OXMAN
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 prioritizing 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 modeling, 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 behavior 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 harmonize 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.
- Utilize 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 prioritize 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 analyzing ecosystems and landscapes to facilitate a deeper understanding of the interactions between human and non-human elements.
- Develop visualizations, tools and methods that aid in exploring and mediating these interactions.
- Utilize 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 analyze 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 organizations, and other experts.
Implementation of Design Concepts:
- Bring design concepts to life through the application of 3d modeling, geospatial analysis tools and ecological modeling 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 and compelling.
- Provide regular updates on project milestones, challenges, and successes, ensuring transparency and alignment with project goals.
Qualifications & competencies
- Minimum 4 years of experience in a landscape architecture practice or research environment dedicated to ecological modeling 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 modeling or geospatial analysis
- Strong understanding of artistic fundamentals of composition, form, and color
- 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, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristics.
NYC Pay Range: $75,000-225,000
Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other business and organizational needs.
