Real Estate Architect

Job Description

Hybrid (3 days a week) on-site in Northbrook, IL, Chicago, IL, or Raleigh, NC.

The Real Estate Architect will assist the Real Estate Architect Manager on projects and work with a team that includes a Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, and CAD planners to develop conceptual designs for complex laboratory builds. The role serves as a liaison between customer operating units, external Architects and Engineers, and the Construction Team to manage, evaluate, and consult on the assessment, programming, design, and delivery aspects of the building and equipment design process.

Planning responsibilities include workspace planning, testing equipment placement with optimal flow, space considerations, coordination for MEPs to support facility and testing requirements, applicable codes, physical security, AV, IT, and EHS requirements, while ensuring consistency across UL’s portfolio.

• Assist and be responsible for the entire architectural process, from conceptualization to completion, for multiple projects simultaneously as assigned.
• Assist and be responsible for the coordination of MEPs for laboratories, ensuring capabilities are built to support testing requirements and equipment requirements.
• Partner closely with the construction team and Facility Planning Engineering Associates to translate business requirements into space plans and develop the designs to estimate costs and timelines.
• Assist in developing capabilities to create conceptual designs for cost estimation for new builds, requiring in‑depth understanding of and coordination with process systems required for testing.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to develop and maintain standard guidelines for testing laboratories and offices, and review building plans of the existing footprint.
• Create and/or review detailed and accurate blueprints of the highest quality of design for each location, including detailed review comments.
• Assist in developing and maintaining project specifications, developing standards for buildings and laboratories.
• Demonstrate excellent organizational and coordination skills to effectively assist the CAD and Engineering teams, including updates to the global portfolio.
• Engage in transparent and efficient communication with stakeholders—including clients, contractors, and internal teams—to ensure smooth project coordination.
• Take a proactive approach to identify potential challenges and provide creative solutions to overcome them, leveraging analytical and problem‑solving skills.

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of related experience.
• Active architectural licensure is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in using architectural design software and tools;
  Revit, Sketch Up & Enscape are required.
• Strong understanding of sustainability principles and their application in architectural design, particularly for mechanical and electrical systems.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey complex concepts to various stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
• Strong leadership skills to inspire and guide cross‑functional teams toward project success.
• Experience in delivering alternative workplace solutions, remote management, virtual and distributed workforce and facilities operations is an advantage.
• Oversight of project management processes, partnering with external and internal partners and providers (e.g., architects, engineers, IT, HR, Security, FM).

Estimated salary range: $80,000 to $105,000, based on job‑related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location.

Eligible for an annual bonus with a target payout of 10% of the base salary.

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; wellness benefits such as mental and financial health support; and a 401(k) retirement savings plan commensurate with standard rewards at each location.

Paid time off: 15 vacation days, 12 floating holidays, and 72 hours of sick time.

A global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS) transforms safety, security and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 110 countries. UL Solutions delivers testing, inspection and certification services, together with software products and advisory offerings, that support customers’ product innovation and business growth. The UL Mark serves as a recognized symbol of trust in customers’ products and reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing our safety mission.