Architecture & Planning

Architectural Professional II (Mixed-Use Development and Community Design)

Chicago, ILOnsiteFull Time$72,000–$86,000 /yrPosted 16 days agoVisa sponsorship available

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Required skills

architecture
planning
urban design
community development
mixed-use
multi-family housing
commercial projects
site integration
community integration
conceptual design

Nice to have

AI-powered design
AI visualization
AI research
AI productivity tools
GIS
parametric modeling

Role summary

Wight & Company seeks a creative and ambitious Architectural Professional II with 4-6 years of experience in architecture, building design, planning, urban design, and community development. This role focuses on mixed-use, multi-family housing, and commercial projects, requiring integration of site, building, and community considerations. The ideal candidate is a strong visual thinker, proficient in Revit, Rhino, SketchUp, Enscape, Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, and AI design tools, with preferred experience in GIS, parametric, or computational design. Responsibilities include design exploration, site planning, urban design studies, visualization, documentation, and client collaboration, with an emphasis on sustainable design and translating project goals into buildable solutions. The role involves mentoring junior staff and assisting with project management.

We are seeking a creative and ambitious Architectural Professional II with 4-6 years of professional experience in architecture including work spanning building design, planning, urban design, and community development projects. This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about shaping the built environment through thoughtful design, strategic planning, and collaborative problem-solving. Our work spans multi-family housing, mixed-use, commercial, and community-focused projects at a variety of scales, requiring designers who can thoughtfully integrate site, building, and community considerations into compelling, impactful design solutions.

Successful candidates will be strong visual thinkers with demonstrated abilities in conceptual design, planning, analysis, and communication. They will be self-motivated, adaptable, and eager to take initiative, thriving in an environment that offers opportunities to contribute across diverse project types, scales, and responsibilities. The ideal candidate is curious, nimble, and comfortable balancing multiple priorities while embracing new challenges and opportunities for professional growth. As artificial intelligence continues to transform the design profession, candidates should demonstrate enthusiasm for and experience with leveraging AI tools to support design thinking, streamline workflows, and improve the speed, quality, and effectiveness of their work.

In this role, you will contribute to projects from early visioning and planning through design development, collaborating closely with firm leaders, senior designers, project architects, and interdisciplinary teams. You will play an active role in design exploration, site planning, urban design studies, visualization, research, documentation, and project storytelling. The Architectural Professional II will help translate project goals into innovative, sustainable, and buildable solutions while contributing to our practice's continued success and growth.

Responsibilities

Design & Planning: Contribute to and help lead the development of architectural, urban design, and planning concepts across a variety of scales, including buildings, sites, neighborhoods, and mixed-use environments.

Design Communication: Prepare and contribute to design studies, graphics, reports, presentations, and storytelling materials that clearly communicate project ideas and recommendations to clients, stakeholders, and project teams.

Research & Innovation: Research emerging design trends, materials, technologies, and best practices to inform project work and innovation

Client Collaboration: Participate in client meetings, presentations, and discussions, providing clear and effective communication of design concepts and project

Integrated Coordination: Coordinate with interdisciplinary teams, including engineering, construction, and consultants, to ensure seamless integration of project

Documentation: Prepare and coordinate design and construction documents, ensuring deliverables are accurate, well-organized, and consistent with project goals, code requirements, and firm standards

Quality & Accuracy: Review and ensure design and technical documentation accuracy, conduct quality checks, and resolve design issues as they

Mentoring & Leadership: Provide guidance and support to junior architectural staff, fostering a collaborative and learning-oriented

Sustainability: Integrate sustainable design principles and environmental considerations into planning and design solutions across all project phases.

Project Management: Assist in managing project timelines, budgets, and resources, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within

Firm Contribution: Perform general office responsibilities (library and material upkeep, assist in developing project/BIM standards, ).

Career Development: Participate in cross-disciplinary career

Continuous Improvement & Industry Engagement: Engage in continuous learning opportunities, attend industry events, and participate in internal training sessions to enhance skills and

Adaptability & Versatility: Successfully manage multiple assignments and project roles, adapting to evolving client needs, project priorities, and design challenges while maintaining a high level of quality and responsiveness.

Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture from an accredited program. Degree concentration, coursework, or professional experience in Urban Design, Community Planning, or related disciplines preferred.

Experience: 4-6 years of professional experience in architectural design, supported by a strong portfolio demonstrating design excellence and project experience.

Software: Proficiency in Revit, Rhino, SketchUp, Enscape, Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, and visualization tools. Experience with GIS, parametric modeling, or computational design tools is preferred.

Collaboration: Proven experience working in a collaborative environment, with the ability to work effectively across disciplines.

Creativity: Demonstrated ability to generate innovative design solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.

Visualization: Experience producing graphics, diagrams, renderings, and presentation materials that effectively communicate design intent.

Artificial Intelligence: Demonstrated ability to leverage AI-powered design, visualization, research, and productivity tools to enhance project workflows, generate insights, and support design exploration, while exercising professional judgment to evaluate, refine, and validate outputs

General Skills: Strong design, graphic communication, presentation, and organizational skills, with attention to detail and effective verbal and written communication.

Knowledge: General knowledge of building systems, construction methods, materials, building codes, and sustainable design practices.

Urban Design: Experience or demonstrated interest in urban design, site planning, zoning analysis, community engagement, corridor studies, master planning, or related planning initiatives.

Planning & Analysis: Ability to evaluate site opportunities and constraints, zoning and regulatory considerations, land use relationships, and broader community context to inform planning and design decisions.

Salary Range: $72,000-$86,000 Individual pay will be based on several factors including experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant.

Wight & Company offers excellent benefits and a wonderful work environment. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, flexible spending, paid holidays, paid time off, and a 401(k). Our flexible work schedule allows for a healthy work-life balance. For more information about our company, visit our website at www.wightco.com.

Wight & Company is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetics, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Wight & Company values diversity in our workforce. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, and promoting people with disabilities and veterans. If you need an accommodation to assist with completing the electronic application, please call us at 630.969.7000 and ask to speak with a Human Resources representative.

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