Surface 678

Four years ago, we welcomed and elected Swati Khimesra, PLA, LEED AP, RELi AP as Surface 678's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President. Today, we continue to celebrate her inspirational strength, design excellence, and achievements.
“She has a unique ability to talk about design, technology, contracts, and resources in a way that brings her vision to light. I’m excited about the energy and fierceness she brings to the firm. She has a dogged willingness to never give up," stated former president Walter Havener.

SURFACE 678 NAMES NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO - Surface 678 Surface 678 is pleased and excited to welcome Swati Khimesra as our new President and CEO.

A new art installation is going up at the Raleigh Union Station Plaza.

The North Carolina Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (NCASLA) recognized three Surface 678 projects with design awards for 2020. NCASLA Awards Chair Auggie Wong announced: “We are proud of award-winning projects, which speak to ecological resiliency, cultural celebration, and equity in our communities.”

Honor Award for General Design, BB&T Leadership Institute
In tune with the mission of the organization, BB&T Leadership Institute’s site is designed with nature at the forefront, delivering a deeply immersive experience that unplugs from the outside world. By creating unique experiences that harvest the energy and beauty of the site, the BB&T Leadership Institute enjoys a surge in demand for its programs. Today, as the plantings establish and replenish the disturbed areas, the site benefits from the return of increased biodiversity in its flora and fauna, becoming a sought-after regional destination.

Merit Award for Analysis & Planning, Beech Bluff County Park
The vision for Beech Bluff County Park is to offer a unique experience that will protect, restore, and enhance the ecological diversity of the site from forest to floodplain. Natural site systems strengthen and celebrate the history and culture of the site by connecting the local community to the planning process. This vision also promotes human health and wellness through outdoor recreation and connecting people to the natural environment. Beech Bluff County Park aims to provide a universally inclusive recreational amenity to all visitors. The project is pursuing SITES Certification, the third SITES Certification in North Carolina and the second SITES Certification project for Surface 678.

Recognition Award for Analysis & Planning, South Ellerbe Stormwater Creek Restoration Master Plan
Situated on a nine-acre parcel at the confluence of two piped streams, this site presents a “once in a lifetime” opportunity for the City of Durham to provide water quality treatment for the Trinity and Downtown Basins, totaling nearly 500 acres of urban Durham watershed. The park’s design features a wide array of amenity spaces such as boardwalks, Trinity Avenue Plazas and new streetscape, terraced seating, open event lawn, a perimeter pathway, and an iconic overlook perched high above the wetland and connected to the new Durham Beltline greenway corridor.

Surface 678, PA is an award-winning 26-person firm located in the downtown of Durham, North Carolina. Our work includes the design of urban public spaces, parks, museums, botanical gardens, university, and corporate campuses and healthcare facilities with minor emphasis on private land planning and design throughout the Southeastern United States and beyond. In those areas of practice, we work collaboratively with architects; civil, structural, electrical, plumbing engineers; cultural and historical consultants; artists and many other disciplines needed to create meaningful work.

Skills Required:
We are looking for a construction administrator to oversee the construction of our highest-profile projects. While focusing on construction administration, the position includes integration with the studio early and often in the design process. The candidate will have CA budgets and staff available for many of the required tasks.

Required Skills/Experience:

• 3-6 years of employment history with site-specific design, grading, planting design/construction,
• Proficiency in construction management, materials, and methods,
• Proficiency in PDF editing software,
• Experience in the construction of highly designed sites,
• Comfortable in giving instructions to Contractors,
• Client communications and project management,
• Highly motivated, able to work both self-directed and in interdisciplinary teams,
• Some travel required.

Travel Required:
Yes

If you are interested in inquiring about the Construction Administrator position at Surface 678, please submit a resume, references, and samples of work in confidence to Swati Khimesra at [email protected].

Surface 678, PA is a nationally recognized, award-winning, 26-person landscape architecture practice focusing on projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States. Our studio strives to provide thoughtful, holistic and highly-crafted design solutions that are responsive to each site’s unique social, cultural, and environmental conditions. Located in Durham, North Carolina, we partner with design professionals, civic/cultural institutions, and municipalities to create memorable and vibrant landscapes that enrich and celebrate everyday life.
Our growing office is looking to hire an energetic and focused Entry-Level Landscape Designer. Candidates should be self-motivated, driven, and comfortable working within a collaborative studio culture. Entry-Level Designers are expected to contribute in all phases of project work: from conceptual development and graphic production to construction documentation and administration. We have a sincere commitment to giving responsibility to young designers in order to build proficiency and confidence within the field with the ultimate aim of gaining professional licensure.

Skills Required:
• Bachelor or Master of Landscape Architecture from an accredited program
• Proficiency in CAD, Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator is required
• Proficiency with Sketchup 3-D Modeling or Rhino
• Proficiency with Vectorworks is a plus
• Demonstrated ability in graphics and communications
• Basic skills in site-specific design with particular skill at grading and planting design
• Highly motivated, able to work both self-directed and on interdisciplinary teams
• Ability to work well with others as a team member in a fast-paced and energetic studio environment

Education Requirements:
Bachelor or Master of Landscape Architecture from an accredited program

Travel Required:
No

If you are interested in inquiring about the Entry Level Landscape Designer position at Surface 678, please submit a resume, references, and samples of work in confidence to Eric Davis at [email protected].