Project Architect @ Actalent

Job Title: Project ArchitectThe Project Architect develops thoughtful interior and architectural design solutions that align with client goals while leading projects across all phases from schematic design through construction administration. This role coordinates closely with consultants and internal teams, manages multiple projects and team members, and ensures high-quality construction documentation and delivery. The Project Architect also plays a key role in client engagement, mentoring junior staff, and contributing to a collaborative, community-focused design practice.Responsibilities

• Develop interior and architectural design solutions that meet client goals and project requirements. • Lead and coordinate all phases of projects, including schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding and permitting, and construction administration. • Participate in and lead coordination efforts with consultants, including MEP and other disciplines, to ensure integrated and efficient project delivery. • Coordinate and oversee the work of interior design and architectural project team members, providing direction and ensuring alignment with project objectives. • Provide mentorship, guidance, and feedback to junior team members to support their professional growth and development. • Participate actively in client meetings, present design concepts, and communicate project progress and decisions clearly and professionally. • Create detailed plans, 3D renderings, presentation drawings, and finish boards to support design communication and client presentations. • Take responsibility for the production of construction documentation, including quality checking your own work and the work of team members for accuracy and completeness. • Participate in the submittal process, including preparing addenda sketches and drawing revisions as needed during the course of the project. • Assist with the permitting process, including coordination with local jurisdictions and preparation of required documentation. • Participate in punch-list walk-throughs and support the closeout of projects to ensure design intent and quality standards are met. • Function as Project Manager when needed, including planning and managing schedules, hours, workload, deadlines, budgeting, and QA/QC for multiple projects. • Apply knowledge of building codes and standard construction methods to ensure compliant, constructible, and efficient design solutions. • Travel locally approximately twice per month to project sites and client meetings as needed. • Document and communicate weekly in-office days on the team board in alignment with the hybrid work expectations. Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture or Interior Design from an accredited university. • Approximately 8+ years of relevant professional experience (flexible). • Proficiency in Revit and Enscape, with the ability to use these tools to develop plans, models, and visualizations. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook. • Demonstrated experience working independently across all project phases, including schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding and permitting, and construction administration. • Experience leading and managing a team and multiple projects, including scheduling, hours, workload, deadlines, budgeting, and QA/QC. • Relevant project experience in K-12 education, workplace, municipal, or library projects. • Experience with both ground-up and renovation projects. • Ability to own and operate independently across all project phases while coordinating with internal and external stakeholders. • Experience functioning as a Project Manager, overseeing project delivery and team performance. • Strong knowledge of building codes and standard construction methods. • Ability and willingness to travel locally approximately two times per month. • Collaborative, outgoing, and strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with clients, consultants, and internal teams. • Ability to fit and contribute positively to a family-oriented, collaborative, and community-focused studio culture. Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Professional licensure is preferred. • Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. • Experience using Deltek for project management and project tracking. • Prior experience with renovation-focused projects in sectors such as K-12 education, libraries, municipal facilities (fire stations, police stations, town halls), recreation (park district amenities), and workplace environments. • Interest in mentoring junior team members and contributing to a low-turnover, long-term growth environment. • Motivation to pursue licensure or additional certifications, supported by paid time off for exams, access to study materials, and reimbursement for licensure and certification costs upon completion. Work EnvironmentThis role is based in a well-established architecture and interior design firm located in the heart of downtown Chicago, near a major landmark in the central business district. The practice focuses on design for communities, with primary market sectors including K-12 education, libraries, municipal facilities such as fire and police stations and town halls, recreation and park district amenities, and workplace environments. The majority of projects are renovation-focused, with project sites primarily located in the Chicago suburbs, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana. The studio operates as a hands-on, client-focused environment, partnering closely with customers to design spaces that achieve their goals while building long-standing relationships. The team size is approximately 46 people, with an interiors team of about 10, fostering a close-knit, collaborative atmosphere. Office hours are generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a one-hour lunch break, and there is flexibility around start and end times to accommodate appointments and personal needs; most employees arrive between 8:00–9:00 a.m. and leave between 4:30–5:30 p.m., depending on their start time. Overtime is limited where possible, but some additional hours are expected during peak periods and project deadlines. The firm supports a hybrid schedule with 2–3 days in the office each week; Mondays are a mandatory in-office day for office meetings, and employees are encouraged to come into the office 1–2 additional days, documenting their planned in-office days on a team board. New employees spend approximately their first two months in the office five days per week to support onboarding and integration. The culture is family-oriented and highly collaborative, with a strong focus on improving the communities served. Employees work directly with senior leaders on-site and benefit from weekly lunch-and-learn sessions for continuing education, bonus and profit-sharing opportunities, mileage reimbursement for client-related travel, paid time off for licensing exams, access to study materials, and reimbursement for licensure and certification costs upon completion. Benefits are available upon request. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $36.05 - $43.27/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 TypeThis is a hybrid position in Chicago,IL. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 10, 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.

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