Architect / Project Manager

Job Description Job Description Job Description Project Manager - Architecture Aurora, Illinois Full-Time $110,000 - $125,000 About the Opportunity We are an award-winning, full-service architecture, engineering, interior design, and construction firm with a 125-year legacy of designing and building innovative, functional spaces. With 150 professionals across multiple offices, we are committed to an environment of cooperation, innovation, diversity, and inclusion. We are seeking a Project Manager to join our Aurora, Illinois team. This is a hands-on, full-lifecycle role - you will be involved from the earliest planning conversations through construction closeout. We are looking for someone who brings both technical depth and a natural ability to lead, communicate, and mentor. The Role The ideal candidate is a degreed architect (licensed or pursuing licensure) with 5-10+ years of experience managing architectural projects. You will work collaboratively across disciplines - coordinating with engineers, contractors, interior designers, and clients - and will serve as a key point of contact and advocate for the client's vision throughout every phase of a project. Our Aurora office works across a diverse and growing project portfolio, including:

• K-12 educational facilities (preferred focus area)
• Commercial and mixed-use developments
• Multi-family and luxury residential
• Municipal and institutional projects The office culture is collaborative and evolving - leadership has made intentional investments in building a supportive, energetic environment, and we want this person to contribute to and strengthen that culture. Responsibilities Project Leadership
• Lead projects from master planning and space programming through construction administration and closeout.
• Develop design concepts and shepherd them through schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding, and construction phases.
• Provide quality control and assurance across all project phases.
• Coordinate the work of engineers, specialty consultants, interior designers, and contractors.
• Interpret and clarify design intent throughout bidding and construction.
• Conduct on-site construction administration visits to assess quality and resolve conflicts. Client & Stakeholder Management
• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, championing their vision at every phase.
• Facilitate client meetings, including evening and occasional weekend availability as needed.
• Lead level-setting conversations with clients; communicate clearly about scope, budget, and expectations.
• Manage relationships with contractors, utility companies, and authorities having jurisdiction.
• Coordinate across internal teams (architecture, engineering, interior design, construction) to keep all stakeholders aligned. Mentorship & Team Development
• Actively mentor junior staff and interns, including our preceptorship participant.
• Delegate tasks thoughtfully - lead team members to answers rather than simply correcting them.
• Identify strengths and growth areas in junior professionals and provide meaningful, constructive feedback.
• Contribute positively to the office culture and support ongoing efforts to build an engaged, collaborative team. Required Qualifications
• Accredited degree in Architecture; licensed architect preferred, strong candidates pursuing licensure encouraged to apply.
• 5-10+ years of architectural experience with demonstrated project management responsibility across the full design and construction lifecycle (SD through CA).
• Experience with K-12 educational projects strongly preferred; commercial, mixed-use, or residential experience also valued.
• Strong knowledge of building codes, ADA requirements, and educational planning standards.
• Proven ability to manage client relationships and lead client-facing conversations with confidence.
• Experience mentoring or leading less-experienced staff; ability to delegate, coach, and develop others.
• Proficiency in Revit / BIM 360.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft 365, Adobe suite, Bluebeam; familiarity with SketchUp, Lumion, or Enscape a plus.
• Strong communicator - written, verbal, and visual - across diverse audiences.
• Ability to present project work clearly, including design rationale, decision-making process, and technical coordination.

Growth Path This role offers a clear trajectory for the right candidate: Project Manager Senior Project Manager Associate Associate VP and beyond. We invest in our people and promote from within for those who demonstrate leadership, client ownership, and technical excellence. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary Not Specified Location Aurora Illinois United States Job Overview Job Posted:

4 days ago

Job Expires:

4w 2d Job Type Full Time Education Any Experience N/A Vacancies 1 Copy Link