Project Architect Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Project Architect

Aurora, Illinois | Full-Time | On-Site

$85,000 – $105,000

About the Opportunity

We are an award-winning, full-service architecture, engineering, interior design, and construction firm with a 125-year legacy of designing and building innovative, functional spaces. With 150 professionals across multiple offices, we are committed to an environment of cooperation, innovation, diversity, and inclusion.

We are seeking a Project Architect to join our Aurora, Illinois team. This is a hands-on, production-focused role where you will work alongside experienced Project Managers to drive projects forward — from design development through construction administration. We are looking for someone who is technically sharp, proactive, and ready to take meaningful ownership of project work.

The Role

The ideal candidate is a degreed architect (licensed or pursuing licensure) with 4–8 years of professional experience. You will be embedded primarily within our K-12 sector — our highest-volume and fastest-growing practice area — and will play a key role in producing high-quality construction documents, coordinating with consultants, and supporting project delivery at every phase.

Our Aurora office works across a diverse and growing project portfolio, including:

• K-12 educational facilities (primary focus area)
• Municipal and institutional projects
• Multi-family and mixed-use developments

The office culture is collaborative and energetic — leadership has made intentional investments in building a supportive, team-oriented environment, and we want this person to contribute to and strengthen that culture.

Responsibilities

Project Production & Delivery

• Produce and coordinate construction documents with a high level of technical accuracy.
• Lead projects through design phases — schematic design, design development, construction documents, and construction administration.
• Serve as the primary technical resource for your project team.
• Utilize advanced Revit skills to produce and oversee project documentation.
• Coordinate with engineers, specialty consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies throughout the project lifecycle.
• Conduct quality control reviews and ensure compliance with applicable building codes and regulations.
• Support on-site construction administration as needed.

Communication & Initiative

• Proactively communicate with Project Managers — ask questions, flag issues early, and take initiative without waiting to be directed.
• Participate in client meetings, presentations, and project planning discussions.
• Coordinate across internal teams to keep project work moving efficiently.

Mentorship & Team Support

• Mentor and support junior staff and emerging professionals on your project team.
• Delegate tasks thoughtfully and provide guidance and oversight to those working below you.
• Contribute positively to the office culture and support a collaborative, engaged team environment.

Required Qualifications

• Accredited degree in Architecture; licensed architect preferred, strong candidates actively pursuing licensure encouraged to apply.
• 4–8 years of professional architectural experience with hands-on project delivery responsibility.
• Experience with K-12 educational projects strongly preferred; municipal, commercial, or mixed-use experience also valued.
• Advanced proficiency in Revit required.
• Strong knowledge of building codes, ADA requirements, and construction detailing.
• Demonstrated ability to produce complete construction document sets and coordinate consultants.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft 365, Adobe suite, Bluebeam; familiarity with SketchUp, Lumion, or Enscape a plus.
• Strong communicator — proactive, clear, and comfortable asking questions and raising concerns.
• Experience mentoring or supporting junior staff a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Performance-based bonus plan
• Travel and business expense reimbursement

Growth Path

This role offers a clear trajectory for the right candidate: Project Architect → Project Manager → Senior Project Manager → Associate and beyond. We invest in our people and promote from within for those who demonstrate technical excellence, initiative, and leadership.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.