Associate Design Principal

HDR; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 112,343 - 160,490; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Employee ownership

Job summary

HDR is seeking an experienced architect to lead design for complex projects in the Chicago area. You will translate goals into architectural concepts, oversee documentation, and guide multidisciplinary teams through all phases to meet owner programs.

The role requires a registered architect with 10+ years of experience in healthcare, education, civic, science, or research facilities, and a strong Revit/Adobe/3D workflow proficiency. On-site, full-time position in Gen Architecture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or closely related field.
• Master’s degree in Architecture preferred.
• Registered Architect with strong design leadership.
• Minimum 10 years of design leadership experience.
• Experience in healthcare, educational, civic, science and research facilities.
• Proficiency in Revit and familiarity with related tools and processes.
• Strong codes knowledge and planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for creative concepts and solutions for complex architectural projects.
• Meet with owner/clients to analyze goals and develop concepts.
• Initiate and create designs, including drawings, models, and narratives.
• Provide senior leadership for all disciplines in building design.
• Represent the firm on the business development team for marketing.
• Collaborate across disciplines to ensure concepts meet program needs.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Skills

Excellent written communication

Analytical and problem-solving

Active culture participation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture

Master’s degree in Architecture

Tools

Autodesk Revit

Photoshop

Illustrator

SketchUp

3-D Studio Max

Rhino

Grasshopper

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project Schedule)

Job description

As part of our Architecture practice at HDR, you’ll contribute to the design and delivery of spaces and experiences that advance community well‑being around the world. From healing environments and learning spaces to research labs and civic landmarks, your work will directly influence how individuals experience the world around them.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for creative concepts and solutions for complex architectural projects.
• Meet directly with the owner/client, analyze project goals, and conceive and develop architectural concepts that meet those goals.
• Initiate and create designs and other documentation, including preparation of presentation drawings, models and narratives.
• Provide senior leadership for all disciplines related to overall building design.
• Represent the firm 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 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 of design leadership experience.
• Experience in healthcare, educational, civic, science and research facilities.
• Experience and/or interest in sustainable design/LEED desired.
• Knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, SketchUp and 3‑D Studio Max.
• Rhino and Grasshopper experience.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience.
• Registered Architect.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project Schedule).
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in 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 in our employee‑owned culture is a must.

Benefits

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long‑term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement.

Salary range: $112,343.00 – $160,490.00 (depending on skills, experience, education and location). (Stated benefits are for full‑time regular positions. Temporary and part‑time roles eligible for limited benefits.)

Location & Employment

Primary Location: United States – Illinois – Chicago
Industry: Architecture
Schedule: Full‑time
Employee Status: Regular
Business Class: Gen Architecture
Job Posting: Jul 17, 2026

Equal Employment Opportunity

HDR is an Affluent Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.