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Architectural Designer I
Job Location:
Job Location:
Chicago, IL - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not provided by the employer
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
17 May 2026 (30+ days ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
2 September 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
Olson Kundig is a design practice founded on the ideas that buildings can serve as abridge between nature culture and people and that inspiring surroundings have a positive effect on peoples lives. The firms work can be found across the globe with projects as wide-ranging as huts to high rises homes - often for art collectors - to academic cultural and civic projects museums and exhibition design places of worship creative production urban design and interior design.
We are seeking an Architectural Designer I to support the design planning and documentation of projects of moderate size and this role youll contribute to creative design solutions technical development and project delivery while working closely with more senior team members in a collective design-focused environment.
Youll join a team where curiosity attention to detail and a strong sense of urgency help shape thoughtful work and support your growth as a designer.
Primary Responsibilities
Qualifications
Must Have:
What You Can Expect
This role is based in Chicago IL.
Equal Opportunity & Pay Transparency
Olson Kundig is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color ancestry gender age religion marital status military or veteran status citizenship sexual orientation gender expression or identity national origin disability genetic information or any other basis prohibited by law. Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations at any point in the employment process.
For this position based in Chicago IL the annual salary is between $63000and $70000. Final salary decisions are made based upon the extent and relevance of the candidates experience as well as internal equity and external market factors.
In addition to a dynamic and creative culture Olson Kundig provides a generous benefits package that includes 16 days of paid time off paid holidays a health plan a 401 (k) match bonuses profit-sharing plans for qualified positions a monthly travel subsidy for public transportation and more.
We are seeking an Architectural Designer I to support the design planning and documentation of projects of moderate size and this role youll contribute to creative design solutions technical development and project delivery while working closely with more senior team members in a collective design-focused environment.
Youll join a team where curiosity attention to detail and a strong sense of urgency help shape thoughtful work and support your growth as a designer.
Primary Responsibilities
- Design Planning and Coordination:
Perform analyses of design planning and occupancy studies and develop limited design layouts. With direction from senior team members support design studies research site/zoning analysis and documentation. - Project Support:
Help prepare project specifications construction documents and documentation support as required. Coordinate with project consultants with technical advisement from senior team members. - Technical Development:
Contribute ideas solutions and deliverables in team and project environments. Support the construction administration process and assist in preparing accurate high-quality project materials. - Presentation and Communication:
Produce visually compelling presentations and renderings and help communicate design ideas clearly to internal teams and clients. - Additional duties and projects:
As assigned or necessary.
Qualifications
Must Have:
- Education: a professional degree in architecture.
- Experience: Minimum 3 years of related professional experience or similar role with equivalent work experience.
- Digital Literacy: Proficient modeling and documentation skills using Revit; experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Portfolio:Submit a portfolio that highlights design technical and drafting abilities including examples of Revit documentation and technical drawings.
- Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams clients and vendors.
- Technical Awareness: Ability to develop technical details that convey a general understanding of building components.
- Work Style: High attention to detail strong prioritization skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced creative and dynamic environment.
- Nice to Have:
- Experience with SketchUp Rhino Enscape or other 3D modeling and rendering software.
- Experience with Adobe Creative Suite particularly Photoshop Illustrator and InDesign.
- Experience with Bluebeam Revu and Bluebeam Studio.
- Experience with sustainability-focused project assessments such as Living Building Challenge LEED and high-performance building.
- Licensure is desired but not required.
What You Can Expect
- A creative work environment and colleagues who are collaborative creative and challenging
- Opportunity to grow professionally
- Check our culture page to learn about life at Olson Kundig
This role is based in Chicago IL.
Equal Opportunity & Pay Transparency
Olson Kundig is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color ancestry gender age religion marital status military or veteran status citizenship sexual orientation gender expression or identity national origin disability genetic information or any other basis prohibited by law. Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations at any point in the employment process.
For this position based in Chicago IL the annual salary is between $63000and $70000. Final salary decisions are made based upon the extent and relevance of the candidates experience as well as internal equity and external market factors.
In addition to a dynamic and creative culture Olson Kundig provides a generous benefits package that includes 16 days of paid time off paid holidays a health plan a 401 (k) match bonuses profit-sharing plans for qualified positions a monthly travel subsidy for public transportation and more.
All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship and must already possess long-term work authorization.
Required Experience:
Junior IC
About Company
A collaborative global design practice whose work expands the context of built and natural landscapes.
