FIRM

Merrill Morris Partners (MMP) is a woman-owned landscape architectural consulting firm with a 40-year history of delivering placemaking projects to private and public owners. We have offices in Oakland and San Francisco, but we serve projects throughout California. The diverse talents and depth of experience of our designers make our work efficient and effective. We listen, adapt, and communicate easily and often to best manage time and cost to the project. We naturally create innovative solutions with environmentally responsible designs.
                       		  

 

The heart of our practice is the people we work with: owners, clients, design teams, agencies, and communities. MMP’s landscape architects, planners, urban designers, and support professionals have the creativity and experience needed to meet design challenges and to successfully attain consensus and approvals. We take pride in working with multidisciplinary teams to bridge commercial and public interests. We contribute to the communities we serve by creating outdoor spaces that bring people closer to nature.

Placemaking
At MMP we are passionate about creating beautiful landscapes that are meaningful, engaging, authentic, and sustainable. We design outdoor spaces related to their regional context, resulting in well-adapted, efficient, and cost-effective landscapes that naturally evoke authenticity. When appropriate, MMP integrates the history and social traditions of an area to provide cultural integrity and connect the community to the legacy they have inherited and to the neighbors who share it. We enjoy highlighting the natural systems of a site to remind users of the wonders of nature and the environment.
 

Technical Expertise

MMP brings essential problem-solving skills to facilitate the design and construction of complex landscapes while meeting functional needs and available maintenance practices. Our construction documents are clear, complete, and buildable to facilitate a well-integrated design package. All deliverables are reviewed by senior staff to ensure quality control. In addition to traditional design services, we also have the graphic design and technical writing capabilities to create an effective entitlement package, visual resources analysis, develop facility standards, and create maintenance manuals for landscape elements such as stormwater facilities, irrigation systems, and plantings.

 

Sustainability

MMP is a strong advocate for sustainable design principles in all building projects. We use local materials, incorporate native and climate-adapted plants, reduce waste, and encourage biodiversity. In fire-prone areas, we produce landscapes that are defensible and firewise. We integrate stormwater planters, downspout splash gardens, and other best management practices to mimic the way nature slows, stores, and filters stormwater. We have experience implementing the following green sustainable rating systems: United States Green Building Council (USGBC) guidelines, Build It Green GreenPoint checklist, and the ReScape (Bay Friendly) Landscape guidelines.

 

Durability

Sometimes the most affordable design is not the cheapest; it’s one that lasts. It’s timeless, enduring, and resilient. MMP designs outdoor spaces that continue for decades to be elegant, durable, and easy to care for. Plants are selected for adaptability to the site and ease of maintenance. MMP designs projects that stand up to active use, respond to maintenance requirements, meet our clients’ needs, and are quality of life improvements for the people that use them.

 
 

 

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

As a small, woman-owned business, MMP commits to building equity, diversity and inclusion into our strategic planning policy and priority setting. We commit to a bias-free hiring process while building equitable pathways to wealth-building opportunities for all employees. We support equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work through project selection: mitigating environmental degradation, adding green space to low-income neighborhoods, and meaningfully engaging communities.
 
 
 

 

Woman-owned, Small & Local Business Certifications
 

US SBA - SB

CA GSA - SB (micro)

CUCP/Caltrans - DBE, SWBE

CPUC - WBE

San Francisco - WLBE, Micro LBE

Port of Oakland - SBE, LIABE, VSBE

Alameda County - SLEB

ACTC - LBE, SLBE, VSLBE

VTA - SWBE

LA METRO - SBE

 

 

 

PEOPLE

JOIN OUR TEAM

We have the following job opportunities!

