Position: Project Architect – Public Sector (Full-time)
Location: Williams Architects | Itasca, IL

About the Job:

Williams Architects Aquatics, a nationally recognized architecture and planning firm specializing in community-centered public facilities, is seeking full-time Project Architects with public sector experience to support our growing national practice. These positions are based in our Itasca, IL office with the option to work Fridays remotely. Substantial signing bonuses will be offered to exceptionally qualified candidates meeting the criteria. These positions offer the opportunity for substantial individual contributions to the success of the firm, with the potential for future management positions and equity ownership with demonstrated sustained success.

Core competencies and requirements of this position include the following:

• Able to independently and competently complete all the tasks identified in the NCARB Architectural Experience Program (AXP) Guidelines in all experience areas.
• Fully synthesizes information from past projects and experience and appropriately applies same to current project or task to develop appropriate assemblies, materials, and design approaches.
• Primary responsibility for development of design or construction documents. Works within a team directing activities of junior staff on larger projects and/or independently produces a complete, coordinated, code-compliant set of construction documents for a small- to medium- size project. Performs quality assurance reviews as required.
• Selects and determines materials, assemblies, and systems consistent with design intent, performance requirements, and budget parameters.
• Able to independently develop logical, code-compliant, efficient plan solutions meeting programmatic requirements.
• Regular verbal and written contact with clients and consultants, including preparation of meeting agendas and minutes.
• Performs all consultant coordination activities and directs consultants on project objectives and requirements.
• Understands all applicable and known code and zoning requirements for a project, including basic understanding of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection considerations, and ensures compliance with same in design and construction documents.
• Independently prepares estimates of construction cost with assistance from firm management. Researches and determines appropriate unit prices and quantities for proposed/specified materials.
• Conforms project scope, design, drawings, details, materials, and assemblies to project budget. Informs Project Manager when desired scope/quality is out of alignment with approved budget.
• Fully documents and understands known and foreseeable existing conditions for remodeling and addition projects and accounts for / develops solutions to same in design and construction documents.
• Mastery of computer software required to accomplish project assignments.
• Primary responsibility for construction administration activities, including submittal review, on-site observation, field reports, change order review, payment application review, and owner and contractor communication.
• Edits and creates specifications as required to meet project and budget requirements. Coordinates specifications with code requirements, budget parameters, and selected materials and assemblies.
• May lead or participate in aspects of firm management such as standards development and documentation.
• Some participation in business development activities including project interviews with potential clients, including some scheduled evening and/or weekend times.
• Participation in client meetings and presentations, including some scheduled evening and/or weekend times.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Education and Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture or architectural studies.
• 5-8 years of progressive architectural experience within an architectural firm in all phases of non-residential projects, with at least two years of experience in public sector, public bid projects such as recreation, municipal, library, K-12, or higher education.
• State of Illinois architecture license required (or ability to obtain via reciprocity)
• Proficiency in Revit required. Lumion, Enscape, and/or SketchUp modeling/rendering experience highly desirable.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organization, multi-tasking, and time management skills.
• Experience and interest in business development highly desirable.
• Ability to interact professionally with office leadership and clients.
• Ability to self-manage tasks from start to finish with minimal oversight.

Qualified and interested candidates should submit a resume and work samples illustrating professional experience in both design phase activities and construction document production.

We offer an industry-leading benefit package including competitive compensation, opportunity to work remotely on Fridays, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, fifteen paid vacation days per year, ten paid sick/personal days per year, ten paid holidays per year, and eligibility for the firm’s profit-sharing plan.

We will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization at this time. Williams Architects Aquatics is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Prior to a final offer of employment, the selected candidate will be required to submit to a background screening which may include, but is not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, driving record check, criminal background check, and an investigative consumer report. These screenings will be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

We will not be working with recruiters to fill this position at this time.

Williams Architects Aquatics is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Prior to a final offer of employment, the selected candidate will be required to submit to a background screening which may include, but is not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, driving record check, criminal background check, and an investigative consumer report. These screenings will be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.