Architecture Discipline Lead

AECOM•Chicago, IL

1d•$150,000 - $175,000•Hybrid

About The Position

AECOM’s Great Lakes Buildings + Places team is seeking an experienced and visionary Architecture Team Lead to oversee and guide the Great Lakes architectural team in delivering innovative, high-quality, client-focused design solutions. This role requires a dynamic leader who combines design excellence, technical expertise, and strong project management skills to ensure the successful execution of architectural projects across a variety of market sectors. The Architecture Team Lead will play a critical role in managing multidisciplinary projects, providing technical leadership, mentoring team members, and fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams to achieve project excellence. This role is a hybrid position located in Chicago, IL. AECOM is a globally recognized architecture and engineering design firm whose diverse, creative teams deliver positive impact to millions of people worldwide. We operate collaboratively across business lines and regions, trusted to deliver some of the most complex projects on the planet. Our Client Promise - excellence, innovation, measurable value - reflects our dedication to understanding needs, exceeding expectations, and achieving shared goals, grounded in integrity, collaboration, and innovation. About the Great Lakes Buildings + Places Team With offices in Chicago, Indianapolis, Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Minneapolis, the Great Lakes practice is one of the fastest growing and highest-performing B+P practices in AECOM’s West Region. We offer a full suite of services: architecture, interiors, building systems and structural engineering, urbanism and planning (including landscape), workplace transformation, advisory services, technology solutions, and digital delivery - and serve as a Center of Excellence for many of these disciplines. We work in a collaborative model across the West Region with other B+P practices, as well as with AECOM’s Transportation, Water, Environment and Advisory business lines to support vertical infrastructure and comprehensive solutions. Our practice supports a diverse portfolio of local, national, and global clients across the private, public, and federal sectors, delivering impactful projects in the Public (Non-Federal), Cultural and Civic, Commercial, Healthcare, Science and Technology, Transit, Aviation, and Federal markets. Most clients are repeat partners, recognizing our service model and outcomes as excellent. Recognized by over 45 design awards in the past five years, we aim to be the design firm of choice for clients and the employer of choice for diverse, best-in-class talent - doing the work that matters. Recent/ongoing projects include: Corporate Headquarters Interior Fit-Out, Milwaukee County Courthouse; Interior Fit-Outs for National Financial Client; City of Chicago Joint Police and Training Center Emergency Medical Services Addition; Lake County Convention Center.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in architecture or related field + 8 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of education/experience.
Professional licensure in field of study.
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

15+ years of experience at a large architectural firm, including 5+ years in project management and leadership.
Master’s degree in Architecture or Business.
Core & Shell Project management experience.
Experience in one or more specialized markets (workplace, justice, federal, transit, aviation, healthcare).
Experience with multiple delivery methods: CM/GC, DB, DBROM, PPP, EPC/EPCM
Familiarity with risk management, contract negotiations, and dispute resolution.
Detail-oriented, thorough, well-organized; excellent time management.
Experience supporting proposals, pursuits, and client interviews
Proven ability to lead teams and deliver projects in a fast-paced environment.
Strong client management skills with a demonstrated ability to grow existing and new client relationships.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
Experience contributing to thought leadership through panels, presentations, or publications.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of architects, fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, accountability, and professional growth.
Manage staffing, workloads, and resource allocation to ensure efficient project delivery.
Conduct performance reviews, provide coaching and feedback, and support career development.
Contribute to practice growth through team development, client engagement, and market presence.
Serve as the primary client contact and trusted advisor.
Facilitate effective communication with owners, consultants, contractors, and authorities having jurisdiction.
Lead client meetings, design reviews, and progress updates.
Participate in business development, proposal preparation, and client engagement activities to support practice growth.
Build and maintain strong client relationships that drive repeat work and referrals.
Strengthen AECOM’s presence in the design community through relationships with clients, consultants, and industry partners.
Lead architecture and engineering projects from proposal award through completion
Develop and manage project execution plans, schedules, staffing plans, and budgets
Ensure adherence to contract requirements, scope, and fee structure
Monitor project performance, proactively addressing risks and challenges to maintain efficiency and client satisfaction.
Oversee quality management processes and ensure technical excellence
Manage project financial performance, including: Budget tracking and forecasting, Change management and amendments, Monthly invoicing and revenue recognition
Review and negotiate contracts, scopes of services, and project deliverables
Ensure compliance with company financial and risk management policies
Represent AECOM at industry events, conferences, and exhibitions.
Stay current on design trends, innovations, and best practices, sharing insights with teams and clients.