JOB TITLE
Marketing/Proposal Manager
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full Time
JOB DESCRIPTION

Marketing/Proposal Manager

Merrill Morris Partners (MMP) is a progressive woman-owned landscape architectural firm with offices in San Francisco and Oakland. MMP is seeking a creative, proactive, and natural team-oriented individual to join our tight-knit team as a Marketing/Proposal Manager. The Marketing/Proposal Manager is responsible for the development and coordination of all marketing materials that support MMP’s pursuits and business development efforts. You will use your insights and skills to lead/manage all RFQ/P marketing pursuits, support activities (e.g., writing/editing, deliverables, schedules, certification renewals), and develop brochures, presentations, and other marketing collateral. In supporting the activities of the overall marketing efforts, such as positioning and/or coordinating with others in the AEC industry, you will be an integral part of MMP’s team, bringing a fresh sophisticated style and professional insight to our firm. MMP’s intention is to empower you and to be involved with its management of the firm. 

 

The ideal candidate will bring a passion for design of the built environment and “roll-up your sleeves” attitude.  This is a full-time position (with a hybrid schedule) with lots of opportunities for growth, depending on your interests and skills.

 

About Merrill Morris Partners

We are a passionate 10+ person, woman-owned Landscape Architectural and Urban Design firm. The firm was originally founded in 1980 with a belief in the power of knowledge-sharing and community building to sustain our beautiful built environment. We serve a broad client base across both public and private sectors, primarily in the Greater Bay Area. Our areas of expertise include transit and transportation projects, streetscapes, campuses, multi-family housing, schools, parks and urban open spaces.
QUALIFICATIONS

As a Strategic Team Member, What You Will Do

You will be a key source of knowledge and partnering with senior leadership for marketing, business development, as well as RFQ/Ps opportunities.

 

What To Expect In This Position

  • Provide management and organization of all marketing and business development efforts.
  • Participate in the preparation of marketing materials by developing and editing content while taking the lead role coordinating efforts with internal staff as related to the graphic “feel and message”, including other external team members specific to each pursuit.
  • Actively participate in and champion strategy to maintain up-to-date marketing materials (e.g., firm profiles, project sheets, resumes) including brand consistency.
  • Participate and communicate with senior leadership to facilitate go/no-go decision making.
  • Partner with office leadership to research upcoming opportunities and track solicitations specific to MMP’s business development strategies (e.g., leads, follow-up, status).
  • Perform multiple marketing efforts with deadline driven schedules (i.e., internal and external).
  • Gain comprehensive understanding of MMP’s portfolio, practice areas, and technical capabilities.
  • Orchestrate the preparatory activities for interviews. 
  • Oversee and manage all archival marketing collateral (e.g., templates, project narratives).
  • CRM file management by providing up-to-date project information into MMP’s database (i.e., VantagePoint by Deltek).
  • Review, update and support marketing comms calendar as related to website and social media.
  • Participate in and coordinate business development activities (e.g., networking events).
  • Manage other responsibilities, as required.
  • Mentor/Protégé access

Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • 3-5+ years of professional experience in a marketing role, preferably for an industry-related firm (e.g., architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, construction)
  • Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, English, Communications, Journalism or adjacent field 
  • Strong written/verbal communication and storytelling skills, and graphic design sensibility
  • Experience managing marketing projects independently, working closely with senior leaders on marketing programs, and managing teams 
  • Self-motivator with strong organizational and intra-personal skills; a great collaborator who wants to have fun
  • Experience strategically partnering and supporting senior staff on business-critical projects 
  • Fluent in Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., InDesign), and Microsoft Office. Proficiency with CRM, training provided if required.
HOW TO APPLY

Join Our Team! We look forward to you submitting your interest for consideration by submitting cover letter and resume in PDF format (no larger than 10MB, please) to info@merrill-morris.com 

 

We are a proud Equal Employment Opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace.
JOB TITLE
Entry Level
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full Time
JOB DESCRIPTION

Entry Level Landscape Architectural Designer

Merrill Morris Partners (MMP) is looking for a creative and motivated landscape architectural designer to join our dynamic team. We offer a collaborative, growth-oriented studio environment that fosters professional development and hands-on experience. In this role, you’ll contribute to creating impactful outdoor spaces that connect People and Place.

 

Who We Are

MMP is a woman-owned business with offices in San Francisco and Oakland. We serve a broad client base across both public and private sectors, primarily within the Greater Bay Area. MMP specializes in delivering a full spectrum of landscape architectural services, with a focus on urban environments. Our areas of expertise include transit and transportation projects, streetscapes, campuses, multi-family housing, schools, parks and urban open spaces.

