Architecture - Project Leader

Greenberg Farrow • Chicago, IL

4d • $80,000 - $110,000

About The Position

The Project Leader reports to a Project Manager or Senior Project Manager and is responsible for everyday project activities, quality control, and project delivery. The Project Leader will oversee all project phases from design to contract document and specification production, shop drawing checks, site visitation, and project closeout. This position is ideal for an experienced architectural designer ready to take on greater team leader tasks, coordination, and client-facing responsibilities, while working under the guidance of a licensed Project Architect, Project Manager or Studio Director. The Project Leader ensures design intent is successfully translated into coordinated, buildable documents and helps manage the day-to-day progress of the project team through all phases of design and documentation.

Requirements

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of project development process, including construction, retail design, site planning, structural, and MEP criteria.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to meet deadlines and provide high-quality service to clients.
• Excellent written and verbal skills.
• Thorough understanding and knowledge of building codes, zoning regulations, and approval processes.
• Thorough understanding of building systems and site requirements.
• Highly organized, detail-driven, and conscientious.
• Able to work well with minimal direction and supervision.
• Demonstrated leadership experience.
• Proficient in current versions of Revit, AutoCAD, MS Word, and MS Excel.
• Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture.
• 6-10 years of experience, with 3 years working in commercial retail/mixed-use or multi-family housing projects.

Nice To Haves

• Licensure in architecture is preferred, or is working towards licensure.

Responsibilities

• Direct the hands-on drawing production efforts of the project team across all project phases.
• Lead the coordination, production, and quality control of design and construction documents, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with design intent.
• Review architectural documents for coordination with all disciplines, including structural, MEP, civil, and interiors, to ensure consistency and integration.
• Coordinate, write, and/or edit architectural specifications to align with design documents and performance requirements.
• Research and apply building codes, materials, systems, and sustainable design strategies.
• Maintain design integrity and technical excellence throughout the project life cycle.
• Direct and coordinate the workload of the project team and consultants to meet project schedules, milestones, and deliverable deadlines.
• Support the project management team in defining project scope, schedule, staffing, and task assignments.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential issues, and proactively implement corrective actions.
• Lead coordination meetings with internal teams and consultants to resolve design and technical issues.
• Support the management of project budgets and hours to maintain efficiency and profitability.
• Participate in client meetings, presentations, and design reviews; clearly communicate design concepts and project updates.
• Coordinate with external consultants to ensure cohesive design and technical integration across all disciplines.
• Support the project management team in maintaining client relationships and delivering responsive, high-quality service.
• Oversee the preparation of construction documents, ensuring consistency and technical accuracy.
• Participate in site visits and field observations to verify that construction aligns with design intent.
• Assist in project closeout documentation and post-occupancy evaluations.
• Provide day-to-day guidance, mentorship, and feedback to Designers I–III and technical staff, under the direction of the Project Manager.
• Encourage a collaborative and high-performance team culture focused on quality and accountability.
• Contribute to the professional development of junior staff through knowledge sharing and on-the-job training.

Benefits

• We offer a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; life and AD&D insurance; short-term and long-term disability; accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness plans; an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); 401(k)/ESOP; paid holidays; 160 hours of PTO annually; half-day Fridays; and the option to work remotely one (1) day per week.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees