Senior Project Architect

Williams Architects; Itasca (IL); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Williams Architects is seeking a Senior Project Architect in Illinois to lead design development and construction documents for non-residential projects. The role requires licensure, strong leadership, and extensive experience managing multidisciplinary teams from inception to completion.

The position emphasizes adherence to codes, budgets, and schedules, with office-based work Monday–Thursday and optional remote Fridays. Salary range is competitive for the Chicago area.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture or related field.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in non-residential architecture, incl. 5+ years as Project Architect producing complete drawings and specifications.
• Professional licensure as an Architect in Illinois, or ability to obtain via reciprocity within 6 months of hire.
• AXP Guidelines knowledge and ability to apply NCARB standards.
• Strong understanding of ADA compliance, local building codes, and accessibility regulations.
• Ability to produce accurate and detailed architectural drawings and specifications.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and leading projects from inception to completion.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Problem-solving ability and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize past project information to develop appropriate assemblies and design approaches.
• Lead development of design or construction documents and supervise junior staff on larger projects.
• Select materials and systems aligned with design intent, performance, and budget.
• Develop code-compliant plan solutions meeting program requirements.
• Maintain client and consultant communications, and prepare meeting minutes.
• Coordinate consultant activities and ensure project objectives.
• Understand codes and zoning and ensure compliance in docs.
• Prepare cost estimates with management assistance.
• Ensure alignment of scope, quality with budget.
• Document existing conditions for remodels and additions.
• Contribute to firm standards and occasional business development.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

ADA compliance

Project management

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture

Job description

Williams Architects is seeking a skilled and motivated Senior Project Architect to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will work closely with clients, consultants, and project teams to deliver high-quality, innovative designs while ensuring adherence to project schedules, budgets, and codes. Strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and experience in project management are essential for this role. Professional licensure within the State of Illinois is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture or related field.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in non-residential architecture, including at least 5 years as a Project Architect independently creating or supervising creation of complete sets of drawings and specifications. Public sector experience highly preferred; substantial signing bonuses may be offered to candidates working in similar project typologies.
• Professional licensure as an Architect in Illinois, or ability to obtain via reciprocity within 6 months of hire.
• Able to independently and competently complete all the tasks identified in the NCARB Architectural Experience Program (AXP) Guidelines in all experience areas.
• Strong understanding of ADA compliance, local building codes, and accessibility regulations.
• Ability to produce accurate and detailed architectural drawings and specifications.
• Experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and leading projects from inception to completion.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Problem-solving ability and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Fully synthesizes information from past projects and experience and appropriately applies same to current project or task to develop appropriate assemblies, materials, and design approaches.
• Primary responsibility for development of design or construction documents. Works within a team directing activities of junior staff on larger projects and/or independently produces a complete, coordinated, code-compliant set of construction documents for a small- to medium- size project. Performs quality assurance reviews as required.
• Selects and determines materials, assemblies, and systems consistent with design intent, performance requirements, and budget parameters.
• Able to independently develop logical, code-compliant, efficient plan solutions meeting programmatic requirements.
• Regular verbal and written contact with clients and consultants, including preparation of meeting agendas and minutes.
• Performs all consultant coordination activities and directs consultants on project objectives and requirements.
• Understands all applicable and known code and zoning requirements for a project, including basic understanding of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection considerations, and ensures compliance with same in design and construction documents.
• Independently prepares estimates of construction cost with assistance from firm management. Researches and determines appropriate unit prices and quantities for proposed/specified materials.
• Conforms project scope, design, drawings, details, materials, and assemblies to project budget. Informs Project Manager when desired scope/quality is out of alignment with approved budget.
• Fully documents and understands known and foreseeable existing conditions for remodeling and addition projects and accounts for / develops solutions to same in design and construction documents.
• Mastery of computer software required to accomplish project assignments.
• Primary responsibility for construction administration activities, including submittal review, on-site observation, field reports, change order review, payment application review, and owner and contractor communication.
• Edits and creates specifications as required to meet project and budget requirements. Coordinates specifications with code requirements, budget parameters, and selected materials and assemblies.
• May lead or participate in aspects of firm management such as standards development and documentation.
• Some participation in business development activities including project interviews with potential clients, including some scheduled evening and/or weekend times.
• Participation in client meetings and presentations, including some scheduled evening and/or weekend times.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to conduct site visits, which may require walking or standing for extended periods, in varying conditions.
• This position may require occasional lifting of architectural samples and project materials including but not limited to flooring, carpet, stone, or brick samples, roofing samples, drawing rolls.
• Travel may be required for project-related activities.
• Ability to use computers and office equipment.

* This position is in office Monday - Thursday, with the option to work remote on Friday.

Salary: $95,000 - $115,000 a year - Full Time