Entry-Level; Architectural Designer

DLR Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 79,515,000 - 123,213,000; Full time

Job summary

DLR Group is an integrated design firm seeking an Entry-level Architectural Designer in Chicago to kickstart their career on project teams under mentorship. You will assist in creating and delivering project documents and support designers through hands-on experience.

You will contribute to design analyses, layout work, BIM coordination, and drawings while learning standards, schedules, and budgets. This role offers ownership opportunities in our employee-owned firm and a collaborative,

Qualifications

• Undergraduate Degree in Architecture.
• 0 to 5 years of professional experience in architecture.
• Proficient in Revit; knowledge of Bluebeam and other standard architecture software.
• Strong technical skills with the ability to contribute to the design process and develop technical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Propose creative technical solutions to design challenges while ensuring design excellence.
• Adhere to quality assurance/control processes and company practice standards.
• Contribute to project deliverables, ensuring alignment with project schedules and deadlines.
• Conduct design analyses, layout designs, and code studies with some independent work.
• Perform basic architectural tasks, including layout and aesthetic feature design.
• Coordinate drawings and specifications, assisting in preparation of specific sections.
• Apply BIM standards and develop organizational cartoon sets for projects.
• Execute quality control procedures and resolve clash detection issues.
• Actively collaborate with the project team to generate and communicate design ideas.
• Continuously seek new knowledge and skills, proactively sharing potential solutions with peers.

Skills

Revit

Bluebeam

Communication

Education

Undergraduate Degree in Architecture

Tools

Revit

Job description

DLR Group is an integrated design firm with a promise to elevate the human experience through design. This fuels the work we do around the world and inspires our mission to improve the lives of our clients, our communities, and our planet. If this sparks your interest, you’re in the right place.

We have an opening for an Entry-level Architectural Designer. This role can be based in the following cities:

Position Summary:

Kickstart your career with us as an essential contributor to our project teams. In this role, you'll take on specific aspects of project development under the mentorship of experienced professionals, gaining hands‑on experience and learning the ins and outs of the industry. You'll assist in the creation and delivery of project documents, working closely with our collaborative design team to produce high‑quality work. This is an excellent opportunity to begin your career, build your skills, and contribute to projects while staying on track with timelines and budgets.

If you are a collaborative thought leader with a strategic mindset this might be the position for you. DLR Group is 100% employee owned and as such you’ll enjoy the opportunity to have ownership in the Firm. We rely on all our employee‑owners to apply their financial acumen to grow the Firm profitably.

What you will do:

• Propose creative technical solutions to design challenges while ensuring design excellence
• Adhere to quality assurance/control processes and company practice standards
• Contribute to project deliverables, ensuring alignment with project schedules and deadlines
• Conduct design analyses, layout designs, and code studies with some independent work
• Perform basic architectural tasks, including layout and aesthetic feature design
• Coordinate drawings and specifications, assisting in preparation of specific sections
• Apply BIM standards and develop organizational cartoon sets for projects
• Execute quality control procedures and resolve clash detection issues
• Actively collaborate with the project team to generate and communicate design ideas
• Continuously seek new knowledge and skills, proactively sharing potential solutions with peers

Required Qualifications:

• Undergraduate Degree in Architecture
• 0 to 5 years of professional experience in architecture
• Professional licensure not required; LEED AP and other certifications preferred but not required
• Proficient in Revit; knowledge of Bluebeam and other standard architecture software
• Strong technical skills with the ability to contribute to the design process and develop technical solutions
• Competence in conventional aspects of architecture, including materials, methods, and tools for small to moderate‑sized buildings
• Working knowledge of design techniques, tools, and sustainable design principles for producing technical plans and deliverables
• Strong written, verbal, and graphic communication skills with the ability to multitask while maintaining quality and productivity
• Ability to assist in marketing and business development efforts
• Must be eligible to work in the United States without need for work visa or residency sponsorship

Visa sponsorship is not offered for this position, including temporary visas such as E, F-1 (including OPT and CPT), TN, J, H-1B, or those who need employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future.

*TO BE CONSIDERED, PLEASE SUBMIT CURRENT PORTFOLIO/WORK SAMPLES IN PDF FORMAT*

Our comprehensive Benefits at DLR Group include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401(k) plan, employee stock ownership, and bonus opportunities. Compensation considerations are based on location, experience, and skills. The suggested hourly rate for this position is:

Hourly Rate

$27.75 - $43 USD

DLR Group is an integrated design firm delivering architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, and building optimization for new builds, renovations, and adaptive reuse projects.

We are 100% employee‑owned: every employee is literally invested in our clients’ success. At the core of our firm are interdisciplinary teams engaged in every step of project lifecycles. Our teams champion true collaboration, open information sharing, shared risk and reward, value‑based decision making, and proficient use of technology to deliver exceptional design. We are pursuing the goals of the 2030 Challenge, the ME2040, and the SE2050, and are an initial signatory of the China Accord and the AIA 2030 Commitment.

Through our values – commitment, creativity, environmental stewardship, fun, integrity, ownership, sharing, teamwork – we elevate the human experience through design, together.
DLR Group follows a four‑day in‑office work model, with employees having the flexibility to work somewhere other than the office on Fridays.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/M/F/Veteran/Disabled employer.