Project Architect

Job Title: Project ArchitectJob Description

The Project Architect develops, evaluates, and presents design and technical options for a wide range of stakeholders, while leading Revit-based documentation and coordination throughout all project phases. This role focuses on delivering innovative, efficient, and resilient projects that align with client goals, ensuring technical excellence, strong BIM standards, and effective collaboration across internal teams, consultants, and agency partners.

Responsibilities

• Develop, evaluate, and present design and technical options for principals, teammates, consultants, clients, and agency stakeholders.

• Lead or support Revit-based documentation, including construction documents, technical detailing, and interdisciplinary model coordination.

• Coordinate with consultants and project teams to ensure alignment on design intent, technical solutions, and project deliverables.

• Create innovative, efficient, and resilient design solutions that align with client goals and project constraints.

• Participate in and represent the firm in owner and client meetings, clearly communicating design concepts, progress, and technical issues.

• Apply knowledge of state and local building codes, local zoning regulations, and referenced standards to ensure code-compliant designs.

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff, typically guiding 1–2 team members and supporting their professional development.

• Implement the firm’s BIM vision and standards to maintain consistency, quality, and efficiency across project processes and deliverables.

• Develop and manage project-specific BIM Execution Plans (BEPs), ensuring alignment with client requirements and firm standards.

• Manage Revit models and Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) setup, overseeing drawing outputs across all project phases.

• Lead and participate in BIM coordination meetings with clients, consultants, and project teams to align expectations, deliverables, and timelines.

• Collaborate with global Design & Technology leadership to align digital strategies, standards, and protocols across projects.

• Oversee plugin deployment, software updates, printing, and publishing of drawing sets to support smooth project delivery.

• Lead projects from Schematic Design (SD) through Construction Documentation (CD) and Bidding, ensuring quality and completeness of documentation.

• Independently produce complete, coordinated construction document sets with a strong focus on QA/QC.

• Engage in construction administration activities, supporting RFIs, submittals, and field-related coordination as needed.

• Guide project teams of approximately 4–5 people, working closely with an assigned principal to deliver successful outcomes.

• Collaborate effectively in a hybrid work setting while maintaining strong communication and coordination with team members.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture.

• 8–10 years of post-graduate professional experience in architecture.

• Multifamily residential and/or senior living project experience.

• Strong ground-up project experience from concept through completion.

• Proficiency in Revit, with the ability to lead Revit-based documentation and model coordination.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite for project communication and documentation.

• Ability to independently produce complete construction documents.

• Experience leading project phases and teams from Schematic Design to Construction Documentation and Bidding.

• Strong understanding of construction documents and QA/QC processes, including hands-on involvement in production.

• Experience guiding junior staff (1–2 people) and providing clear technical direction.

• Ability to operate independently while remaining highly collaborative within a team environment.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Knowledge of state and local building codes, local zoning regulations, and referenced standards.

• Experience with multifamily and/or senior living projects, including ground-up construction.

• Capability to participate in and represent the firm in owner and client meetings.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• BIM responsibilities and knowledge, including experience with BIM Execution Plans and coordination workflows.

• Construction administration experience, including RFIs, submittals, and field coordination.

• Professional licensure in architecture and/or other relevant certifications.

• Experience with Enscape for design visualization.

• Experience with Newforma and Procore, with training available for these platforms.

• Wood frame construction experience.

• Familiarity with Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) for model and document management.

• Interest in sustainability and innovative design approaches.

• Comfort working across diverse project types and market sectors.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.

Work Environment

The role is based in a downtown Chicago office located in The Loop, within a studio of approximately 40 people, with about 75% focused on architecture and 25% on interiors. Project teams typically consist of 4–5 people, with a principal assigned to each project to provide leadership and oversight. The work model is hybrid, with four days in the office and one day working from home, with flexibility to choose the remote day. Typical hours are approximately 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with flexibility to accommodate individual and project needs. The environment emphasizes an inclusive and collaborative culture, with a strong focus on sustainability, innovative design, and interdisciplinary teamwork. Team members have access to a Design Technology group, digital tools, and resources that support advanced BIM and visualization workflows. The office offers exposure to diverse project types and market sectors, with opportunities for professional development, licensure support, and career advancement. The location provides convenient access to public transportation and supports a professional studio setting that encourages knowledge sharing, lunch-and-learn sessions, and team-building activities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $43.27 - $50.48/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Chicago,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 8, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.