Architect

Madsen Associates; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K match

ESOP participation

Medical, dental, vision

Paid vacation

Job summary

Madsen Associates seeks a mid-to-senior level licensed Architect to join our multi-disciplinary team. The role focuses on forensic analyses of building envelopes across residential, commercial, and industrial facilities, including materials like cladding, walls, roofing and fenestration.

Responsibilities include field investigations, documenting conditions, and preparing technical reports for construction litigation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master of Science in Architecture from an NAAB‑accredited program.
• State of Illinois Licensed Architect through NCARB’s ARE is required; multiple state registrations are a plus.
• Minimum 10 years of architectural experience in design or related areas.
• Experience in property loss and construction defects is required.
• Familiarity with roofing systems and building enclosures; knowledge of IBC/IRC/IEBC codes.

Responsibilities

• Perform forensic investigations of building envelope failures.
• Diagnose failures in building envelope systems and recommend remediation.
• Fieldwork to document as-built conditions and damage from natural or human-induced events.
• Use codes and construction knowledge to establish repair scope and cause analyses.
• Evaluate design drawings and documentation; communicate findings to clients and authorities.
• Manage multiple projects, delivering on time and within budget; develop client relationships.
• Travel as needed on short notice.

Skills

Forensic investigations

Project management

Client communication

Code compliance knowledge

Education

NAAB‑accredited Architecture degree

Illinois licensed architect (NCARB ARE)

Job description

We are seeking to add a highly-motivated mid-to-senior level licensed Architect to our team of multi-disciplinary consultants. Individual will have knowledge in the behavior of building enclosures and their components for use in forensic analyses relating to residential, commercial, industrial facilities, marine and inland structures. Experience in performing failure cause & origin analysis on building systems, authoring technical reports, and construction litigation is desired. Building envelope types include, but are not limited to, cladding, wall enclosures, roofing systems, and fenestration components.

Responsibilities And Duties Include

• Perform forensic investigations of building envelope failures.
• Diagnose failures in building envelope systems and recommend solutions for remediation of those failures.
• Fieldwork to document as-built conditions and damage to building systems as a result of natural (wind, water, fire, earth movement, etc.) and/or human-induced origins (design and construction errors/omissions). Natural events can include large catastrophes such as regional floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, fires and earthquakes.
• Utilizing building codes, technical knowledge, and understanding of construction practices to establish repair scope recommendations as well as cause and origin analyses.
• Evaluate design drawings and documentation.
• Communicate with Clients, interface with Code Officials and Contractors to address construction issues to provide detailed reports.
• Manage multiple project assignments, executing them on time and within budget.
• Retention and development of Client relationships.
• Willing to travel, as needed, on short notice at times.

Education And Experience Requirements

• Bachelor or Master of Science degree in Architecture from an NAAB accredited program required.
• State of Illinois Licensed Architect through NCARB’s ARE examination. Multiple state registrations (or ability to obtain) a plus.
• Minimum 10 Years Architectural experience in design or other background that promotes an understanding of building construction.
• Experience in property loss and construction defects required.
• Familiarity with various building roofing systems, both low-slope and steep-slope.
• Knowledge of national building and construction codes (IBC, IRC, IEBC, etc.)
• Understanding of heat, air and moisture control principles within enclosure materials and assemblies.
• Familiarity with performance and testing requirements, details and specifications for building enclosures.
• Familiarity with facade components and assemblies, particularly at their interfaces.
• Understanding of material selection as it relates to long-term durability and performance of building enclosures.
• Field experience. Must be able to physically carry and climb ladders for roof access, as well as navigate steep-slope roofing up to 6:12. Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in providing Litigation Support including Expert Testimony at Depositions and/or Trial, Mediation or Arbitration proceedings, a plus.
• Registered Roof Observer (RRO) and Registered Roof Consultant (RRC) designations are a plus.

Compensation: $100k – $165k

MKA offers a competitive salary (commensurate with experience) and benefits program including a generous 401K match, ESOP participation, medical, dental, vision, and paid vacation.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States and have a good driving record.