Architect / Technical Designer

Vocon; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Vocon, a Chicago-based interdisciplinary design firm, seeks a mid-level Architect/Technical Designer to contribute to delivery across design development and technical execution. You will work on projects from programming through construction documentation under senior leadership.

You bring 8–10 years of commercial interior design and architecture, a degree in architecture, and proficiency in REVIT, AutoCAD, Enscape, Bluebeam, Newforma, and the Adobe Creative Suite.

Qualifications

• Architectural design professional with 8–10 years of experience.
• Degree in architecture from an accredited university; LEED/Well a plus.
• Proficient with REVIT, AutoCAD and project documentation tools.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate in a mid-level leadership capacity on small to medium projects.
• Prepare design documentation and construction drawings under senior leadership.
• Coordinate with clients, consultants, and team to ensure design intent.
• Oversee design development and technical execution across phases.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Time management

Education

Degree in architecture from an accredited university

Tools

REVIT

AutoCAD

Enscape

Bluebeam

Newforma

Adobe Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

We believe…

Every project can make life better.

Strong relationships inspire great work.

We must push boundaries and explore new ideas.

Model the outcomes we aspire to create.

Only together can we give it our all.

At Vocon, we are proud of the diverse range of backgrounds, personalities, and passions that make up our team. But for all our differences, we are united by a core passion: creating designs that tell a story. We are an interdisciplinary team of thinkers, makers, doers and, most importantly, people. Our interdisciplinary team may have diverse backgrounds, but we speak with one voice. We share a passion for the power of design, and a commitment to collaboration at every stage of the creative process.

ARCHITECT / TECHNICAL DESIGNER

The Ideal Candidate is!

Passionate architect – licensed or on the path - who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative studio environment and brings energy, curiosity, and creativity to every phase of the design process. At Vocon, our practice is growing as we expand on our work. This role is designed for passionate emerging professionals eager to develop their design and technical skillsets while contributing to meaningful, high-performance projects. They are passionate about creating memorable experiences, with a strong sense of how design can reinforce brand identity and customer engagement.

Overview

As a mid-level design professional, you will contribute to project delivery across multiple phases, including design development and technical execution. This role requires a strong architecture and interior design foundation and the ability to work independently on small to medium-scale projects or support larger initiatives under senior leadership. You will be responsible for design documentation, consultant coordination, and project execution, ensuring high-quality outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate in a mid-level leadership capacity on small to medium projects and a supportive collaborative capacity to large scale projects , collaborating closely with project leaders and other team members.
• Participate as a key contributor in all phases, including programming, conceptual design, schematic design, and design development.
• Develop design and presentation documents as required.
• Engage with clients, contributing to design presentations and discussions.
• Ensure project alignment by collaborating with the project team on the fee, schedule, and construction budgets.
• Collaborate with team members early and often to inform design outcomes.
• Oversee construction documentation to maintain design intent throughout the process.
• Develop planning concepts as applicable to the discipline: Interiors: conceptual planning, spacing planning, building restacking and Architecture: conceptual planning, site planning.
• Coordinate material selections, specifications, and location documentation (elevations, finish plans, etc.)
• Perform design layouts and features, including researching, compiling, and recording information for assigned project work.
• Develop design and technical solutions under the supervision of the project leader.
• Perform specific portions of assignments using prescribed methods, design/production software, general office software, and current presentation tools and standards.
• Assist with specifications and research products.
• Conduct code analyses, be the primary contact with jurisdictions, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Conducts on-site observations and prepares architect’s field reports.
• Maintain RFI and submittal logs, assisting with construction-phase coordination.
• Perform site surveys and maintain resource materials.
• Adapt to emerging responsibilities based on project needs.

Capabilities

• Strong project execution skills with knowledge of the full design process, competent in all conventional aspects of architecture.
• Highly adaptable and able to focus on a single client with diverse project types or manage multiple concurrent projects at various development stages.
• Proactive problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate design ideas and direction quickly.
• Proven communication ability with clients, consultants, contractors, and staff.
• Strong interpersonal skills with all levels of management and staff.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong project and people leadership skills.
• Strong skills in REVIT, Enscape, Bluebeam, Newforma, AutoCAD, Adobe Suite, Microsoft Office and other applicable programs.
• Possess BIM modeling skills.

Qualifications

• Design professional with (typically) eight to ten years of experience in commercial interior design and/or architecture.
• Degree in architecture from an accredited university
• LEED and/or Well credentials are a plus

In general terms, this description indicates the type and level of work performed and the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification. The duties described should not be interpreted as all-inclusive to any specific employee. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the job's essential functions.