Graduate Architect Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Architectural Designer – Healthcare

Job Description

This role focuses on supporting healthcare and commercial architecture projects by developing and maintaining Revit models, producing comprehensive construction documentation, and contributing to design presentations and visualizations. You will collaborate closely with project architects, internal construction teams, and external consultants in a design-build environment to deliver high-quality renovation and new build projects across multiple states.

Responsibilities

• Develop, update, and maintain Revit models for healthcare and commercial projects throughout schematic design, design development, and construction document phases.
• Produce detailed architectural drawings, including plans, elevations, sections, details, schedules, and specifications for SD, DD, and CD phases.
• Assist the Project Architect with drawing production, project coordination, and technical documentation to ensure accurate and timely deliverables.
• Create high-quality renderings, walkthroughs, and presentation materials using Enscape and/or Lumion to support client presentations and internal reviews.
• Coordinate architectural designs with structural, MEP, and other consulting disciplines to ensure fully integrated project documentation.
• Participate in project meetings, contribute to design discussions, and assist with documenting design decisions, action items, and follow-ups.
• Support code research and the application of healthcare design standards, accessibility requirements, and building regulations within project documentation.
• Review and incorporate redline markups into drawing sets, maintaining consistency and accuracy throughout the project lifecycle.
• Collaborate with the in-house construction team in a design-build setting to align design intent with constructability and project schedules.
• Contribute to both renovation and new construction projects in the healthcare sector, including medical, dental, and animal care facilities.

Essential Skills

• Degree in Architecture.
• 2–4+ years of post-graduate professional experience in architecture.
• Professional experience using Revit for construction documents (CDs) in an architectural setting.
• Experience producing architectural drawings and technical documentation across schematic design, design development, and construction document phases.
• Ability to coordinate architectural work with structural, MEP, and other consulting disciplines.
• Experience drafting, detailing, and maintaining complete drawing sets, including incorporation of redline markups.
• Familiarity with healthcare and/or commercial project types.
• Ability to conduct basic code research and apply healthcare design standards, accessibility requirements, and building regulations.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with project architects, internal teams, and external consultants.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience using Enscape and/or Lumion for architectural rendering, walkthroughs, and presentation materials.
• Experience working in a design-build environment or with in-house construction teams.
• Experience with renovation and new build projects in office and healthcare spaces.
• Exposure to projects across multiple states and varying local code requirements.
• Ability to contribute to project meetings and clearly document design decisions and action items.
• Interest in healthcare-focused design, including medical, dental, and animal care facilities.

Work Environment

This position is based in a design-build firm located in Downers Grove, IL, specializing in healthcare projects for medical, dental, and animal care clients, as well as office and healthcare spaces. The project portfolio includes a mix of renovation and new build work, with an actively growing pipeline and numerous new projects recently signed. The Architecture & Design team consists of approximately 11 professionals organized into two studios led by Directors of Design and Architecture and overseen by a Principal. The firm is registered in about 20 states and actively works in 5–8 states, offering exposure to diverse project locations and requirements. New hires work in the office for the first 3–6 months to support collaboration, training, and integration with the team; after this period, one remote day per week is offered. Mondays are mandatory in-office days due to internal team meetings, while the remote day can be flexibly scheduled during the week.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Downers Grove, IL.

The pay range for this position is $28.85 - $36.06/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in Downers Grove,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.