Architectural Professional II (Mixed-Use Development and Community Design)

Wight & Company; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 72,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Disability and life insurance

4–k with company matching

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Flexible work schedule

Job summary

Wight & Company is seeking an Architectural Professional II with 4–6 years of experience to contribute to mixed-use development and community design. You will work across building design, planning, urban design, and community projects, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to develop innovative, sustainable solutions.

You will engage in design exploration, documentation, and client communications, leveraging AI tools to improve efficiency and outcomes while growing professionally within a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Architecture from an accredited program.
• 4–6 years of professional experience in architectural design with a strong portfolio.
• Proficiency in Revit, Rhino, SketchUp, Enscape, Bluebeam, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience in urban design, planning, and community development.
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines and communicate clearly.
• Interest in leveraging AI tools to enhance design exploration and workflows.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to architectural, urban design, and planning concepts across scales.
• Prepare design studies, graphics, reports, presentations, and storytelling materials.
• Research design trends, materials, technologies, and best practices.
• Collaborate with clients and interdisciplinary teams; communicate concepts clearly.
• Coordinate with engineering, construction, and consultants for integration.
• Prepare and coordinate design and construction documents to project goals and codes.
• Review and ensure accuracy of design and technical documentation.
• Mentor junior staff and support leadership across projects.
• Incorporate sustainability throughout planning and design phases.
• Support project management, timelines, budgets, and firm standards.
• Engage in continuous learning and industry events to enhance skills.

Skills

Visual thinking

Conceptual design

Planning & analysis

Communication

Collaboration

Mentoring

Adaptability

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Architecture (accredited) with Urban Design/Community Planning focus preferred

Tools

Revit

Rhino

SketchUp

Enscape

Bluebeam

Adobe Creative Suite

GIS

Parametric/Computational design

Job description

Architectural Professional II (Mixed-Use Development and Community Design)

We are seeking a creative and ambitious Architectural Professional II with 4-6 years of professional experience in architecture including work spanning building design, planning, urban design, and community development projects. This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about shaping the built environment through thoughtful design, strategic planning, and collaborative problem-solving. Our work spans multi-family housing, mixed-use, commercial, and community-focused projects at a variety of scales, requiring designers who can thoughtfully integrate site, building, and community considerations into compelling, impactful design solutions.

Successful candidates will be strong visual thinkers with demonstrated abilities in conceptual design, planning, analysis, and communication. They will be self-motivated, adaptable, and eager to take initiative, thriving in an environment that offers opportunities to contribute across diverse project types, scales, and responsibilities. The ideal candidate is curious, nimble, and comfortable balancing multiple priorities while embracing new challenges and opportunities for professional growth. As artificial intelligence continues to transform the design profession, candidates should demonstrate enthusiasm for and experience with leveraging AI tools to support design thinking, streamline workflows, and improve the speed, quality, and effectiveness of their work.

In this role, you will contribute to projects from early visioning and planning through design development, collaborating closely with firm leaders, senior designers, project architects, and interdisciplinary teams. You will play an active role in design exploration, site planning, urban design studies, visualization, research, documentation, and project storytelling. The Architectural Professional II will help translate project goals into innovative, sustainable, and buildable solutions while contributing to our practice's continued success and growth.

Responsibilities

• Design & Planning: Contribute to and help lead the development of architectural, urban design, and planning concepts across a variety of scales, including buildings, sites, neighborhoods, and mixed-use environments.
• Design Communication: Prepare and contribute to design studies, graphics, reports, presentations, and storytelling materials that clearly communicate project ideas and recommendations to clients, stakeholders, and project teams.
• Research & Innovation: Research emerging design trends, materials, technologies, and best practices to inform project work and innovation
• Client Collaboration: Participate in client meetings, presentations, and discussions, providing clear and effective communication of design concepts and project
• Integrated Coordination: Coordinate with interdisciplinary teams, including engineering, construction, and consultants, to ensure seamless integration of project
• Documentation: Prepare and coordinate design and construction documents, ensuring deliverables are accurate, well-organized, and consistent with project goals, code requirements, and firm standards
• Quality & Accuracy: Review and ensure design and technical documentation accuracy, conduct quality checks, and resolve design issues as they
• Mentoring & Leadership: Provide guidance and support to junior architectural staff, fostering a collaborative and learning-oriented
• Sustainability: Integrate sustainable design principles and environmental considerations into planning and design solutions across all project phases.
• Project Management: Assist in managing project timelines, budgets, and resources, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within
• Firm Contribution: Perform general office responsibilities (library and material upkeep, assist in developing project/BIM standards, ).
• Career Development: Participate in cross-disciplinary career
• Continuous Improvement & Industry Engagement: Engage in continuous learning opportunities, attend industry events, and participate in internal training sessions to enhance skills and
• Adaptability & Versatility: Successfully manage multiple assignments and project roles, adapting to evolving client needs, project priorities, and design challenges while maintaining a high level of quality and responsiveness.

Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture from an accredited program. Degree concentration, coursework, or professional experience in Urban Design, Community Planning, or related disciplines preferred.
• Experience: 4-6 years of professional experience in architectural design, supported by a strong portfolio demonstrating design excellence and project experience.
• Software: Proficiency in Revit, Rhino, SketchUp, Enscape, Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, and visualization tools. Experience with GIS, parametric modeling, or computational design tools is preferred.
• Collaboration: Proven experience working in a collaborative environment, with the ability to work effectively across disciplines.
• Creativity: Demonstrated ability to generate innovative design solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.
• Visualization: Experience producing graphics, diagrams, renderings, and presentation materials that effectively communicate design intent.
• Artificial Intelligence: Demonstrated ability to leverage AI-powered design, visualization, research, and productivity tools to enhance project workflows, generate insights, and support design exploration, while exercising professional judgment to evaluate, refine, and validate outputs
• General Skills: Strong design, graphic communication, presentation, and organizational skills, with attention to detail and effective verbal and written communication.
• Knowledge: General knowledge of building systems, construction methods, materials, building codes, and sustainable design practices.
• Urban Design: Experience or demonstrated interest in urban design, site planning, zoning analysis, community engagement, corridor studies, master planning, or related planning initiatives.
• Planning & Analysis: Ability to evaluate site opportunities and constraints, zoning and regulatory considerations, land use relationships, and broader community context to inform planning and design decisions.

Salary Range: $72,000-$86,000 Individual pay will be based on several factors including experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant.

Wight & Company offers excellent benefits and a wonderful work environment. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, flexible spending, paid holidays, paid time off, and a 401(k). Our flexible work schedule allows for a healthy work-life balance. For more information about our company, visit our website at www.wightco.com .

Wight & Company is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetics, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Wight & Company values diversity in our workforce. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, and promoting people with disabilities and veterans. If you need an accommodation to assist with completing the electronic application, please call us at 630.969.7000 and ask to speak with a Human Resources representative.