Architectural Designer III - Higher Education

HED; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

HED, a national architecture and engineering firm, seeks an Architect – Design III to lead design initiatives across market sectors and project phases. The role emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, and professional growth within a hybrid work environment.

You will guide junior staff, mentor teams, and produce compelling graphics, renderings, and models to communicate design concepts. The ideal candidate has a mid-career background with strong architectural design proficiency, proficient

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Architecture (4-year) degree
• Architecture licensure required
• 6 years' minimum experience in A/E industry required
• Proficient in BIM/Revit as well as Microsoft Word, Excel Required
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, enthusiastic, and flexible
• Ability to work well with others, especially under deadline situations
• A commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion principles

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development of the project design and sustainability goals, program, and basis of design (BOD)
• Assist in the development of the project’s concept and implement a design in response to the project goals
• Prepare for implications of pertinent ordinance and code requirements for assigned projects
• Conduct material and product research as required for project development
• Create presentations, project reports, and narratives; improve drawing graphics and 3D representation of ideas, plans and diagrams
• Suggest efforts to improve sector efficiency and quality of work
• Interface with other discipline team leaders and attend project meetings as necessary.
• Document interpretations and review submittals during bidding and construction administration.
• Utilize generative design and automation tools to create programs that can be incorporated into Rhino and Revit models; utilize design tools for planning building design iterations

Skills

Design leadership

Mentoring

Graphic communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Science in Architecture (4-year)

Tools

Revit

Rhino

Concept Board/Miro

InDesign

Illustrator

Bluebeam

Revizto

3D modeling

Job description

ABOUT HED:

We are a team that is full of ideas, experience, creativity, passionate opinions, insatiable curiosity, uncompromising integrity, commitment, and skill. Our culture is about aspiration, embracing change and challenges, listening to (and learning from) each other, encouraging continual learning, and inspiring collective growth. As an inclusive, integrated architecture and engineering practice, we value the diversity of perspectives, experiences, abilities, and expertise that advance both the work we do, and the world we share.

ABOUT HED:

We are a team that is full of ideas, experience, creativity, passionate opinions, insatiable curiosity, uncompromising integrity, commitment, and skill. Our culture is about aspiration, embracing change and challenges, listening to (and learning from) each other, encouraging continual learning, and inspiring collective growth. As an inclusive, integrated architecture and engineering practice, we value the diversity of perspectives, experiences, abilities, and expertise that advance both the work we do, and the world we share.

ABOUT HED HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR:

HED’s Higher Education practice partners with colleges and universities to create spaces that advance institutional goals and support student success, wellness, and belonging. From academic buildings and research laboratories to student housing and athletic facilities, our integrated architecture and engineering teams design environments that strengthen learning, discovery, and campus community.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Architect – Design III role requires an individual dedicated to collaboration, critical thinking, professional-growth, and developing great design solutions. The position is intended for a mid-career architect capable of excelling in a hybrid work environment. The position leads design initiatives and collaborates with design teams across market sectors and all project phases from conception through construction. The ideal candidate will be able to conduct and lead programmatic and design-oriented research, use exceptional graphic skills on competitions, pursuits and project work, and provide renderings (digital modeling and visualization) and physical model building to represent design concepts as a member of one or more project teams. This professional is expected to operate with increasing autonomy while still receiving guidance from senior staff on complex assignments. Proven experience and proficiency in architectural design is required along with the ability to mentor other team members to accomplish the design goals established by the project team and market sector.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist in the development of the project design and sustainability goals, program, and basis of design (BOD)
• Assist in the development of the project’s concept and implement a design in response to the project goals
• Prepare for implications of pertinent ordinance and code requirements for assigned projects
• Conduct material and product research as required for project development
• Create presentations, project reports, and narratives; improve drawing graphics and 3D representation of ideas, plans and diagrams
• Suggest efforts to improve sector efficiency and quality of work
• Interface with other discipline team leaders and attend project meetings as necessary.
• Document interpretations and review submittals during bidding and construction administration.
• Utilize generative design and automation tools to create programs that can be incorporated into Rhino and Revit models; utilize design tools for planning building design iterations

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Architecture (4-year) degree
• Architecture licensure required
• LEED Accredited Professional and/or WELL Accredited Professional preferred
• 6 years' minimum experience in A/E industry required, with demonstrated proficiency to meaningfully contribute toward project design efforts on a range of project sizes and complexity
• Robust planning, design, and graphic skills required
• Commitment to an integrated design process working in an interdisciplinary environment that includes HED engineers, architects, and outside consultants
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, in English
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills
• Ability to motivate and mentor staff and delegate work assignments
• Proficient in BIM/Revit as well as Microsoft Word, Excel Required
• Experience in Rhino, Concept Board/Miro, InDesign, Illustrator, Bluebeam, and Revizto preferred
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, enthusiastic, and flexible
• Ability to work well with others, especially under deadline situations
• A commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion principles

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to effectively communicate in writing and verbally via phone, video conferencing, and in-person.
• Visual acuity to perform responsibilities.
• Ability to travel to and from project sites to attend client, project, and construction meetings.
• Ability to access and navigate existing and new project sites for observation, investigation, and evaluation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• We embrace a hybrid model that promotes both autonomy and collaboration, including the freedom to work from home, with regular in-office days to connect with teammates and build culture.
• The office is a professional, open-space environment for collaborative and independent work.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.