Project Designer – Permanent Full-Time

DLA Architects is looking for a passionate Project Designer with 5-10 years project experience in educational, commercial and/or park district architecture. The ideal candidate would be an energetic leader with the ability to interact and engage with clients and team members. Knowledge of 21st Century educational design principles a plus.

DLA is nationally ranked for educational architecture and one of the Midwest’s top overall architecture design firms.

We have a great company culture. We work hard, and we have a lot of fun. Our kitchen is stocked with healthy snacks and caffeinated beverages. Almost every week we host a luncheon with a continuing education program and once a month we provide a full, catered breakfast. Our conveniently located office building has an on-site deli, ATM, convenience store, and complimentary fitness center, along with miles of walking paths in a park-like setting. Once a quarter, we get together for a social outing with activities ranging from our annual summer picnic to Top Golf to go-kart races or laser tag. To top that off, we finish the work week with a happy hour.

We offer:

• 401k 3% Match
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Flex Schedule
• Competitive pay
• Dental and Disability Insurance available
• BCBS Health
• Partial reimbursement for membership in professional organizations, such as AIA

Responsibilities:

• Engage clients and lead project teams.
• Adapt and modify design features and operational methods under Director of Design and Project Manager to meet project specifications.
• Prepare designs, sketches, diagrams, schematic drawings and working drawings.
• Ability to work independently and under general direction.
• Able to undertake complex technical and design issues and develop solutions
• Independently determine and develop approach to solutions.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Architectural license a plus
• Ability to understand how buildings are constructed and to create technical documents that succinctly describe the work to be done
• Master’s degree in Architecture
• Must have intermediate design and construction document production, standard construction techniques and principles.
• Educational project experience is preferred.
• Accreditations such as LEED AP and/or WELL AP a plus or a willingness to achieve within months of hire.
• Working knowledge of design production techniques such as Adobe Graphics Suite (Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator) with Portfolio showing 3D visualization skills.
• Must possess 5+ years of relevant experience as a project designer.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication and relationship management skills.
• Ability to work well in team situations.
• Computer skills required: Proficient in AutoCAD, Revit, Microsoft Office, 3-D programs (Enscape and Lumion), SketchUp and other modeling software programs.

Submission guidelines:

In order to be considered for this position, you must provide work samples or your portfolio with your resume. US experience (Illinois preferred) outlined above required.