Architectural Designer

Job Title: Architect

Job Description

This role focuses on preparing complete, accurate, and code-compliant construction documents for retail, restaurant, and commercial projects. You will work under the direction and supervision of senior team members to deliver technical and creative design solutions that align with client programs and design criteria, primarily within the construction documents (CD) phase. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to a wide range of projects for national brands while developing your expertise within a collaborative Architecture and Engineering team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare complete, accurate, and code-compliant construction documents for small and medium-scope projects of average difficulty.
• Perform architectural assignments under the direction and supervisory approval of others across all assigned projects.
• Provide technical and creative design solutions that align with the client's program intent and design criteria.
• Apply client program requirements and design criteria to existing buildings and structures, particularly within retail, restaurant, and commercial sectors.
• Determine appropriate building components and their design application to meet project objectives and code requirements.
• Maintain project schedules, deadlines, and commitments for assigned projects, ensuring timely delivery of construction documents.
• Notify the supervisor of changes in project scope and advise when a change order proposal may be needed.
• Coordinate work with consultants, contractors, fabricators, specification writers, and regulatory agencies to meet overall project objectives.
• Conduct project due diligence with municipalities to determine local zoning and building code requirements.
• Apply a working knowledge of building codes and ADA requirements to design and documentation.
• Resolve plan review comments from code officials and ensure construction documents reflect required revisions.
• Assist the project liaison in responding to questions from code officials, outside consultants, suppliers, and contractors regarding the construction documents.
• Adhere to CAD standards and follow assigned drafting protocols consistently across all projects.
• Focus on the construction documents (CD) phase by producing detailed, technically sound drawings and documentation using AutoCAD and, where applicable, Revit.
• Support a variety of retail clients by tailoring construction documents and design solutions to brand standards and project-specific requirements.

Essential Skills

• 2-3 years of professional architectural experience; may consider candidates with 1+ year of experience if it is specifically within retail or restaurant market sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to produce complete construction documents in AutoCAD (AutoCAD is required).
• Experience working in the construction documents (CD) phase with strong technical drawing and detailing skills.
• Professional experience in retail, restaurant, and/or commercial projects.
• Working knowledge of building codes and ADA requirements and the ability to apply them to design and documentation.
• Experience preparing construction drawings and documentation that are accurate, coordinated, and code compliant.
• Ability to conduct due diligence with municipalities to understand local zoning and building code requirements.
• Capability to coordinate with consultants, contractors, fabricators, specification writers, and regulatory agencies.
• Strong drafting skills and adherence to CAD standards and established drafting protocols.
• Not open to new graduates; candidates must have prior professional experience.
• Not open to primarily residential experience; background should be in non-residential sectors.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience using Revit is a plus and will be considered an advantage.
• background in architecture, architectural design, or related fields with exposure to construction document production.
• Experience with schematic design and design development in addition to construction documents.
• Familiarity with supporting national retail and restaurant brands and their typical design and documentation requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple small to medium projects simultaneously while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.
• Strong communication skills to assist project liaisons in addressing questions from code officials, consultants, suppliers, and contractors.
• Interest in working within an Architecture and Engineering team that supports clients across multiple markets, including restaurants, grocery, fuel and convenience, retail, and government sectors.

Work Environment

This is an on-site role based at the company's headquarters, working five days per week in an office environment. The position is a temporary assignment with a minimum duration of three months, with a high likelihood of extension due to workload. You will work within an Architecture and Engineering team of roughly 20 individuals, as part of a larger organization of more than 300 employees that provides site development, A&E, program management, and construction services across multiple sites. The team supports a variety of retail clients, including major restaurant, coffee, fuel, grocery, and convenience brands, on projects nationwide. You will primarily use AutoCAD and may also use Revit, working within established CAD standards and drafting protocols. The environment is professional and collaborative, with a focus on delivering high-quality construction documents for retail, restaurant, and commercial projects.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Downers Grove, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $32.00/hr.

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 Downers Grove,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 7, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.