Project Architect - Residential

Wasson Enterprise; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 105,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical, dental and vision insurance

401(k) plan & generous PTO

Employee assistance program

Life insurance & disability coverage

Learning & development programs

Job summary

Lamar Johnson Collaborative, a Chicago-based architectural design firm, is seeking an experienced Project Architect to lead residential projects from concept through construction. You will manage design, documentation, and coordination with engineers, consultants, and clients to deliver Type III–V podium and wrap buildings.

Ideal candidates have at least 10 years of residential-focused experience, a professional architecture degree, and a current architecture license.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of architectural experience with residential focus.
• Degree in Architecture from an accredited school; license required.
• Strong leadership, budgeting, scheduling, and team coordination.

Responsibilities

• Lead residential projects (Types III & V) from yield studies to construction administration.
• Provide design direction and ensure code compliance and accessibility requirements.
• Coordinate construction documents with engineers, consultants, and builders.
• Build client relationships and manage expectations throughout the project.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Collaboration

Client relations

Education

Architecture degree (B.Arch/M.Arch)

Registered Architect license

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Project management software

Job description

About Us

Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $7.6 billion in revenue for 2024, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building," providing fast track, efficient solutions for industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential related building projects.

About Lamar Johnson Collaborative

Lamar Johnson Collaborative (LJC) is a team of high-energy professionals. We share a passion for design, a collaborative approach, and a casual culture. We solve challenges by leveraging the collective expertise and ingenuity of the best and brightest minds across development, design, and construction. Lamar Johnson Collaborative attracts a dynamic and diverse group of people who work together to realize our clients’ vision. LJC is a growing firm and is recruiting top talent to join our growing team.

The Role We Want You For

Lamar Johnson Collaborative, a leading architectural design firm based in Chicago, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Project Architect to join our team. As a Project Architect, you will play a pivotal role in managing and overseeing the design and execution of residential projects from conception to completion. We work on a diverse range of project types and are looking for candidates that have worked at a range of scales, from Type I high-rise to Type III and V podium and wrap buildings.

The Specifics of the Role

• Lead residential architectural projects (with an emphasis on Types III & V) from yield studies and unit planning through entitlements, design documentation, and construction administration—delivering on scope, schedule, and quality.
• Guide project programing and design based on the opportunities and limitations the project’s construction type
• Provide design direction and translate program/intent into code-compliant drawings and specifications, including accessibility and fair-housing requirements.
• Demonstrate expertise in building-systems coordination, multi-family envelope detailing, and constructability
• Lead and coordinate development of construction documents with project team, engineers, consultants, and builder
• Build and maintain strong client relationships to understand needs and manage expectations throughout the project.
• Partner with the Project Manager to track schedule, budget and manage risk.
• Conduct regular quality reviews to uphold high standards of design and constructability
• Mentor junior staff and foster a collaborative, innovative team culture.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of architectural experience with a focus on residential projects.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.
• Registered Architect with a current license.
• Strong project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Proficient in relevant software and tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, and project management software.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships with clients and team members.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and delivering residential projects of varying scales.

Some Things You Should Know

• Our clients and projects are nationwide – occasional travel will be part of the job.

Benefits

• Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs.

Compensation

• The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The Clayco Nationwide salary range for this position is approximately $105,000 – 125,000 +/- annually (not adjusted for location).