Senior Architect

GFT • Chicago, IL

5d • $125,000 - $160,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

GFT is seeking a Senior Architect to join its Chicago team in a hybrid role requiring regular attendance at the Chicago office. The architect will contribute to the creative and technical development of projects across commercial, institutional, federal, transportation, and utility sectors, translating conceptual ideas into cohesive architectural solutions with attention to spatial planning, aesthetics, and functional performance.

The role leads interdisciplinary collaboration and project delivery, oversees deliverables, schedules, and budgets, and manages client engagement. It directs the preparation of architectural documents and technical details; coordinates with clients, consultants, vendors, contractors, and internal teams; and supports material selection, sustainable strategies, code compliance, quality assurance, and construction-phase review. The Senior Architect also presents project materials to stakeholders and regulatory or public bodies, performs site visits and field observations, and mentors peers in design, detailing, project processes, and technical integration.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture or Master of Architecture degree.
• Licensed or registered Architect in the United States.
• High proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit, with experience in design and construction documentation.
• Dynamic, creative, detail-oriented approach with strong design and graphic skills.
• Effective communication 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 work with client goals and organizational standards.
• Manage client engagement through meetings, workshops, and presentations to advance project objectives and strategies.
• Direct preparation of architectural drawings, specifications, and reports for all project phases.
• Coordinate with clients, consultants, vendors, and contractors to resolve challenges and advance project intent.
• Provide guidance on material selection, building systems, and sustainable strategies, 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 efforts to improve clarity, constructability, and building performance.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews to ensure consistency, accuracy, and adherence to best practices.
• Review shop drawings, submittals, and RFIs for alignment with project requirements and intent.
• Perform 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.

Benefits

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including wellness programs, parental leave, pet insurance, medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Access to internal and external training programs and support for participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior