Project Architect

Project Architect (Senior)

Are you ready to do more than manage projects? Are you a natural leader who thrives on taking ownership, solving problems, and bringing out the best in your team?

Do you enjoy creating structure, driving accountability, and turning ambitious design ideas into successful built environments? Are you looking for an opportunity where your experience, initiative, and leadership can make a meaningful impact?

Dunne Kozlowski is seeking a senior Project Architect to lead one of our architectural teams. We're looking for a highly organized, proactive professional who can confidently manage people and projects, anticipate challenges, and take responsibility for delivering exceptional work.

This is an opportunity for someone who wants to lead, contribute, and help shape the continued growth of a collaborative, multidisciplinary design firm.

Job Description

This is a full-time, hybrid leadership role based in Dunne Kozlowski's Chicago studio.

The Senior Project Architect will lead an architectural team and oversee multiple projects from concept through construction, taking ownership of project execution, team performance, schedules, budgets, and deliverables.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter who brings structure and accountability to their work, makes informed decisions, and proactively addresses challenges. We're looking for someone who doesn't simply identify problems but takes initiative to develop solutions and drive them through completion.

This position requires a balance of people leadership, project management, and hands-on architectural expertise. While leading and directing the team is a primary responsibility, the successful candidate will also be willing and able to contribute directly to project production when needed.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of architectural professionals, establishing clear expectations, responsibilities, and accountability.
• Provide day-to-day direction, guidance, and support to ensure team members have the resources and information needed to succeed.
• Delegate effectively, monitor progress, and ensure assigned responsibilities are carried through to completion.
• Foster a collaborative, proactive environment where team members take ownership of their work and support one another.
• Identify challenges early, remove obstacles, and make decisions that keep the team and its projects moving forward.

Project Management & Execution

• Oversee multiple architectural projects from concept through construction, ensuring successful execution against established schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
• Develop and manage project schedules, milestones, workloads, and resource allocations.
• Anticipate project needs, identify potential roadblocks, and implement solutions before they affect progress.
• Set clear priorities, coordinate team efforts, and hold the team accountable for deadlines and commitments.
• Track project performance against established goals, including resource utilization, schedule adherence, and budget performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve project workflows, team efficiency, and overall project delivery.
• Coordinate effectively with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders to maintain project momentum.

Architectural & Technical Leadership

• Provide architectural and technical oversight throughout all phases of design and construction.
• Review and mark up drawings, coordinate consultants, research applicable codes, and ensure the quality and completeness of project documentation.
• Ensure projects meet applicable building codes, regulations, and established design and quality standards.
• Maintain working proficiency in Revit and other architectural production tools to effectively review work, guide the team, and contribute to production when needed.
• Take a hands-on approach when project demands require additional support, whether through drawing production, technical coordination, documentation, or problem-solving.
• Lead by example, demonstrating a willingness to contribute wherever needed to help the team succeed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture from an accredited university.
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in an architectural firm.
• Demonstrated experience managing both architectural projects and direct reports.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, motivate, and hold project teams accountable.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, competing priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Demonstrated success managing project schedules, budgets, resources, and deliverables.
• Proficiency in Revit and familiarity with AutoCAD and Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows.
• Strong understanding of architectural documentation, consultant coordination, building codes, and construction processes.
• Excellent communication, delegation, and decision-making skills.
• Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.

What Will Make You Successful

Beyond technical experience, we're looking for someone who brings the right mindset and approach to leadership.

• You take ownership. You accept responsibility for outcomes, follow through on commitments, and don't wait for someone else to solve problems.
• You're proactive. You anticipate what's coming, recognize challenges early, and take action to keep projects moving.
• You're highly organized. You bring structure to complex projects, establish clear priorities, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
• You're a natural leader. You set expectations, provide direction, and hold people accountable while helping them succeed.
• You're solutions-oriented. You can navigate uncertainty, make decisions, and move initiatives forward even when the answers aren't immediately clear.
• You're a hands-on team player. You recognize that leadership isn't just delegating work. You're willing and capable of jumping in to help get the job done.
• You're motivated by improvement. You look for opportunities to make teams, processes, and project outcomes better.

Schedule

This full-time, hybrid role is based in Dunne Kozlowski's studio in Humboldt Park, Chicago. Mondays and Fridays are remote, and Tuesdays through Thursdays are in the studio.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, along with the opportunity to work in a creative, energizing, and collaborative environment.

This role offers meaningful leadership responsibility, professional growth, and the opportunity to directly influence project outcomes, team development, and the continued evolution of our firm.

Interested applicants should submit a resume and portfolio illustrating their relevant architectural and project leadership experience.

About Dunne Kozlowski

Dunne Kozlowski is a full-service design firm located in Chicago, IL. Our team of architects, interior designers, procurement specialists, branding experts, and project managers collaborate with clients to create memorable experiences and elevate brands. We specialize in creating unique experiences in hospitality, retail, commercial, residential, health and wellness, and design-build projects.

Dunne Kozlowski is an Equal Opportunity Employer.