Senior Project Architect

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is seeking a talented and highly motivated Senior Project Architect for our Chicago , IL office. The Senior Project Architect will work with project teams to help guide and manage projects in all phases of design. Active engagement and support of our collaborative and iterative design process is essential, along with the desire to seek innovative design solutions while providing unique perspectives on the built environment.

The successful candidate will be proactive with strong verbal, organizational and technical skills to effectively manage and mentor architectural design teams as well as engineering design professionals while interfacing with clients.

This is an opportunity to apply your talents to some of the world's most challenging, interesting, and meaningful projects in an environment committed to excellence in innovation, technical quality and client service.

The Senior Project Architect will manage projects from conceptual design phase through completion of construction. In this role, the Project Architect leads teams of architects, designers and engineers while meeting with clients to develop and execute mid- to large-scale projects according to schedule and budgets. This position balances active architectural duties with a leadership role in both managing and technical design of building plans while overseeing project teams during the project lifecycle.

US West Buildings + Places as a vast market spread and geography, providing opportunities across a wide range of project typologies, including Science & Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Commercial, Aerospace, Higher Education, Industrial and Process, Transportation, Aviation, Sports and Federal market sectors across the western United States and beyond. As a dynamic team of Architects, Planners, and Engineers. We strive to incorporate beauty, sustainability, resiliency, equity, and innovation in our projects.

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Responsible for providing architectural guidance, calculations, analysis, studies and recommendations for a specialized segment of the Architectural Discipline within the schedules and budget of an assigned project.
• May manage various size groups of architects, designers and/or specialists.
• May work on modest size projects and/or assist Project Architectural or Engineering Managers with higher grades.
• Provide architectural leadership on complex projects.
• Lead the development of contract documents through all phases of design (SD, DD, CD, CA)
• Prepare architectural plans, elevations, sections, details, and specifications.
• Coordinate and lead quality control reviews of contract documents prior to issuance to client.
• Coordinate internal AECOM and external A/E disciplines for successful outcomes during construction.
• Coordinate and attend design reviews with clients, project managers, and municipal agencies.
• Validate design decisions based on cost analysis with an understanding of logistics and procurement efficiencies.
• Evaluate contractor’s progress during construction and provide recommendations
• Stay current with new design software developments (i.e., BIM, Revit, ACC, AI, Bluebeam, etc.)
• Apply creative design thinking to client’s business problems to help maximize value of AECOM’s service to the client.
• Responsible for providing architectural guidance, calculations, analysis, studies and recommendations for a specialized segment of the Architectural Discipline within the schedules and budget of an assigned project

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor in Architecture for a NAAB accredited professional program.
• 6+ years of professional experience in architectural design and project delivery or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
• Licensed Architect in the state of practice.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Architecture
• 8+ years of professional experience in architectural design and project delivery or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
• Proficiency in design software such as Revit, AutoCAD, and SketchUp, as well as visualization tools like Enscape or Lumion.
• Strong understanding of building codes, construction methods, and sustainability practices.
• Experience in federal projects, with a proven ability to deliver high-quality designs.
• Strong portfolio showcasing impactful architectural designs across relevant sectors.
• LEED Accreditation or equivalent sustainability certification is a plus.

Additional Information

• This position will not offer sponsorship now or in the future

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options , well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

State/Province: IllinoisBusiness Group: DCSLegal Entity: AECOM Technical Services IncBusiness Line: B&P - Buildings & PlacesWork Location Model: HybridOperating Group: AmericasPrimary Location: US - Chicago, IL - 130 East Randolph Compensation: USD 120000 - USD 150000 - yearly