Senior Pool & Landscape Designer
Design Extraordinary Outdoor Living Spaces. Build a Career You'll Be Proud Of.
Poway, California • Commission-Based • Luxury Residential Design-Build www.calsmartscape.com
Join One of San Diego's Premier Design-Build Companies
At California Smartscape, we don't simply build pools-we create exceptional outdoor living environments where families gather, memories are made, and homeowners experience the joy of transforming their backyard into something truly extraordinary.
We're looking for an experienced who combines creativity, technical expertise, and outstanding people skills. If you're passionate about luxury residential design, enjoy working directly with homeowners, and take pride in seeing your vision become reality, we'd love to meet you.
About California Smartscape
California Smartscape is one of Southern California's premier design-build firms specializing in custom pools, landscapes, outdoor living spaces, and ADUs.
Based in Poway, we've earned our reputation through exceptional design, quality craftsmanship, outstanding communication, and an unwavering commitment to doing the right thing.
Our business continues to grow because homeowners trust us, recommend us to their friends and neighbors, and appreciate the five-star experience we provide from the initial consultation through project completion.
Why Designers Love Working Here
✔ One of San Diego's highest-rated design-build contractors ✔ Award-winning custom outdoor living designs ✔ Hundreds of happy homeowners and outstanding online reviews ✔ Referral-driven business with a consistent pipeline of qualified leads ✔ Beautiful Design Center and offices in Poway ✔ Collaborative, positive team culture ✔ High-end residential projects you'll be proud to add to your portfolio
Unlike many commission-based positions, we provide qualified leads generated through referrals, digital marketing, and our outstanding reputation-allowing our designers to spend their time designing, building relationships, and creating exceptional customer experiences instead of cold prospecting.
What Success Looks Like
The ideal candidate is a creative, client-focused professional who enjoys helping homeowners bring their dream backyards to life.
You love meeting people, listening to their ideas, presenting creative solutions, and guiding clients confidently through the design and construction process. You collaborate well with project managers, engineers, and architects, and you're energized by seeing your designs become beautiful finished projects.
A Typical Week
Your week will include:
Meeting with homeowners to understand their goals, lifestyle, vision, and budget
Designing custom pools, landscapes, outdoor living spaces, and ADUs
Creating stunning yet practical 3D renderings using Structure Studios or similar software
Preparing construction drawings using AutoCAD
Developing detailed scopes of work, estimates, and proposals
Presenting design concepts and helping homeowners make confident decisions
Coordinating with project managers, engineers, architects, and permitting agencies
Visiting active projects to ensure the finished construction reflects your original design intent
Staying current on design trends, construction techniques, materials, and outdoor living innovations Projects typically range from $75,000 to over $750,000 and include luxury pools, spas, outdoor kitchens, patios, shade structures, fire features, lighting, landscaping, water features, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
Required Qualifications
5+ years of residential pool and landscape design experience (10+ years preferred)
Proven ability to design and sell luxury residential projects
Proficiency with Structure Studios, Pool Studio, VizTerra, or similar 3D design software
- Strong AutoCAD experience
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Strong understanding of residential construction methods
Knowledge of Southern California plant materials, irrigation, grading, drainage, and outdoor living design
Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail
Self-motivated with strong follow-through and time management skills
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining exceptional customer service
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture, Landscape Design, or related field
Experience designing luxury residential outdoor environments
Knowledge of local permitting and municipal requirements
Construction or project management experience
Experience preparing professional estimates and construction proposals
Who Thrives Here
You'll enjoy this position if you:
Love meeting new people and building lasting client relationships
Enjoy transforming ideas into extraordinary outdoor environments
Take pride in delivering a five-star customer experience
Appreciate working with talented teammates who support one another
Believe integrity and communication are just as important as great design
Want your income to reflect your performance
Enjoy seeing your creative vision become reality
Our Core Values
- Do the Right Thing
- Deliver a Five-Star Customer Experience
- Communicate with Honesty and Respect
- Pursue Excellence Every Day
- Own the Outcome
- Work Together as One Team
- Never Stop Learning and Improving
Compensation & Benefits
Commission-Based with Uncapped Earnings
Top-performing designers have the opportunity to earn $100,000-$300,000+ annually through our uncapped commission structure.
We provide:
- Qualified company-generated leads
- Uncapped earning potential
- Flexible schedule
- Marketing and administrative support
- Collaborative leadership team
Beautiful Design Center and professional work environment
Opportunity to work on some of San Diego's most exciting outdoor living projects
Professional growth and long-term career opportunities
Ready to Design Something Extraordinary?
Every backyard tells a story.
At California Smartscape, you'll help homeowners create places where families celebrate birthdays, children learn to swim, friends gather, and lifelong memories are made.
If you're passionate about luxury outdoor design, committed to exceptional customer service, and ready to build a rewarding career with one of San Diego's leading design-build firms, we'd love to hear from you.
Please submit your resume, portfolio, and examples of your previous design work.
We look forward to seeing what you've created-and what we'll build together.
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