Project Architect

Nexwave

Role : Project Architect

Location: Des Plaines, Illinois (Only Locals/Onsite)

Exp Req : 12+ Yrs Max

Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site

Salary : $130K/Annum

We are seeking an experienced Project Architect with a strong background in retail architecture and project management to lead projects from concept through construction. The ideal candidate will have experience managing retail development Projects, coordinating with clients, consultants, and contractors, and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Key Requirements

12+ years of architectural experience with a focus on retail projects.
Proven experience as a Project Architect or Architectural Project Manager.
Strong expertise in project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and team leadership.
Hands-on experience with Revit, AutoCAD, BIM workflows, and construction documentation.
Solid knowledge of IBC, ADA, zoning regulations, and building codes.
Excellent client-facing, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Licensed Architect (RA) and NCARB certification are preferred (Not Mandate)

What the client is really looking for

1. Architectural Project Leadership

They need someone who can take ownership of a project from initial design through construction completion.

Key terms:

Concept Design
Design Development
Construction Documents
Construction Administration

2. Retail Architecture Experience (Very Important)

The firm specializes in retail architecture, so experience with:

Retail stores
Shopping centers
Mixed-use retail developments
Franchise rollouts
National retail brands

3. Project Management Skills

The candidate should be capable of:

Managing project schedules
Tracking budgets
Coordinating multiple stakeholders
Handling project deliverables
Ensuring projects are completed on time

4. Client-Facing Responsibilities

They want someone comfortable interacting with:

Clients
Consultants
Contractors
Engineering teams

Strong communication and presentation skills are important.

5. Building Code & Regulatory Knowledge

The candidate should have experience with:

Building permits
Zoning requirements
ADA compliance
IBC (International Building Code)
Local municipal regulations

6. Team Leadership / Mentoring

The person will likely supervise:

Junior Architects
Architectural Designers
Drafting teams

So prior experience leading teams is valuable.

7. Technical Software Skills

They mention "industry-standard architectural software," which typically means:

Autodesk Revit (most important)
AutoCAD
SketchUp
Bluebeam
Adobe Creative Suite
BIM workflows

Ideal Candidate Profile

Must Have

10–15+ years in Architecture
Project Architect or Project Manager experience
Retail project experience
Client-facing experience
Revit proficiency
Construction document experience
Building code knowledge

Nice to Have

Licensed Architect (RA)
NCARB certification
Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously

Thanks & Regards,

Stephen

Lead Talent Acquisition Specialist

Email : ***email_hidden***