Senior Architectural Designer/Project Lead

Different Technologies Pty Ltd.; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits

PTO and holidays

401(k) with company match

Parental leave

Employee Assistance Program

Sabbatical program

Job summary

NewGround is seeking a Senior Architectural Designer / Project Lead to oversee design and delivery from concept through completion. You will bridge creative, technical, operational, and Build teams to ensure design intent aligns with client goals, budgets, and schedules.

You will manage multiple projects, mentor staff, and maintain high standards of collaboration, communication, and problem solving across disciplines and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Degree in architecture required with licensure preferred.
• 8–10+ years of professional experience in commercial architecture.
• Experience leading design teams on corporate headquarters or office projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams to deliver integrated project solutions.
• Serve as primary design contact for clients and manage expectations.
• Lead client communications through presentations and meetings.
• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and resources.
• Coordinate with consultants, vendors and Build Team to maintain momentum.
• Oversee development of construction documents and technical drawings.
• Mentor junior staff and ensure design quality across projects.

Skills

Project leadership

Cross-functional teams

Client communication

Design leadership

Problem solving

Mentoring junior staff

Team collaboration

Timeline management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Architecture

Architectural License preferred

NCARB certification preferred

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Bluebeam

Smartsheet

Adobe Creative Suite

Enscape

Lumion

Procore

SpecLink

Job description

At NewGround, we believe the right environment can change how people work, connect, and succeed. As a leading design and delivery firm, we partner with financial institutions, healthcare providers, and corporations to turn vision into reality. Our work is powered by clear communication, true collaboration, bold innovation, service-driven thinking, and a commitment to excellence, all centered in our defining core values. In the role of Senior Architectural Designer / Project Lead, you’ll be a key contributor to that mission, helping shape projects, teams, and experiences that truly make a difference.

The Senior Architectural Designer / Project Lead is responsible for overseeing the design and delivery of multiple projects from strategy and concept through completion. This role bridges our creative, technical, operational, and Build teams to ensure that design intent, client goals, budgets and schedules are aligned and achieved. The position requires a strong background in generating and translating concepts into final solutions, in directing a project design team, and in materials and methods of construction. The ideal candidate has proven excellence in design and is a collaborative leader with experience in managing complex, multi-disciplinary, fast paced programs. This person will be a high- energy, inspirational leader for both the design team and client, providing exemplary communication with the client, ownership, stakeholders, NewGround internal directors, and external consultants.

GENERAL SKILLS

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook)
• Proficient in Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Smartsheet, Adobe Creative Suite, and experience with rendering programs such as Enscape, Lumion, etc.
• Experience with Procore or comparable software.
• Experience with SpecLink or comparable software.
• Experience working with a design-build project delivery system.
• Ability to manage several projects at once at different stages of development.
• Ability to solve problems quickly, take and act on feedback, and collaborate effectively with team members, consultants, and clients.
• Strong conceptual design skills
• Strong organizational, verbal, visual, and written communication skills with ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to organize and prioritize personal workload and make necessary adjustments in meeting strict deadlines.
• Substantial experience in project management and design team leadership
• Experience in all phases of project development.
• Sufficient knowledge of engineering disciplines to evaluate consultant work.
• Knowledge of building materials, building systems, site requirements, specifications, and construction techniques.
• Experience with the development of project cost estimates and general knowledge of value engineering techniques.
• Well versed in building codes, accessibility standards, zoning codes, and entitlement processes.
• Capable of independently managing, producing, coordinating, and executing the development and execution of construction documents when this role is needed.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead cross-functional teams (Strategy, Architecture, Engineering, Interiors, Environmental Graphics, Multi-sensory) to deliver integrated project solutions.
• Serve as primary design point of contact for clients, ensuring a strong relationship, clear communication, alignment of vision, deliverables, and expectations.
• Lead client communications through presentations, meetings, and email.
• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, work plans, and resource allocations.
• Coordinate internal and external consultants, vendors, and NewGround Build Team to maintain project momentum and quality.
• Coordinate with Program Directors, Senior Project Managers, Pre-Construction Managers, and estimators from NewGround Build team.
• Coordinate with Marketing and Business Development on project delivery.
• Coordinate with local jurisdictions on project development.
• Be knowledgeable on application of building codes and regulations to projects.
• Lead the team in development of details and technical drawings.
• Deliver projects on schedule and within budget.
• Assist in the development of specifications.
• Assist in preparation of Contract Change Orders as required.
• Assist in the review of shop drawings.
• Make site visits as required.
• Assist the team in mentoring junior staff and involving them in the design process.
• Maintain quality control as related to design
• Perform all other related work, as assigned or as apparent

EXPECTATIONS

• Travel as required.
• Ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously.
• Supports the Design Studio Head in maintaining high quality design leadership in the department.
• A passion for design and problem solving.
• Maintain strong relationship with clients throughout the duration of the project
• Mentor junior staff

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE PREREQUISITES

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Architecture is required
• Architectural License preferred.
• NCARB certification preferred.
• 8 – 10+ years of professional experience in commercial architecture required.
• Experience in design of corporate headquarters / office buildings preferred.
• Experience in retail design preferred.
• WELL AP credential preferred.
• LEED AP credential preferred.

At NewGround, we believe in investing in our people. That commitment shows up in competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and company initiatives like our Sabbatical Program. We offer a collaborative, values-driven environment with a strong emphasis on volunteerism and community engagement, meaningful opportunities to shape the future of our industry, and supportive colleagues and leaders who are invested in your growth.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Sabbatical program

NewGround International helps brands plan, design, and build innovative spaces that drive growth. With 100+ years of experience and an all-in-house team, we deliver Strategy, Design, Build, and Interiors from start to finish. Headquartered in St. Louis with offices in Chicago and Waterloo, Ontario.

Hybrid