Project Architect Jobs in Illinois
Project Architect jobs in Illinois are consistently active, with strong demand concentrated in commercial, institutional, and mixed-use development across Chicago, Rockford, and the broader Chicagoland suburbs. Leading firms such as Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Perkins and Will, and Gensler maintain significant Illinois operations and hire project architects at levels from emerging professional through senior project lead. The most sought-after specialties in the Illinois market include healthcare facilities, transit-oriented development, and corporate workplace design. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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JOB DESCRIPTION
Established in 1967, IGW Architecture is a leading central Illinois architectural, planning and interior design firm located in Urbana, Illinois whose principals and staff are passionate about creating buildings and environments that enrich people’s lives whether at home, school, work or the public spaces in between. IGW has an immediate opening for an experienced project architect. For the right candidate, this position carries with it an opportunity for rapid advancement to a leadership role.
Position Title: Project Architect/Manager
Discipline: Architecture
As a Project Architect/Manager on the IGW team, you will:
Prepare programming and concept development documentation to meet clients’ needs and budget
Establish budget, task schedule, and other components of a project work plan with the Principal
Execute applicable agency review analysis for codes, zoning, accessibility, life-safety, etc.
Carry out design and architectural detailing tasks including site and building planning studies, elevational studies, stairs, functional space layouts, building sections, wall sections, special details, etc.
Produce schematic, design development and construction documents; make decisions and negotiate critical issues in collaboration with the Principal
Provide leadership to the project team (all disciplines) for documents coordination including design drawings construction documentation and specifications
Help maintain and improve office architectural standards, details and production tools.
Direct, organize, and mentor junior staff with responsibility for oversight
Perform construction administration duties - RFI’s, RFP’s, change orders, on-site observation, etc.
Maintain contact with clients, consultants, and contractors
Participate in marketing efforts and lead presentations to prospective clients
Employment qualifications shall include:
Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Architecture
5 years of professional experience in all phases of architectural projects
Architectural license with LEED accreditation a plus
A broad range of project experience with renovation, preK-12 and higher education a plus
Experience with building codes, specifications, building and engineering systems
Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD and Microsoft Office with other graphics software a plus
Experience directing and coordinating work efforts of junior staff
Understanding of the project management process
Effective verbal, written and graphic communication skills
Professional and collaborative work ethic
Salary is negotiable, commensurate with abilities and qualifications. Benefits include IRA with company match, health, dental and bonus.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $70,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Education:
- Bachelor's (Preferred)
Experience:
- Revit: 1 year (Preferred)
- AutoCAD: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Architecture License (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
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Find Project Architect JobsProject Architect Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Project Architect Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Construction & Real Estate
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in project architect jobs across Illinois.
- Active Illinois licensed architect credential or NCARB-recognized reciprocal registration required
- Professional degree in architecture from a NAAB-accredited program required
- Five or more years of progressively responsible architectural project experience
- Demonstrated proficiency in Revit and BIM coordination on large-scale projects
- Proven ability to manage design documentation, consultants, and project schedules
- Strong knowledge of Illinois Building Code and ADA compliance requirements
Project Architect Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a project architect in Illinois?
You become a project architect in Illinois by earning a professional degree from a NAAB-accredited architecture program, completing the Architectural Experience Program hours, and passing all sections of the Architect Registration Examination. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation issues the state architect license required to practice. Most firms in Illinois expect candidates to hold or be actively pursuing licensure before advancing to a project architect title.
Which companies hire project architects in Illinois?
Employers hiring project architects in Illinois right now include EXP, Corgan, and Farnsworth, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Chicago's dense concentration of nationally recognized design firms and large institutional clients means Illinois consistently supports more mid-to-senior project architect openings than most other states.
Which Illinois cities have the most project architect jobs?
Chicago, Urbana, and Champaign account for the most project architect openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates because it is home to the state's largest design firms, corporate headquarters, and anchor institutions driving major commercial and civic construction, while suburban hubs like Schaumburg and Naperville generate demand through corporate campus and healthcare development projects.
Are there remote project architect jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they are uncommon. Project architect work is fundamentally site- and team-dependent, so fully remote roles are rare by nature. About 46% of project architect openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with flexibility most often available during design development and documentation phases rather than construction administration.
How can I get hired as a project architect in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for an architectural staff or project designer role at a mid-size Chicago firm while completing Architectural Experience Program hours toward licensure. Large Illinois firms such as Perkins and Will and HDR regularly onboard emerging professionals into structured project team roles. Demonstrating Revit proficiency and a portfolio with academic or internship work showing construction documentation gives candidates a clear edge over applicants without that preparation.
Where can I find and apply to project architect jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to project architect jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers actively hiring in the state. Find roles that fit your experience and specialization and apply directly to the ones that match.
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