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
Landscape Architect, Senior Associate/Studio Leader
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full Time
JOB DESCRIPTION

This position is for a senior management level practitioner with a proven record of leading teams and/or managing a studio. The ideal candidate is ambitious and motivated to advance into all aspects of studio management and design team leadership. Outstanding candidates show expertise in contract administration, display dynamic marketing and business development skills. 

 

We are looking for a California Registered Landscape Architect with stellar client references and a portfolio of demonstrated professional experience directing and managing the design and implementation of built work. This equates to a seasoned senior associate project manager with excellent communication skills, a refined sense of design, environmental stewardship and in-depth knowledge of the construction process for both public and private sector clients.

 

This position is instrumental to establishing studio culture and, as such, exceptional leadership interpersonal, listening and communication skills are essential. The individual will be expected to successfully provide studio-wide management including client relations, contract management (scope, schedule, budget), and work products; lead and mentor team members, research and champion project pursuits, develop strategies and proposals contributing both written and graphic material.

 

Studio technology and Software skills should include proficiency in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office, experience with Adobe Creative Suite, ideally one would have experience in SketchUp, Lumion, Rhino and/or other 3D software.

 
QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education/Competencies: 

  • Degree in Landscape Architecture from an accredited program 
  • California Registered Landscape Architect or pursuing licensure
  • 15 years plus, with 5 years leading and managing design staff
  • 10-15 years of experience in an office setting with proven capabilities in AutoCAD production, presentation graphics, and strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills:
    • Proficiency in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office 
    • Experience with Adobe Creative Suite and SketchUp 
    • Visualization tools such as Lumion, Rhino, or similar software 

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, stormwater best management practices and drainage principles 
  • Understanding of ADA regulations 
  • Irrigation system design and MWELO, Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance compliance (a plus) 
  • Familiarity with LEED, Rescape (Bay-Friendly), and SITES
HOW TO APPLY

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
Managing Studio Director
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full Time
JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION PURPOSE

The Managing Studio Director is a senior leadership role with direct responsibility for the overall performance, operations, and culture of the MMP Studio. Reporting to the Firm President, this position is instrumental in establishing and implementing shared goals, strengthening team and studio culture, and positioning the firm for sustainable growth, quality, and profitability.

Central to the success of this role is building a strong, collaborative team and culture while actively guiding the shared development and embodiment of the firm’s values.

The Managing Studio Director will lead near-term restructuring and team development efforts while laying the groundwork for long-term strategic planning. As the studio evolves, this role will help transition the firm toward scalable systems, operational excellence, and expanded market opportunities.

 

This leadership position consists of following distinct areas of focus:

  1. Developing tools and practices and providing management recommendations to continuously elevate the firm’s practice delivery methods and results, improve quality and risk management programs, capture and disseminate best practices, develop and adopt integrated practice methods, and support the firm’s leadership in outstanding design. 
  2. Training, mentoring and overseeing the firm’s Project Managers to facilitate effective and efficient project delivery, quality assurance and professional management practices that supports MMP’s design, client service, business development and profitability goals.
  3. Oversee the firm’s studio operations and establish best practices in the areas of HR, risk management and general office culture
  4. Participating in the firm’s business development efforts to maintain and expand the firm’s business in target market areas. 

 

This position will be 25 – 50% billable.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

This leadership position encompasses a broad set of responsibilities in the areas of  firm restructure  and team building, firmwide operations, project management, project delivery, knowledge management, quality control, risk management and marketing / business development.  While the emphasis and balance between these areas will continue to change, the Managing Studio Director will initially be responsible for the following:

Management / Business Planning

  • Participate in cohesive firm-wide leadership building 
  • Develop strategy for resource, contract and production management
  • Promote a culture that places a strong emphasis on balancing design quality and innovation, business development, client service and profitability.

