Position: Senior Architect/Project Manager (2719)

Location: Chicago

Our client is an award-winning architect firm in the Chicago area. They seek a Senior Architect/Project Manager to oversee one or more projects while working under a principal's minimum supervision. The Project Manager will manage an entire project team, including out-of-house consultants, on medium to large-sized projects.

Responsibilities and expectations of the Senior Architect/Project Manager extend beyond project-focused tasks.

You will:

• Organize the work efforts of the project team on a day-to-day basis and function as the primary facilitator of communication with the client and other members of the project team.
• Be integral in the formulation of project design philosophy and adhere strictly to this philosophy in executing the work and assignments to junior staff.
• Recognize each project's qualitative goals and work toward achieving these goals while balancing design, technical, and business objectives.
• Establish detailed work plans to meet project milestones and continually monitor progress. Monitor the time spent by staff at all levels during all project phases and modify the project work plan to conform with the fee, budget, and schedule, or take other action to correct situations where tasks extend beyond the project fee, budget, and schedule.
• Direct and supervise work of junior-level staff in preparation of drawings, studies, models, and other project tasks—mentor and train our junior team constructively and thoughtfully.
• Actively monitor progress, identify resolution issues, develop presentation strategies to the client, inform the Principal in charge and related discipline leader of problems, and recommend a course of action.
• Exhibit a thorough understanding of complex building materials and systems, details, and construction techniques, primary structural and MEPFP systems and their operation, and secondary building systems.
• Exhibit a thorough understanding of zoning, building code, and other regulatory requirements related to the project and check documents for compliance. Conduct conferences with regulatory officials and prepare strategies to address interpretative issues related to building regulations.
• Initiate the development of design solutions and details, check the work of junior team members, and coordinate with others on the project team and with outside project consultants.
• When applicable, prepare initial fee proposals in conjunction with the Managing Principal and adhere to the scope of the established services. A Principal's participation negotiates additional services fees with clients to add project scope and revised responsibilities.
• Exhibit a thorough knowledge of the Owner/Architect agreement, project schedule, and project budget parameters and organize work activities in conformance. Take responsibility for rectifying variances from established project goals. With a Principal's participation, negotiate final Agreements with clients and consultants.
• Manage the financial performance of projects by adequately allocating resources, timely initiation and resolution of critical tasks, and effective decision making.
• Supervise staff during the project's construction phase and attend progress review meetings according to the Owner/Architect agreement. Review all requests for payment and change order proposals and certifies to Owner.
• Participate in strategic discussion with senior management on issues that affect the firm's performance, perception in the marketplace, client satisfaction, and profitability.
• Research and promote opportunities for new or innovative system applications. Actively look for and implement techniques to improve quality of work and efficiency.
• Confer with client representatives and outside consultants throughout the project and effectively communicate decisions and actions to the project team.
• Exhibit a thorough understanding of the office standards and procedures; CAD standards for working drawings and other drawing standards; and checks for conformance by the project team.
• Schedule peer review sessions with the QA team, participate in review sessions and disseminate information to the project team.
• Adhere to the project phase checklist and take the necessary steps to obtain the required information on time.
• Communicate lessons learned on projects with all members of the team.

You have:

• 10+ years of experience on a large scale, multi-disciplined projects
• Licensed Architect
• Familiarity with AutoCAD, Revit drawing programs, and graphic illustration software programs such as 3D Studio Max, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and In-Design preferred. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Project. Proficiency with New Forma preferred
• Working knowledge of AIA standard contracts and customary scope of services and standard of care provided by architectural firms
• Display technical knowledge of building systems, material assemblies, and engineering concepts
• Ability to direct younger staff at all project stages
• Command of business management tools including Microsoft Project, Excel, and Outlook