Architectural Designer

Job Title: Architectural Designer

Job Description

This role offers the opportunity to work as an Architectural Designer within an integrated design-build firm that specializes in private healthcare practices. You will contribute across the full project lifecycle, from early visioning and conceptual design through detailed architectural documentation and construction support. The position combines hands-on design, technical detailing, and active collaboration with interior design, construction, and project technical teams. You will help shape healthcare environments, gain broad exposure to all project phases, and work closely with leadership in a boutique setting that values ownership, growth, and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Conduct on-site investigations of existing buildings, including reviewing existing systems and elements, and prepare accurate architectural record plans.
• Lead the development of construction documents and detailed project drawings that clearly communicate design intent and technical requirements.
• Mentor and lead project architects and architectural designer team members, providing guidance on both design and technical topics.
• Collaborate across groups, contributing to both technical construction issues and design discussions to ensure cohesive project delivery.
• Attend client meetings, review early space plans, and provide constructive design suggestions and feedback to the design team.
• Review technical construction drawings and coordinate closely with engineering consultants to align architectural and engineering solutions.
• Support Interior Design and Project Technical teams by conducting project code reviews and helping ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
• Create hand sketches and technical details to support discussions with interior design and technical teams and clarify design intent.
• Develop procedures for gathering, coordinating, and synthesizing project requirements from stakeholders to inform design and documentation.
• Research products and building systems that support and enhance the design intent, particularly within healthcare environments.
• Develop plans, elevations, and architectural details that clearly illustrate design concepts and the use of materials.
• Produce construction documents and specifications that ensure alignment with the approved design intent and project requirements.
• During the construction phase, lead document revisions such as addenda, bulletins, and clarification sketches to address field conditions and questions.
• Lead the review of subcontractor submissions to verify compliance with the design intent and project documentation.
• Lead the review of production shop drawings for furniture, millwork, and equipment as needed to ensure consistency with the design.
• Attend job site meetings during construction on an as-needed basis to review construction elements and furnishing placement for compliance with approved documents.
• Participate in punch list processes as needed, helping to identify, document, and follow up on items requiring correction or completion.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or a closely related field.
• 4-7 years of experience working in an architecture firm or related office environment.
• Minimum 2 years of experience on healthcare projects is a strong plus.
• Working knowledge of Autodesk Revit and BIM applications, or a strong desire and aptitude to learn these tools.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Working knowledge of architectural design and construction documentation processes, including plans, elevations, and details.
• Experience preparing and coordinating construction documents and specifications.
• Ability to review and coordinate technical construction drawings with engineering consultants.
• Client-facing experience with the confidence to participate in and contribute to client meetings.
• Ability to influence and persuade stakeholders to achieve desired project outcomes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills applied to design and technical challenges.
• Effective negotiation skills in the context of project coordination and decision-making.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for clear interaction with clients, consultants, and internal teams.
• Strong organizational, planning, and prioritization skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Self-motivated with high energy and a strong drive to excel in a performance-based environment.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment and adapt quickly to change.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator is a plus.
• Experience or interest in healthcare-focused design and construction.
• Experience mentoring or guiding junior architectural staff.
• Ability to develop and refine procedures for gathering and synthesizing project requirements.
• Comfort working directly with leadership and cross-functional teams in a boutique firm environment.
• Strong work ethic with the self-discipline to follow structured processes, including sales or performance-based frameworks.
• Proven success in a performance-based culture where outcomes and results are measured.
• Interest in wearing multiple hats and contributing beyond a narrowly defined role.
• Desire to grow within an integrated design-build practice and gain exposure to all phases of project delivery.

Work Environment

The firm operates as a fully integrated design-build practice where architects, interior designers, project managers, and construction professionals work together under one roof. Team members gain visibility into projects from initial client programming and conceptual design through construction completion, rather than focusing on a single project phase. The team consists of approximately 50 people, fostering a strong, supportive culture that emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, and employee growth. The office is located in Rosemont, IL, and is accessible via the Blue Line; a shuttle service transports employees from the Blue Line station to the office in about 10 minutes. The standard schedule includes four days in the office and one day working from home, with an initial period of five days in the office for training until fully up to speed. The environment is fast-paced yet flexible, allowing for adjustments as life events arise. Employees are encouraged to take ownership of their work, engage directly with leadership, and develop specialized expertise in healthcare design within a boutique, growth-oriented setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rosemont, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $33.65 - $43.26/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 hybrid position in Rosemont,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 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.

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.