Landscape Architect

Hays is proud to be exclusively partnering with SLA, an internationally recognized nature-based landscape design and urbanism studio, as they establish their Toronto office in Autumn 2026. SLA is currently seeking a Licensed Landscape Architect to join their founding team, playing a key part in project leadership while helping to shape SLA’s long-term presence and design agenda in Canada!

Your new company

Founded in 1994, SLA is a Danish nature-based design studio working internationally at the intersection of landscape architecture, urbanism, and ecology. Their work focuses on landscape as urban infrastructure, integrating biodiversity, hydrology, climate adaptation, and public life into the spatial structure of cities. Across Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and North America, they collaborate with cities, public agencies, and developers on landscape-led urban transformations, including waterfront districts, new neighbourhoods, and large-scale public realm projects.

In Canada, SLA is currently involved in projects where nature-based design plays a central role in shaping the future of emerging districts, including Ookwemin Minising, Quayside and David Crombie Park. The opening of their Toronto Studio marks the next step in establishing a long-term Canadian presence and contributing to the development of climate-adaptive, nature-based urban landscapes across Canadian cities.

Your new role

As part of the founding Toronto team, you will work closely with Design Principal Rasmus Astrup, Toronto Studio Manager Nanna Maj Stubbe Østergaard, and an integrated international design team across SLA's studios, including their Canadian team in Copenhagen, to deliver landscape-led urban projects at district and city scales across Canada. Your work will span strategic frameworks, public spaces, waterfronts, neighbourhoods, and climate infrastructure, covering all phases from Concept Design through Construction Administration.

Beyond project leadership, you will help establish SLA's professional culture, design approach, and long-term presence in Canada. As part of the strategy, SLA is seeking to expand their presence beyond Ontario, so domestic travel and building new client relationships will be a key part of this role.

This is a rare opportunity to join an internationally recognized design practice at the beginning of its Canadian expansion, helping shape both the future of SLA in Canada and the role that public landscapes, ecology, and living systems play in guiding urban transformation across North America's fastest-growing cities.

What you'll need to succeed

To succeed in this role, you’ll combine strong design capability with leadership, technical expertise, and a strategic mindset. You’ll be equally comfortable shaping high-level design direction while driving projects forward through delivery in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

Qualifications:

• Degree in a degree in landscape architecture, architecture, planning, or similar educational equivalent.
• Licensed Landscape Architect (Full Member and in Good Standing with OALA and/or CSLA required)
• At least 5+ years’ professional practice in landscape architecture or urban design
• Ability to lead design teams and mentor emerging designers
• Proven experience delivering large-scale urban projects
• Strong knowledge of Canadian planning frameworks and approval processes
• Experience working with both public and private clients and multidisciplinary consultant teams
• Experience with climate adaptation, green infrastructure, and nature-based design
• Experience across all project phases, from concept to construction
• Ability to travel domestically as needed

You Are:

• Both a strategic thinker and hands-on designer.
• Comfortable navigating political and stakeholder complexity
• Interested in building something from the ground up
• Motivated by ecological performance and long-term systems thinking
• Excited about contributing to the future of landscape-led urbanism in Canada
• Comfortable balancing design ambition with technical delivery and implementation
• Driven to establish and nurture strong client relationships

What you'll get in return

You’ll be joining a globally recognized, nature-led studio at an exciting moment of growth as they establish their Canadian presence. This is a unique opportunity to play a foundational role, contributing to meaningful, city-shaping projects while helping define the future of the practice in Canada.

You will receive a competitive compensation package, including a salary between $90,000–$105,000, commensurate with experience, 5 weeks of paid vacation, 5 paid sick/personal days, comprehensive health and dental coverage, RRSP, and coverage of professional association dues. The role also supports a flexible hybrid working model, with the option to work from home one day per week after probation, promoting both balance and productivity.

What you need to do now

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to an innovative design practice at the beginning of their Canadian expansion, we’d love to hear from you. Please apply directly to this posting with your up-to-date resume AND portfolio or send it directly to [email protected].

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

This posting is not for an existing vacancy with the organization.

AI may be used to screen, assess or select applicants for the position.

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#1125087 - Lydia Shahbaz