your specific contributions?" (Evaluate design process, creative problem-solving, and sustainability integration.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Henning Larsen and our approach to design and sustainability?" (Understand your alignment with company values and mission.)

• "How have you contributed to a collaborative team environment in your previous roles, and how do you foster such an environment?" (Assess teamwork and cultural fit.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Framework: Structure your portfolio presentation with a clear beginning (introduction), middle (project case studies), and end (summary of impact and future vision).

• Highlight Key Projects: Focus on 2-3 projects that best showcase your capabilities in design leadership, client management, and business development. For each, detail the context, your specific role, the design process, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects or contributions (e.g., client satisfaction scores, project revenue growth, sustainability metrics).

• Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Explain the "why" behind your design decisions and business development approaches, showcasing your strategic insight.

• Engage Your Audience: Be dynamic, confident, and prepared to answer questions thoroughly, demonstrating your passion and expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative vision, technical skill, client-facing confidence, and a strategic business mindset. Anticipate questions that probe your understanding of the Danish market and your ability to drive growth.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Associate Design Director position:

• Submit your application, portfolio (max 10 MB), and CV through the provided application link on SmartRecruiters.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to specifically highlight projects that demonstrate your experience in the Danish/Nordic market and your capabilities in client management and business development. Clearly articulate your role in securing and delivering these projects.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 8+ years of experience, emphasizing achievements in landscape architecture, urban design, client relations, and business growth. Use keywords from the job description naturally.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design philosophy, business development strategies, and client management approaches. Prepare detailed examples from your portfolio to illustrate your skills.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Henning Larsen's recent projects in Denmark, their sustainability initiatives, and their overall design ethos. Understand the Ramboll Group's broader capabilities and how they integrate with Henning Larsen's design studio.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.