Description
PROJECT ARCHITECT
Lead meaningful projects. Have a life outside the office.
Studio GWA is seeking a licensed architect who wants to make a visible impact on communities while maintaining a healthy balance between work and life.
Based in Rockford, Illinois, with a second office in Monroe, Wisconsin, our team works on adaptive reuse, historic preservation, housing, mixed-use redevelopment, downtown revitalization, and planning projects across the Midwest. We partner with changemakers who are transforming their communities, and we are looking for someone who wants to help lead that work.
Unlike many architecture firms, our culture is built around sustainability for both projects and people. That’s why our team works a 40-hour week with a 38-hour billable expectation, and why we provide flexibility when life's responsibilities require it. Whether it's a school pickup, a doctor's appointment, a volunteer commitment, or working from home for an afternoon, our culture is built on trust, accountability, and supporting one another. We believe great design happens when talented professionals have the time and energy to do their best work.
If you're looking for meaningful work, direct involvement with clients and firm leadership, and the opportunity to help shape communities without sacrificing your personal life, we'd love to hear from you.
“At Studio GWA, my family doesn’t have to take a backseat to my career”
Summary + Overview
The Project Architect plays a key role in advancing Studio GWA’s mission to help clients move transformative projects from vision to reality. Working closely with the firm’s Partners and project teams, this position is responsible for guiding projects through all phases of design and documentation, from early concept development through construction administration.
This project manager role balances design leadership with technical rigor and thoughtful coordination both internally and externally. Project Architects at Studio GWA collaborate with clients, consultants, and contractors to resolve complex design challenges, integrate building systems, and respond to regulatory and preservation requirements. The position involves active participation in client meetings, internal design discussions, and on-site visits, with an emphasis on clear communication and proactive problem solving.
Studio GWA operates in a collaborative studio environment where project teams work closely together and share responsibility for high quality outcomes. This position is primarily based in our Rockford, Illinois office, with flexibility to work occasionally from either our Monroe, Wisconsin office or remotely, based on project needs and individual circumstances.
Position Responsibilities
- Leads project teams in design development;
- Assists with project controls, cost estimates, quantity takeoffs and manpower requirements for proposals, forecasts and change orders;
- Develops drawings, specifications, calculations, charts and graphs as needed;
- Reviews and approves technical design phases of projects;
- Ensures project quality of service and profitability on assigned projects;
- Interacts and negotiates with client and other project representatives;
- Participates in professional development opportunities;
- Participates and interacts with community groups and organizations;
- Attends client meetings, both in-house and on-site;
- Consults with manufacturers to evaluate materials.
Work Environment + Physical Demands
This is a typical professional office environment that involves working with standard office equipment (e.g. computers, phones, photocopiers) and remaining sedentary for longer periods of time. Occasional field work and site visits will occur and may include exposure to inclement weather.
Compensation + Benefits
Salary range of $85,000 - $95,000 DOE. Studio GWA offers a competitive benefits package including:
- Medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, and life insurance;
- Three weeks of paid time off (PTO) annually (includes sick leave & personal time, used at employee’s discretion) for the first three years, and four weeks of PTO after employee’s third anniversary;
- 40 Hours of IL Paid Leave annually;
- A 401k profit-sharing retirement program;
- End of year bonus based upon firm profitability
Our standard work schedule is 7:30-5:30, M-Th with a half-day 7:30-11:30 on Fridays, year-round. We understand that life has many demands and are open to discussing schedule flexibility.
How to Apply
Email a cover letter, your resume, and three samples of relevant work experience to admin@studiogwa.com with “Studio GWA Project Architect” in the subject line. The position will remain open until filled. No phone calls, please.
Studio GWA is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.
Requirements
This position requires a combination of education, experience, skills, and abilities, including but not limited to:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture
- NCARB certification
- 8-10 years of industry experience, including 2-3 years as a Project Architect or equivalent role
- Proficiency in Revit
- Knowledge of local and International Building Codes
- Excellent organizational and project management skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Strong multi-tasking ability to manage project workflow
- Able to collaborate and lead multi-disciplinary teams
Preferred Skills + Certifications
- Proficiency in design software including SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite
- Working experience with rendering software a plus
- Knowledge of the Historic Tax Credit program as it applies to preservation and reuse projects
