Project Architect – Public Safety (Westchester, IL)

Paycor; Westchester (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee-owned structure

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Flexible Friday program

Parental leave

Job summary

FGMA seeks a Project Architect for Public Safety in Westchester, IL, offering a hybrid work model. You will lead design development, document projects, and collaborate with engineers and clients to deliver mission-critical facilities that support first responders and communities.

The role requires a professional architecture degree, licensure or active pursuit, and a track record on complex civic/public safety projects with strong coordination skills.

Qualifications

• Professional degree in Architecture or equivalent proficiency.
• Licensed Architect or actively pursuing licensure.
• Experience on complex civic or public safety projects.
• Strong understanding of building systems and technical detailing.
• Excellent communication and client-service orientation.

Responsibilities

• Translate concepts into practical, buildable design solutions.
• Support programming, planning, and design development for police, fire, and EMS facilities.
• Produce drawings and documentation in alignment with FGMA standards.
• Coordinate with engineers and specialty system consultants; review shop drawings.
• Participate in client meetings and communicate design intent clearly.

Skills

Communication skills

Project coordination

Building systems

Technical detailing

Client service

Education

Professional degree in Architecture

Licensed Architect or licensure pursued

Job description

Position:Project Architect – Public Safety

Location: Westchester, IL

Remote Status: Hybrid

Job Id:291

# of Openings:1

Job Title: Project Architect – Public Safety

Location: Westchester, IL

We Build Community

FGMA is looking for a Project Architect who is passionate about designing meaningful spaces that support the people who protect our communities. Our Public Safety practice partners with police, fire, EMS, and emergency management agencies to design mission critical facilities where safety, readiness, and resilience come first.

If you want to work on projects that strengthen communities and support first responders in the work they do every day, this is a great opportunity to advance your career.

Why This Role Matters

Public safety work requires a thoughtful approach, a commitment to quality, and a deep understanding of how buildings support real world operations. As a Project Architect, you will transform ideas into technical solutions that help first responders work efficiently, train effectively, and ultimately keep their communities safe.

Your work will have direct impact on the daily operations and wellbeing of the people who serve others.

What You Will Do

Develop Technical and Design Solutions

• Work under the direction of the Design Principal to translate concepts into practical, buildable solutions
• Support programming, planning, and design development for police, fire, and emergency operations facilities
• Identify design challenges and recommend solutions that align with operational needs and budget considerations

Lead Project Documentation Efforts

• Produce drawings and documentation in alignment with FGMA standards
• Conduct code, accessibility, zoning, and sustainability reviews
• Develop coordinated details and review project documents for accuracy
• Support preparation of specifications, cost estimates, and quality reviews

Collaborate With Internal and External Partners

• Work closely with engineers and specialty system consultants
• Review shop drawings and perform field observations
• Support resolution of construction phase questions and issues

Engage With Clients and Team Members

• Participate in client meetings and communicate design intent clearly
• Build confidence in the public safety practice by understanding operational needs
• Provide feedback and guidance to less experienced architects

Support Project Delivery and Team Success

• Help monitor project scope, schedule, and documentation
• Use internal project management tools to support delivery
• Contribute to a collaborative and supportive team culture

What You Bring

• Professional degree in Architecture or equivalent proficiency
• Licensed Architect or actively pursuing licensure
• Experience working on complex projects, ideally civic or public safety focused
• Strong understanding of building systems, technical detailing, and project coordination
• Clear communication skills and a desire to grow within a specialized practice area
• Commitment to high quality work and strong client service

Who You Are

You are energized by meaningful work and motivated by solving complex design challenges. You enjoy understanding how buildings function, how people use them, and how thoughtful design can support important community-focused work. You want to contribute, learn, and grow within a strong team.

Why FGMA

At FGMA, we build community in everything we do. We are an employee-owned firm that values service, integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. People love working here because we take care of our teams while giving them meaningful opportunities to grow.

What We Offer:

• Competitive compensation and an employee-owned structure
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Flexible Friday program
• Paid parental leave for all parents
• PTO and Bereavement leave
• 401k match and ESOP retirement contributions
• Professional development support, licensure reimbursement, and career growth opportunities
• A culture that values trust, flexibility, and doing work that matters

FGMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.