Senior Project Architect

Williams Architects is seeking a skilled and motivated Senior Project Architect to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will work closely with clients, consultants, and project teams to deliver high-quality, innovative designs while ensuring adherence to project schedules, budgets, and codes. Strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and experience in project management are essential for this role. Professional licensure within the State of Illinois is required.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture or related field.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in non-residential architecture, including at least 5 years as a Project Architect independently creating or supervising creation of complete sets of drawings and specifications. Public sector experience highly preferred; substantial signing bonuses may be offered to candidates working in similar project typologies.
• Professional licensure as an Architect in Illinois, or ability to obtain via reciprocity within 6 months of hire.
• Able to independently and competently complete all the tasks identified in the NCARB Architectural Experience Program (AXP) Guidelines in all experience areas.
• Strong understanding of ADA compliance, local building codes, and accessibility regulations.
• Ability to produce accurate and detailed architectural drawings and specifications.
• Experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and leading projects from inception to completion.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Problem-solving ability and attention to detail.

• 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…