Associate Design Principal

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising seeks an Associate Design Principal to lead architectural design for complex projects. You will translate client goals into concepts, prepare visuals, and guide cross-disciplinary teams. Strong leadership and presentation skills are required.

Ideal candidates have at least 10 years in design leadership, an architecture license, and proficiency in Revit, Rhino/Grasshopper, and Adobe tools. Chicago-area work is expected with full-time status.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or closely related field required.
• Minimum 10 years of design leadership experience.
• Registered Architect with strong codes and planning knowledge.
• Proficiency in Revit and graphic presentation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead creative concepts/solutions for complex architectural projects.
• Meet with owners/clients to analyze goals and develop concepts.
• Prepare presentation drawings, models and narratives.
• Provide senior leadership across all building-design disciplines.
• Represent the firm in business development efforts with prospective clients.
• Collaborate across disciplines to ensure alignment with program needs.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Analytical problem-solving

Graphic presentation skills

Codes and planning knowledge

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Master's degree in Architecture

Tools

Autodesk Revit

Photoshop

Illustrator

SketchUp

3ds Max

Rhino

Grasshopper

Microsoft Office

Job description

Associate Design Principal

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for creative concepts/solutions for complex architectural projects
• Meet directly with the owner/client, analyze project goals, conceive and develop architectural concepts/solutions for those goals
• Initiate and create designs and other documentation with responsibility for preparation of presentation drawings, models and narratives
• Provide senior leadership for all disciplines related to overall building design
• Represent the firm by participating as a key member of the business development team in marketing to prospective owners/clients
• Work with various disciplines throughout all phases to ensure all concepts/solutions accommodate project needs and the owner's program
• Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture
• A minimum of 10 years design leadership experience
• Experience in the areas of healthcare, educational, civic, science and research facilities
• Knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, SketchUp and 3-D Studio Max
• Rhino and Grasshopper experience

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or closely related field
• A minimum of 10 years experience
• Registered Architect
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project Schedule)
• Excellent written and communication skills
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Proficient in use of Autodesk Revit and familiarity with related tools and processes
• Demonstrated graphic presentation skills
• Strong knowledge of codes and good planning skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must

Location

United States - Illinois - Chicago

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

Job Posting Date

Jul 17, 2026

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.