Architectural Designer

Title: Architectural DesignerJob Description

Location: Chicago United States

Job Description:

Job Title: Architectural DesignerJob Description

This Architectural Designer role focuses on producing high-quality renderings and 3D models in Rhino for international, large-scale, mixed-use buildings. You will work on complex geometries, including curved forms, and contribute to schematic design, design development, and construction documentation on prestigious projects that can significantly enhance your professional portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Produce detailed 3D models in Rhino for large-scale, mixed-use building projects.
• Develop high-quality renderings using tools such as Enscape or D5 to clearly communicate design intent.
• Work with complex geometries, including curved and non-standard forms, to support innovative architectural concepts.
• Contribute to schematic design and design development phases, translating design ideas into clear digital models and drawings.
• Assist in the preparation and coordination of construction documents and construction drawings.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and planners to integrate design, technical, and constructability requirements.
• Support the design team by iterating design options using Grasshopper and other parametric tools as needed.
• Maintain accuracy, organization, and consistency across all digital files, models, and drawings.
• Participate in project meetings and design reviews, incorporating feedback into models and documentation.
• Meet project deadlines and deliverables while maintaining high standards of design quality and technical precision.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in Rhino, including experience modeling complex geometries and curved forms.
• Experience producing construction documents and construction drawings.
• Strong technical skills in architectural design, including schematic design and design development.
• Ability to create detailed 3D models and visualizations for large-scale, mixed-use projects.
• Background in architecture, demonstrated through education and/or professional experience.
• Experience level ranging from entry level to approximately 8+ years in architectural design or related roles.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams including architecture, engineering, and planning.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy in digital models and documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Grasshopper for parametric and algorithmic design workflows.
• Experience using rendering software such as Enscape or D5.
• Academic or internship experience working on complex, large-scale architectural projects.
• Familiarity with the full architectural design process from concept through construction documentation.
• Strong visual communication skills, including the ability to present design ideas clearly through renderings and diagrams.
• Interest in working on international projects and complex mixed-use developments.
• Motivation to build a strong design portfolio by contributing to high-profile architectural work.

Work Environment

You will join a 75-person full-service architecture, engineering, and planning firm based in downtown Chicago. The team follows a hybrid work schedule, spending four days per week in the office with remote work on Fridays. The environment emphasizes collaboration across disciplines, providing exposure to both design and technical aspects of complex projects. This position begins as a minimum 12-week assignment with the potential to extend based on workload and performance, offering an opportunity to gain substantial experience on notable international, large-scale, mixed-use developments in a professional studio setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Chicago,IL.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.