Project Architect

Project Architect

Darien or Chicago, Illinois

Are you looking for an opportunity to do challenging, creative work that makes a real impact? Would you like to be part of a company that respects individual contributions and thrives on collaboration? Do you love to win? Then consider joining Wight & Company. We're a nationally recognized, award-winning architecture, engineering, and construction firm known for a dynamic company culture that fosters innovation and challenges the status quo, and we're looking for a talented professional to join our team.

We seek an experienced and highly skilled licensed project architect with 5-8 years of professional experience to join our team. In this role, you will lead small to mid-sized projects from conception through completion, ensuring that all design, documentation, and delivery are executed to the highest standards. You will collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams, manage client relationships, and mentor junior staff. This position requires a strong professional drive, great passion, and self-direction. Potential candidates should demonstrate a thorough understanding of design and technical aspects of projects, design & analytical problem-solving skills, and a passion for high-quality design and collaborative processes.

Responsibilities:

• Design Conceptualization : Lead the development of innovative design concepts that align with client goals and project requirements, establishing a strong design vision.
• Project Leadership : Lead and develop the production of architectural projects, overseeing all phases from initial design through construction and project closeout.
• Technical Documentation : Plan, develop, and execute the production of comprehensive technical design and construction documents, ensuring accuracy, adherence to building codes, and alignment with project objectives.
• Technical Knowledge : Demonstrate a strong understanding of building materials, systems, specifications, codes, details, and construction techniques to enrich a design through technical strategies and effectively use appropriate tools to design and document at all project phases.
• Interdisciplinary Coordination & Collaboration : Lead in interdisciplinary coordination with engineers, construction, and consulting teams through schematic, design development, and construction document phases to ensure seamless integration of all project components within the integrated design and delivery framework. Collaborate across disciplines and departments to support well-coordinated and designed projects to ensure that design intent and quality standards are maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
• Project Planning & Management : Work closely with the Project Manager and Lead Project Designer to establish and implement detailed work plans to meet project milestones and continually monitor progress, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget, meeting the Owner's project requirements. Leads day-to-day execution of the project and is accountable for document delivery aligned with schedule and budget.
• Sustainability : Incorporate sustainable design principles and practices into projects, promoting environmentally responsible solutions that align with Wight & Company's values.
• Quality Assurance : Conduct detailed reviews of design and construction documents to ensure accuracy, consistency with design vision, and compliance with project goals, applicable codes, and regulatory standards. Identify potential design and construction issues and provide timely solutions to prevent costly errors or rework. Adhere to the Wight Quality Assurance Program.
• Contractual Administration : Exhibit understanding of Owner/Architect agreement, project schedule, and project budget parameters. Exhibit understanding and ability to perform all project-related construction contract administrative responsibilities for an assigned project (with oversight by a Senior Architect or Project Manager).
• Field Observations and Issue Resolution : Conduct regular site visits during construction phases to verify that work aligns with contract documents and to proactively address any quality issues. Collaborate with contractors, consultants, and project stakeholders to resolve discrepancies or concerns.
• Client Management : Partner with the Project Manager and Project Lead Designer to manage client expectations, present design solutions, and address concerns throughout the project lifecycle.
• Mentorship : Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to junior architects and design staff, fostering a culture of collaboration and professional growth.
• Versatility : Adapting to various roles within a project, whether in leadership or support, while consistently performing at a high level. Proactively handles tasks beyond the primary scope and adjusts to changing priorities to ensure project success, team collaboration, and firm excellence.

Qualifications:

• Licensure : Licensed architect with current registration.
• Education : Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture from an accredited program.
• Experience : 5-8 years of professional experience in an architectural firm, with a strong background in project leadership, design development, and technical documentation.
• Software Proficiency : Proficient in design software such as Revit, Enscape, Bluebeam, Procore, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office. Lead coordination of BIM models and ensure alignment with project standards. Resolve coordination conflicts through model-based workflows.
• Skills : Exceptional design capabilities, advanced technical knowledge, strong project management skills, and the ability to lead and motivate teams.
• Knowledge : Extensive understanding of building codes, construction methods, materials, and sustainable design principles.
• Leadership : Proven ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and mentor junior staff.
• Collaboration : Demonstrated experience working in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment, focusing on integrated design and delivery.
• Creativity : Demonstrated ability to generate innovative design solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.

Salary range: $80,000 - $105,000. Individual pay will be based on several factors including experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant.

Wight & Company offers excellent benefits and a wonderful work environment. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, flexible spending, paid holidays, paid time off, and a 401(k). Our flexible work schedule allows for a healthy work-life balance.

Wight & Company is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetics, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Wight & Company values diversity in our workforce. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, and promoting people with disabilities and veterans. If you need an accommodation to assist with completing the electronic application, please call us at View phone number on click.appcast.io and ask to speak with a Human Resources representative.