ENTRY-LEVEL DESIGNER / LAND USE PLANNER

FULL-TIME

Responsibilities:

Performs design and technical tasks on a range of project types and scales as part of a team. Contributes to project success through effective internal and external coordination, creative problem-solving, and diligent task completion.

Qualifications:

• An undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited landscape architecture program, urban planning program, land use planning program, or equivalent degree/experience
• 0-3 years of work experience
• Exceptional AutoCAD, Adobe Suite and digital production skills.
• Proficiency in graphic communication, analysis, 3D modeling programs (SketchUp, Lumion, etc.) and Adobe Suite
• Proficiency in ArcGIS with examples of mapping and analysis, and proven experience with construction documentation
• A solid technical foundation (understanding of drawings, grading, stormwater and basic construction knowledge)
• A positive attitude and open mind towards involvement on a wide range of project types.
• Candidates must be self-motivated, take initiative, possess strong organizational and communication skills, and work collaboratively.

Compensation:

The salary for this position is $50,000-$70,000, dependent on experience. This position is benefits eligible. Benefits include comprehensive health and well-being benefits.

 

Lake West Development, LLC is an infill development firm headquartered in Minnetonka, MN with development projects in Fort Lauderdale, FL, throughout the Minnesota Metro, and more.  We are innovative developers, approaching properties from an unconventional angle, looking to add value to the property and surrounding neighborhood.  We specialize in land development and land acquisition. 

 

Land Development

What does it take to convert raw land into construction-ready housing or commercial sites while preserving the natural beauty and resources of the surrounding environment?

It takes experience, talent, and vision. And that’s what we have… lots of it. Lake West Development has more than two decades of experience recognizing the potential of raw land, and the vision and experience to responsibly transform it into approved sites rich in nature and ready for the community.

Land Acquisition

At Lake West, we are driven by a philosophy that land should be put to its best use and we’re continually on the lookout for parcels of land that could serve people in fresh, new ways. We have a local perspective. We know the Minneapolis / St. Paul metro area, and search for just the right geographic characteristics that answer the needs of the community.

We fulfill a market need by acquiring promising properties for small infill developments – there are no big box or tract homes in our portfolio. Read on to learn how we can help your land reach its highest potential.

Due Diligence

We believe in research. We dig deep in order to discover as much information as possible in order to make a sound judgment on a piece of land. Our multi-disciplinary team of experts includes builders, land developers, city code experts, engineers, surveyors and land planners.

When we are satisfied that a parcel of land is well suited for a specific project and will make a positive contribution to the community we move forward. If not, we’ll pass.

Location

Say it three times. The old saying about location is true. Our comprehensive location analysis will enable us to match the land to its best potential use. We acquire land that will be attractive to high-end developers with the means to transform it into a beautiful positive advantage for the community.

We get builders direct access to great properties, in great areas, with great potential. Our thinking is guided by a sense of responsibility and stewardship of the land. That doesn’t include large, sprawling suburban housing developments or big-box stores on the fringes of town. Our locations are thoughtfully chosen for their potential to provide high-quality urban infill in an area that will benefit from it.

Marketability

We make it work for everyone involved. Besides location, we investigate every factor that influences marketability. Before we start working with a builder, we ensure that all necessary approvals are in place so that development can proceed efficiently.

Whether it’s creating new uses for non-productive property, or revitalizing underperforming property, the land acquisition experts at Lake West will help your property meet its highest potential.

Residential Development

Creating Neighborhoods

We believe in creating more than nice houses. We create inviting neighborhoods that today’s families are looking for – neighborhoods where homes are harmoniously integrated into a plan that provides value and convenience without sacrificing natural beauty. We take great pride in designing communities that foster active, family-oriented lifestyles where people from diverse cross sections of life can live, play, go to school, worship and work.

Improving Cities

Building better neighborhoods is more than just an environmental imperative. We look ‘beyond the block’ to see the wider implications. As the population of our Minnesota cities evolves and changes, the neighborhood remains central to life for most people. A city still grows and thrives around time-honored settings such as the village square, the town library, the local church and Main Street. Health and safety, socialization and child raising, economics and education – these key aspects of life and society are best provided by effective, well functioning neighborhoods. Improving a neighborhood improves a city.

Attention To Detail

There is an integral relationship between the way a community is planned and its ability to meet the needs and priorities of its residents. We begin each project with an innovative vision, then, working closely with the city and local residents, we create a plan that aligns with the goals of the city and meets the requirements of all stakeholders. Considering all the details from storm water runoff to environmental impact to sightlines, we design with respect for the community. And we stay involved for the long haul – working with experienced, reputable local builders to ensure that new homes reflect the character and quality of the existing structures.

Commercial Development

We help businesses grow by providing premium commercial sites ready for development. With our commercial land development services, builders don’t have to worry about the permitting process. We take care of that. We deliver shovel-ready developed lots so that builders can get started on what they do best – build.

Respectful Development

There is a direct connection between a community’s character and its economic and social wellbeing. That’s why we approach commercial development from the perspective of character. Anyone can plop down a thoughtless box and surround it with parking lots. We are not interested in that. Our mission is to create commercial developments that add beauty, increase convenience, provide more options for residents, and help generate jobs in the community.

We mean for our commercial developments to be corporate good neighbors, sensitive to the character of the surrounding community. We work with builders that have demonstrated respect for local architectural styles, making sure our projects blend into the environment and preserve the unique sense of space wherever they are built.

Adding Value To The Community

New retail spaces can contribute to the vitality of a community. New commercial developments help generate jobs for neighborhood residents, provide important services, improve neighborhood safety and create a favorable environment for business. All of it adds to a community’s overall vibrancy and economic health.

Lake West’s commercial land development group works to identify strategic properties that offer accessibility and add essential services and amenities to the nearby community. Modern, flexible spaces increase the city’s commercial square footage and attract businesses, homebuyers, and often catalyze additional neighborhood development.

Flexibility

We are flexible in our approach to commercial land development. When we have committed tenants, we collaborate closely with them to bring their unique visions into reality. Other times we work directly with builders to find an ideal piece of land that satisfies their specific purposes. Sometimes, if our team identifies a property with significant potential, we may take the first step and propose a commercial development. We engage the city, community members and builders to create a viable, long-term development that benefits everyone involved.

We think creatively and with the flexibility that enables us to approach commercial land development as a positive social process, not just a real estate transaction – one that helps build prosperity in the surrounding community for generations to come.

 

Interested candidates please send resume to [email protected].