Architect

Job Title: Architect Job Description
This architectural role is ideal for a technically strong professional who can independently produce construction documents and, depending on experience level, manage projects from initial concept through construction administration. The position offers the opportunity to work on a diverse mix of commercial and residential projects within a collaborative, family-feel firm that values long-term growth and stability rather than a hire-and-fire culture.
Responsibilities
- Lead architectural design efforts from programming and schematic design through design development, construction documentation, and construction administration for higher-level candidates.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, handling a range of scales and complexities while maintaining schedules and quality standards for higher-level candidates.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, owners, and other stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and strong relationships for higher-level candidates.
- Coordinate with consultants including mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), structural, civil, landscape, and specialty vendors to ensure cohesive and integrated project delivery.
- Develop detailed construction documents and technical specifications that accurately reflect design intent and comply with applicable codes and standards.
- Oversee code analysis, life safety plans, and permitting processes to ensure projects meet regulatory requirements for higher-level candidates.
- Review shop drawings, RFIs, submittals, and change orders, providing timely and accurate responses to support smooth construction progress.
- Conduct site visits and field observations during construction to verify that work aligns with design documents and quality expectations.
- Ensure quality control and adherence to firm standards across all project phases, contributing to consistent and reliable project outcomes.
- Mentor and guide junior architects and designers, providing technical support and professional development for higher-level candidates.
- Participate in project budgeting, scheduling, and staffing discussions, contributing to efficient resource planning for higher-level candidates.
- Support business development efforts, including proposals and client presentations, by contributing design ideas and technical insight for higher-level candidates.
- Assist with client communication, helping to prepare and deliver updates, presentations, and responses to questions for mid-level candidates.
- Assist with construction administration tasks, including documentation, coordination, and follow-up during the build phase for mid-level candidates.
Essential Skills
- 520 years of professional architectural experience, with strong technical capabilities required at all levels and continued hands-on technical involvement for higher-experience candidates.
- Proven ability to independently jump into and produce construction documents without supervision, particularly for mid-level candidates.
- Demonstrated experience supporting projects from concept through construction administration for senior-level candidates.
- Strong proficiency in Revit, with hands-on experience producing construction documents within this platform.
- Solid background in architectural design, design development, and construction drawings for commercial and residential projects.
- Experience with construction administration, including reviewing shop drawings, RFIs, submittals, and change orders.
- Ability to coordinate effectively with MEP, structural, civil, landscape, and specialty consultants.
- Knowledge of building codes, life safety considerations, and permitting processes.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Working knowledge of AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Lumion is a plus and supports broader design and documentation workflows.
- Experience with a variety of project types such as commercial buildings, multi-family housing, single-family homes, veterinary clinics, and car dealerships.
- Interest in growing within the firm and building a long-term career in a stable, collaborative environment.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining attention to detail and quality.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with clients, consultants, and internal team members.
- Willingness to mentor junior staff and contribute to a supportive team culture for higher-level candidates.
Work Environment
The role is based in a full-service architecture and interior design firm that handles a wide variety of project types and sizes, including car dealerships, veterinary clinics, multi-family and single-family residential projects, and commercial work. The team consists of around 20 professionals, with core design teams of 23 supported by a broader group of architects. This is a 100% in-office position, offering close collaboration and easy access to colleagues. The team works in both AutoCAD and Revit, with AutoCAD required for current project workflows and Revit heavily utilized for construction document production. The office provides free parking, a full kitchen, and convenient access to the highway for commuters. The firm fosters a collaborative, family-feel culture, maintains a diverse portfolio that supports stable workload, and looks for candidates who want to grow within the organization. Employees receive paid vacation time and additional paid days off as part of the benefits package.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Orland Park, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $33.65 - $48.08/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 fully onsite position in Orland Park,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 15, 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 [email protected] 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.