Senior Architect

GFT•Chicago, IL

7d•$125,000 - $160,000•Hybrid

About The Position

GFT is seeking a Senior Architect to join its team in Chicago in a hybrid role that requires regular attendance at the Chicago office. The architect will contribute to design development across a range of project types, including commercial, institutional, federal, transportation, and utility projects. The role combines creative and technical design work, translating concepts into cohesive architectural solutions that support spatial planning, aesthetics, functional performance, and sustainable outcomes. The Senior Architect leads interdisciplinary project collaboration and client engagement, oversees deliverables, schedules, and budgets, and directs architectural documentation across project phases. The role also contributes to material and systems decisions, code compliance, stakeholder approvals, technical detailing, quality assurance, and construction-phase reviews and observations. The architect collaborates with Project Managers and Principals and mentors peers in design, detailing, project processes, and technical integration.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in architecture or a Master of Architecture degree.
Licensed or registered Architect in the United States.
High proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit, including experience in design and construction documentation.
Dynamic, creative, detail-oriented approach with strong design and graphic skills.
Effective communication skills with team members, clients, and regulatory officials.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Suite or Bluebeam Revu.
Proficient knowledge of building materials and building codes or standards, including current International Building Codes, NFPA, ADA, and LEED.
Ability to work effectively in large team environments across multiple projects and independently on smaller assigned tasks.

Nice To Haves

Advanced Revit knowledge and experience serving as a project BIM lead, including model setup, family creation, and team coordination.
Experience developing high-quality architectural details and technical documentation that support design intent, constructability, and building performance.
Familiarity with BIM 360, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Navisworks, or related model coordination platforms.
Experience mentoring staff in Revit workflows, documentation standards, and detailing best practices.

Responsibilities

Lead interdisciplinary collaboration with engineering, construction management, and specialty consultants.
Oversee project deliverables, schedules, and budgets while aligning with client goals and organizational standards.
Manage client engagement through meetings, workshops, and presentations.
Direct preparation of architectural drawings, specifications, and reports for all project phases.
Coordinate with clients, consultants, vendors, and contractors to address challenges and advance project intent.
Provide guidance on material selection, building systems, and sustainable strategies while balancing performance, cost, and constructability.
Review codes and regulatory requirements and integrate them throughout the project lifecycle.
Prepare and present materials for stakeholder, regulatory, and public approval processes.
Lead technical detailing to improve clarity, constructability, and building performance.
Conduct quality assurance reviews for consistency, accuracy, and adherence to best practices.
Review shop drawings, submittals, and RFIs for alignment with project requirements and intent.
Conduct site visits and field observations, and prepare reports tracking construction progress and compliance.
Collaborate with Project Managers and Principals to align project execution with firm-wide goals and client expectations.
Mentor peers in design excellence, detailing, project processes, and technical integration.