Job Title: Architect / Technical Designer
Job Description
This role offers the opportunity to join a leading global architecture and design practice as an Architect or Technical Designer, focusing on high-profile, design-forward commercial interiors. You will primarily produce interior construction documents in Revit and create high-quality renderings, collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary team to deliver innovative workplace environments. Licensed candidates may step into a Project Architect capacity, while unlicensed professionals will contribute as Technical Designers, both playing a key role in translating design concepts into fully realized 2D and 3D documentation and visualizations.
Responsibilities
Collaborate with the design team to develop innovative interior design solutions for commercial projects and workplace environments.
Participate in all phases of the project, including conceptual design, presentations, schematic design, design development, and construction documentation.
Translate architects' sketches and design intent into accurate 2D and 3D Revit models, drawings, and images.
Produce graphic presentations, high-quality 3D renderings, and detailed construction drawings that clearly communicate design concepts.
Utilize hand rendering techniques when appropriate to convey design ideas and progression.
Coordinate design and documentation with clients, consultants, contractors, fabricators, regulatory agencies, and other vendors to meet overall project objectives.
For licensed Architect/Project Architect roles, manage client, team, and project coordination, including full documentation coordination with structural, MEP, lighting, AV, landscape, and civil consultants.
Support clear communication among project team members, clients, vendors, contractors, consultants, and building and permitting officials.
Provide technical guidance and propose innovative solutions to resolve complex technical and design challenges throughout the project lifecycle.
Maintain project manuals and specifications, ensuring they are accurate, current, and aligned with project requirements.
Conduct and document site visits during construction, monitoring progress and adherence to design intent.
Process submittals, substitution requests, and RFIs during construction, coordinating responses with the project team and consultants.
Research artistic and technical issues as they arise, ensuring that design solutions are both visually compelling and technically sound.
Demonstrate outstanding graphic presentation skills by producing visuals that clearly show design process and progression.
Contribute to a collaborative studio culture by building strong working relationships across the firm and with external stakeholders.
Essential Skills
Minimum of 4+ years of architecture and design experience, with a strong background designing multiple building typologies of varying scale.
Proficiency in Revit at a professional level, including experience producing interior construction documents and detailed models.
Strong rendering skills, with the ability to create high-quality visualizations that show design progression and process.
Experience in interior architecture and commercial interior design, including workplace and other commercial typologies.
Licensed architect for candidates pursuing the Project Architect role.
Proficiency with design modeling and visualization tools such as Rhino, SketchUp, and Enscape.
Proficiency with production software, including the Adobe Creative Suite.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills applied to both design and technical challenges.
Outstanding graphic presentation skills, with portfolios that clearly explain project @context and the candidate's role.
Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships across the firm, with clients, and with consultants and vendors.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience using Enscape or similar real-time rendering tools to produce interior visualizations.
Portfolios that clearly demonstrate design process, including renderings showing progression and concise descriptions of each project and the candidate's specific contributions.
Experience with computational tools such as Grasshopper or Dynamo to support design and documentation workflows.
Experience with Excel for data management and project-related analysis.
Experience with video and animation software such as After Effects and Premiere is a plus.
Familiarity with sustainable design software for climate, comfort, and life-cycle analysis, such as Climate Studio or Ladybug, is a plus.
Experience with FFE (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) selection and material specification for interior environments.
Ability to research and resolve artistic and technical issues that arise during design and documentation.
Strong communication skills, including the ability to clearly articulate design intent and technical information in both visual and written formats.
Work Environment
This is a full-time, in-office role based in a large, open-concept studio that supports a highly collaborative and design-focused work environment. You will work on high-profile, high-design projects for a globally recognized architecture and design practice with dozens of offices across multiple countries. The culture emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and continuous learning, with designers and architects frequently collaborating across disciplines and project @types. The studio uses Revit as the primary documentation platform, complemented by tools such as Enscape, Rhino, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and various computational and sustainability analysis tools. The position is initially structured as a temporary engagement within a Workplace Team, with a strong track record of temporary designers and architects converting to permanent roles over time. You will work on-site five days per week in a modern, open-plan office environment that encourages interaction, mentorship, and shared problem-solving.
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 $30.00 - $60.00/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 fully onsite position in Chicago,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 28, 2026.
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.