Firmwide Operations (team with operations manager to plan and incorporate additional Vantage capabilities)

  • Collaborate to develop and oversee the implementation of project management and project delivery systems and procedures to increase project profitability, enhance quality and streamline delivery
  • Ensure that firm continues to build the project delivery infrastructure required to cost-effectively operate, leverage personnel and technology, and compete effectively in the marketplace
  • In conjunction with firm’s president, oversee MMP’s risk management and QC program [contract negotiation and contract review]
  • In conjunction with firm’s president and Operations Manager oversee MMP studio’s staff development, CAD standards and  policies.
  • Track and interpret key project performance metrics and initiate appropriate follow up steps with Project Managers 
  • Develop and oversee systems for establishing project budgets, workplans and schedules –Vantage utilization - accounting 
  • Manage project staff scheduling and approve project staffing needs
  • Oversee project staff hiring (positions, job descriptions, interviewing, etc.)
  • Develop, delegate and oversee professional development and training programs
  • Participate in performance reviews of Project Managers
  • Keeps abreast and recommends adoption of industry innovations and tools to promote more effective practice management throughout MMP
  • Input on budgets for key practice and operational areas 

Marketing / Business Development

  • Participate in firm-wide  management team to develop BD strategy, the firm’s mission/vision and other marketing related initiatives
  • Participate in business development efforts to pursue new work / new clients and to maintain relationships with existing clients
  • Participate in RFP / RFQ go/no-go processes 
  • Oversee the studio team time allocated to support marketing / BD 
  • Follow up on leads as needed
  • Participate in pre-qualifications meetings and other meetings associated in the pursuit of new projects
  • Promote studio participation in professional organizations and programs
  • Maintain relationships with peers and others in the AEC industry with the intent to expand the firm’s business

 

 
QUALIFICATIONS

Required Skills and Traits

  • Experience managing complex public, private, commercial and institutional projects
  • Understanding of and ability to work with broad spectrum of creative and technical professionals
  • Creative and proactive problem-solving skills
  • Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
  • Strong collaboration and leadership skills and ability to guide, motivate and mentor staff

Required Education/Competencies: 

  • Degree in Landscape Architecture from an accredited program 
  • California Registered Landscape Architect or pursuing licensure
  • 15+ years of experience in an office setting with proven skills and traits as noted above

 
HOW TO APPLY

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
Marketing Manager
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full Time
JOB DESCRIPTION

Marketing Manager - Shape the Future of Design with Us!

 

Minimum requirements: 4-5 years A & E marketing experience 

 

Ready to make an impact?
MMP is looking for a dynamic, creative, and collaborative Marketing/Proposal Manager to join our passionate team. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, love storytelling through design, and have a knack for turning ideas into compelling marketing strategies, this is your opportunity to shine.

 

As our Marketing Manager, you will be the driving force behind our proposals, marketing collateral, website, and social media presence. You will lead the charge on pursuits by writing, editing, coordinating, and crafting persuasive narratives that showcase our expertise. From sleek brochures to engaging presentations, your work will help define our brand and win exciting projects.

 

This is more than a job. It is a chance to bring your vision and creativity to a studio that values innovation, collaboration, and design excellence.

 

About Us

Founded in 1980, MMP is a tight-knit team of 10+ professionals dedicated to creating vibrant, sustainable spaces. We believe in knowledge-sharing and community building to shape the future of our built environment. Our projects span transit and transportation, streetscapes, campuses, housing, schools, parks, and urban open spaces primarily across the Greater Bay Area.

 

Why Join MMP?
We offer a full-time role with potential for a hybrid schedule, a collaborative culture, and the chance to make a real impact in shaping the spaces where communities thrive.
QUALIFICATIONS

What You Will Do

  • Lead and manage proposals, schedules, and team coordination
  • Craft compelling narratives and marketing materials that set us apart
  • Keep our marketing assets fresh and organized including project descriptions, resumes, brochures, and more
  • Research upcoming projects and track opportunities
  • Support our digital presence through website updates and social media

What We Are Looking For

  • Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, English, Journalism, or related field
  • Strong writing and communication skills with a creative edge
  • Proven ability to manage marketing projects independently
  • Experience producing A&E proposals and juggling multiple deadlines
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign) and Microsoft Office
  • Familiarity with CRM systems (VantagePoint/Deltek a plus)

The position is full-time with potential for a hybrid schedule.
HOW TO APPLY

Join Our Team! Please submit one PDF no larger than 10MB to - info@merrill-morris.com

Craft a cover letter related to your experience that you think would set you apart.

Provide resume and work samples - proposal/statement of qualifications.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V.