 

Why MMP?

We cultivate an open studio environment that emphasizes collaboration and knowledge-sharing. You’ll work directly with experienced senior staff, gaining valuable insights and heightened professional growth. We promote team members' contribution and involvement throughout all phases of design, from conceptualization to ribbon cutting.
QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education/Competencies: 

  • Degree in Landscape Architecture from an accredited program
  • 1-3 years of experience in an office setting with proven capabilities in AutoCAD production, presentation graphics, and strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills

 

Preferred Landscape Architectural Technical Experience: 

  • Working knowledge of planting design and horticulture, including:
    • California-native and sustainable plant materials
    • Micro-climate, soil, and site influences
  • Understanding of landscape construction materials, methods, detailing, and specifications
  • Knowledge of grading and drainage principles
  • Familiarity with Stormwater Best Management Practices and the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO)
  • Irrigation system design (a plus)
  • Familiarity with LEED, Rescape (Bay-Friendly), and SITES certification

 

Required Software skills:

  • Proficiency in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office
  • Experience with Adobe Creative Suite and SketchUp
  • Visualization tools such as Lumion, Rhino, or similar software (a plus)
HOW TO APPLY

Join Us! We’re excited to tell you more about the opportunities at Merrill Morris Partners. If you’re passionate about landscape architecture and looking for a supportive, growth-focused environment, we’d love to hear from you!

 

How to Apply: Please send your cover letter, resume, and portfolio or work samples (PDF format, up to 10MB, or via download link if larger) to info@merrill-morris.com. Applicants must have a valid U.S. work permit.

MMP is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace.
JOB TITLE
Landscape Architectural Designer (3-7 Years of Experience)
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full Time
JOB DESCRIPTION

Landscape Architectural Designer

Merrill Morris Partners (MMP) is looking for a creative and motivated landscape architectural designer to join our dynamic team. We offer a collaborative, growth-oriented studio environment that fosters professional development and hands-on experience. In this role, you’ll contribute to creating impactful outdoor spaces that connect People and Place.

 

Who We Are

MMP is a woman-owned business with offices in San Francisco and Oakland. We serve a broad client base across both public and private sectors, primarily within the Greater Bay Area. MMP specializes in delivering a full spectrum of landscape architectural services, with a focus on urban environments. Our areas of expertise include transit and transportation projects, streetscapes, campuses, multi-family housing, schools, parks and urban open spaces.

 

Why MMP? 

We cultivate an open studio environment that emphasizes collaboration and knowledge-sharing. You’ll work directly with experienced senior staff, gaining valuable insights and heightened professional growth. We promote team members' contribution and involvement throughout all phases of design, from conceptualization to ribbon cutting.
QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education/Competencies: 

  • Degree in Landscape Architecture from an accredited program
  • 3-7 years of experience in an office setting with proven capabilities in AutoCAD production, presentation graphics, and strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills

 

Preferred Landscape Architectural Technical Experience: 

  • Working knowledge of planting design and horticulture, including:
    • California-native and sustainable plant materials
    • Micro-climate, soil, and site influences
  • Understanding of landscape construction materials, methods, detailing, and specifications
  • Knowledge of grading and drainage principles
  • Understanding of ADA regulations
  • Knowledge of Stormwater Best Management Practices and the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO)
  • Irrigation system design (a plus)
  • Familiarity with LEED, Rescape (Bay-Friendly), and SITES certification

 

Required Software skills:

  • Proficiency in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office
  • Experience with Adobe Creative Suite and SketchUp
  • Visualization tools such as Lumion, Rhino, or similar software (a plus)
HOW TO APPLY

Join Us! We’re excited to tell you more about the opportunities at Merrill Morris Partners. If you’re passionate about landscape architecture and looking for a supportive, growth-focused environment, we’d love to hear from you!

 

How to Apply: Please send your cover letter, resume, and portfolio or work samples (PDF format, up to 10MB, or via download link if larger) to info@merrill-morris.com. Applicants must have a valid U.S. work permit.

MMP is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace.