Project Architect / Architect IV-T - Higher Education

HED; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

HED, a leading integrated architecture and engineering firm, seeks an Architect IV-T for its Higher Education sector in Chicago. The senior professional will lead medium-to-large project scopes, mentor teams, and ensure quality from design through construction.

The role emphasizes coordination across disciplines, regulatory compliance, and responsible control of work while maintaining HED’s design standards and project goals. Hybrid work model offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Architecture required.
• Architect licensure required.
• NCARB certification preferred.
• LEED or other sustainability credential preferred.
• Min 10 years of professional experience with technical delivery focus.
• Proficient in BIM/Revit; familiar with Revizto and code tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and coordination of architectural scope; manage the Discipline Work Plan with the Project Manager.
• Develop coordinated construction documents ensuring clarity and code compliance.
• Coordinate work across design and engineering disciplines, consultants, and production teams.
• Manage AHJ interactions during permitting with senior leadership support.
• Research materials, products and systems to inform design decisions.
• Lead construction administration activities including RFIs, submittals, and field reports.

Skills

BIM/Revit

Detail-oriented

Communication

Mentoring

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor of Science in Architecture

Architect Licensure

NCARB certification preferred

LEED accreditation preferred

Tools

Revizto

UpCodes

RIB Speclink

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 OUR HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR

HED’s Higher Education team partners with colleges and universities to create places where students can learn, connect, and thrive. Our work spans academic buildings, teaching labs, career training facilities, and wellness spaces. Through integrated architecture and engineering, we align each project with an institution’s goals while supporting student growth, well-being, and a sense of belonging.

POSITION SUMMARY

Architect IV-T is a senior-level technical professional responsible for leading medium-to-large-scale project scopes from start to finish. This role includes managing project documentation, consultant coordination, regulatory compliance, and construction phase support, with a proven record of delivering technically sound work in the Higher Education market sector. This role may require acting as the Architect of Record in responsible control of the work, represented by the signing and sealing of construction documents, along with guiding internal teams, mentorship and supporting firm-wide quality efforts and strategic objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead planning and coordination of the architectural scope of work, including creation and management of the Discipline Work Plan (DWP) in collaboration with the Project Manager
• Manage the development of coordinated construction documents, ensuring technical clarity, code compliance, and quality in accordance with the HED Design Process
• Coordinate work across design and engineering disciplines, consultants, and production teams to maintain alignment with project scope and milestones
• Manage interactions with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) during permitting and regulatory review processes, with support from senior leadership as needed
• Conduct material, product, and building systems research to support design decisions and contribute findings to firm resources
• Lead construction administration activities, including RFIs, submittals, field reports, and coordination with contractors
• Serve as Architect of Record as determined by project leadership and sign and seal documents prepared under your direct supervision
• Mentor junior staff and support professional development within project teams

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum Bachelor of Science in Architecture (4-year degree)
• Licensure required
• NCARB certification preferred
• LEED Accredited or other sustainability credential preferred
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience with a technical delivery focus
• Proficient in BIM/Revit as well as Microsoft Word, Excel
• Experience with Revizto for 3-D coordination is preferred
• Experience with UpCodes and RIB Speclink preferred
• Very detail-oriented, self-motivated, enthusiastic, and flexible
• Passion and for inspiring and motivating others
• Proficiency in managing construction document sets and consultant coordination and effectively delegating assignments to supporting teammates
• Experience with with sector typology and related construction types.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Capable of traveling to and from project sites to attend client, project, and construction meetings.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to effectively communicate in writing, verbally, and visually via phone, video conferencing, and in-person.
• Must have visual acuity to read and interpret drawings, documents, and digital content on screens and paper.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The firm embraces a hybrid work model that promotes both autonomy and collaboration. Team members have the flexibility to work from home, balanced with regular in-office days to connect with colleagues, foster mentorship, and strengthen team culture
• The office environment is a professional and open concept, designed to support both collaborative interaction and focused, 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.