Senior Architectural Designer & Project Lead — Innovation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Generous PTO

401(k) match

Paid parental leave

Employee Assistance Program

Sabbatical program

Job summary

NewGround in Chicago, IL seeks a Senior Architectural Designer / Project Lead to guide multiple projects from concept through completion, bridging design, technical, and Build teams to align goals, budgets, and schedules.

You will lead a high-energy team, mentor designers, and communicate clearly with clients, owners, consultants, and internal stakeholders to deliver innovative, code-compliant spaces, while maintaining quality and schedule.

Qualifications

• 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.

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

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Client communication

Problem solving

Team mentorship

Strong design skills

Budgeting & scheduling

Collaboration

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 rendering

Procore

SpecLink

Job description

NewGround in Chicago, IL seeks a Senior Architectural Designer / Project Lead to guide multiple projects from concept through completion, bridging design, technical, and Build teams to align goals, budgets, and schedules.

You will lead a high-energy team, mentor designers, and communicate clearly with clients, owners, consultants, and internal stakeholders to deliver innovative, code-compliant spaces, while maintaining quality and schedule.