Staff Architect

JSM Living; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading development firm in Champaign, Illinois, is seeking an experienced Staff Architect to join their in-person team. This role involves schematic design, construction documentation, and management across diverse projects including commercial and residential. The ideal candidate will have a professional degree in Architecture and 3–5 years of experience. The position offers a competitive salary between $70,000 and $85,000, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and 401(k) matching.

Benefits

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in design, documentation, and project delivery.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to project sites.

Responsibilities

• Develop and present schematic design solutions for new construction and renovation projects.
• Prepare architectural drawings for regulatory approvals, bidding, and construction.
• Conduct periodic site visits to monitor construction progress and compliance.
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Capital Projects and project stakeholders.

Skills

Creativity and technical skills

Project management

AutoCAD proficiency

Familiarity with SketchUp

Familiarity with Adobe Suite

Knowledge of IBC and local Building Safety

Education

Professional degree in Architecture

Licensed Architect in Illinois/Indiana

Tools

AutoCAD

Excel

Job description

We’re seeking an experienced Staff Architect to join our Development Services team. This is an in-person role with a wide-ranging scope that includes schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and construction management. The ideal candidate will bring both creativity and technical skills to support projects across commercial, residential, office, retail, warehouse, and other facility types.

This position reports to the Director, Capital Projects, and will play a key role in helping us meet strategic development goals for a diverse portfolio of work.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and present schematic design solutions for new construction and renovation projects
• Create electronic and manual graphics to communicate and explore design options
• Integrate zoning, code, structural, MEP, and constructability constraints into design development
• Prepare architectural drawings for regulatory approvals, bidding, and construction
• Organize documentation to clearly communicate design intent and project scope
• Select and recommend materials and systems to meet project goals
• Conduct periodic site visits to monitor construction progress and compliance
• Respond promptly to questions and issues during construction
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Capital Projects and project stakeholders
• Support site acquisition with predesign services
• Coordinate LEED design requirements when applicable
• Stay current with architectural standards and emerging practices

Experience and Qualifications

• Professional degree in Architecture and 3–5 years of experience in design, documentation, and project delivery
• Licensed Architect in Illinois and/or Indiana (required)
• Proficient in AutoCAD; familiarity with SketchUp, Adobe Suite, Excel, and LEED is a plus
• Knowledge of IBC and local Building Safety requirements
• Experience with a variety of project types (office, retail, residential, warehouse) and phases (new construction, renovation, master planning)
• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to project sites

Work Environment

This is a full-time, in-person position based in our office. Occasional travel and project site visits are required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting salary - $70,000-$85,000 annually**
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Paid day off for your birthday
• 401(k) with company match

**The salary range listed for this position represents the range of compensation we reasonably expect to offer for this role. Final compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to a candidate’s relevant experience, skills, education, and internal equity.

All hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or transfer visas for this position.