PLUSEN Landscape Architects possesses a varied portfolio of elegant and timeless landscape architectural designs. Our clients consistently choose us for our ability to deliver exceptional design and we believe our success lies in following tenets we bring to every project:
We know that you want more than simply a beautiful landscape and we infuse our design with the individual preferences of our clients. With a proven language of scale and navigation appropriate to a variety of uses and perspectives, we provide true outdoor environments—places that expose the intrinsic beauty of the land, while also making it functional to those who enjoy it.
A well-designed outdoor space can be explored from the widest panoramic perspective down to the smallest pattern underfoot. We choose materials and construction techniques not only for their beauty and quality but also for their role in creating a holistic overall design. We exploit the innate treasures of the existing environment and let them help drive the project. In the end, we create spaces that can be appreciated from every vantage point.
Nature couldn’t work without the sensitive balance and interaction of its many components. PLUSEN Landscape Architects practices this same value system in our business. Our symbiotic and goal-oriented interactions with our clients and consultants ensures a successful result and solidifies even the smallest decisions throughout the process.
Jeffrey Plusen founded Plusen Landscape Architects in 2006 upon the foundation of a solid value system in design, construction and business that he has maintained since its very beginnings. First taking step into his landscape architectural career in 1994, Jeff has explored many facets of the profession, while achieving all scales of high-quality planning and detailed landscape architectural design projects for his clients and collaborators.
His strengths include thoughtful, creative, and current design solutions, extensive ‘get it done’ knowledge in construction, an emphasis on durable materials, and a focus on lasting results. With a practical and positive communication and management style, he involves himself in the design process from conceptual design to project completion.
Plusen utilizes a restrained, “less is more” approach, where appropriate, to ensure that all elements of a design have meaning, innovation and attention to detail, no matter if the size of the project is a small urban treasure or a vast landscape to be explored. His specialty is creating boldly detailed livable spaces.
Our process starts wide with broad brush strokes and finishes with acute attention to every project detail.
PLUSEN records and reviews the existing conditions, land forms, and dominant or outstanding site features. We study the opportunities and constraints of the site, sun angles, view sheds, existing tree health, site grading/drainage concerns, and soil conditions.
We develop a series of drawings that portray the design while meeting all of the program requirements as defined by the client. Preliminary budgets are prepared during this phase.
Design development further depicts the character, quality level, and full landscape architectural scope of construction. Plans, sections, elevation and details are prepared in order to convey every design intent to the client. At this stage, plant material, exterior lighting fixtures, paving, and other materials are selected.
Based on the input received from the client during design development, a series of detailed drawings, construction details and specifications are prepared that provide the necessary information to implement the design plans.
PLUSEN assists clients in obtaining detailed pricing, reviews each trade’s proposals, assists with plant tagging, provides on-site observation of the contractors and ensures compliance to the overall design all while focused on client satisfaction.
Plusen Landscape Architect’s office is located in Catonsville, Maryland and serves Washington D.C., Northern Virginia, Baltimore and the Annapolis area. Our projects range from commercial and institutional to high end residential design. We are always looking for talented professionals who are passionate about landscape architecture, enjoy working in a fast-paced collaborative environment, and have the desire to apply their creativity to create beautiful livable spaces. Our office structure allows for a flexible working environment, with a mix of in-office and remote working options.
We welcome you to send us your resume and PDF of work samples (max 10MB) and/or a link to your portfolio, and look forward to contacting you.
Candidates should have a BLA or MLA with 4+ years of office experience.
• Preparing schematic presentation materials including plan graphics, free hand sketching, 3d renderings and sourcing inspiration images.
• Drafting technical documents from concept through to construction documents.
• Candidate that must be able to work both independently and within a team in a fast-paced collaborative environment.
• Proficient written and verbal communication.
• Knowledge of the site design process, construction documents, detailing, free hand drawing skills, and perspective sketches are also preferred.
• Proficient knowledge of AutoCAD (from setting up multidiscipline file structures, to technical detailing.)
• 3D capabilities with Sketchup and Lumion (not required)
• An understanding of construction techniques and detailing
• Knowledge of local plant materials, desired.