Project Architect - Custom Residential

Project Architect – Custom Residential

Join Environs — Where Design, Craftsmanship, and Vision Come Together

At Environs, we build more than homes — we craft lasting works of art for the past three decades in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Our projects are defined by luxury, precision, and creativity, and our culture is built on collaboration between architecture, interior design, and construction. Every project is an opportunity to turn exceptional design into reality — and every team member plays a vital role in that process.

We’re looking for a Project Architect who shares our drive for excellence and innovation. Someone to guide the architectural design and execution of high-end custom homes in Chicago. Someone who leads a process that honors design intent, elevates craftsmanship, and creates an extraordinary client experience from start to finish.

Why Environs

Work alongside in-house architects, interior designers, and craftsmen who are as passionate about detail as you are.
Manage high-end custom homes and complex renovations where no two projects are alike.
Join a team that values ownership, creativity, and continuous growth — not micromanagement.
Be part of a company where your voice, expertise, and leadership shape the outcome of every home we build.

Working closely with our development manager, interior design team, and construction managers, this role serves as the primary architectural lead, translating client goals into thoughtful, buildable design solutions while managing the design and documentation process.

What makes Environs unique is our fully integrated team structure. Architecture, interior design, project management, and construction management all operate under one roof, allowing our team to collaborate closely from early design concepts through final construction.

Our work is driven by a design-forward approach that prioritizes thoughtful planning, strong architectural character, and careful detailing. This integrated design-build model allows architects to remain closely involved throughout construction, ensuring that the design vision is successfully realized in the finished home.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership

Lead projects from design development through final construction
Guide clients through the architectural design and material selection process
Manage client expectations while maintaining design intent
Ensure adherence to project schedules and decision timelines

Design & Documentation

Develop architectural designs including plan layout, façade composition, and interior detailing
Prepare and manage construction documents
Produce detailed drawings for millwork, interior elements, and custom architectural components
Coordinate with structural, mechanical, and other consultants

Coordination & Execution

Collaborate closely with the development manager, interior design team, and construction managers
Make budget-conscious design decisions while maintaining design quality
Communicate scope and design changes to purchasing and project management teams through drawings, specifications, and written narrative
Review and approve shop drawings
Manage multiple multi-million-dollar residential projects simultaneously

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

Professional degree in Architecture
Licensed / Registered Architect (Illinois) or ability to obtain Illinois licensure
Minimum five (5) years of residential design experience
Strong design ability including plan layout, façade composition, and interior detailing
Demonstrated design range from traditional to contemporary residential architecture
Ability to independently develop thoughtful residential design solutions from conceptual planning through detailed execution
Familiarity with the Chicago 2019 Building Code (residential portions)
Familiarity with the Chicago Zoning Ordinance (residential sections)
Proficiency in Revit Architecture
Strong technical knowledge of the working drawing process
Experience with construction detailing, millwork detailing, and structural/mechanical coordination
Highly organized and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Comfortable working in a collaborative team environment
Residential architecture experience in Chicago or similar urban environments strongly preferred

What We Offer

Opportunity to lead the design of high-end custom residential projects
Active involvement in the full design-build process, from early concept through construction
The ability to work as an integral part of a collaborative team including architecture, interior design, project management, and construction
Direct client interaction and meaningful project ownership
Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) plan with Safe Harbor contribution
Generous vacation time
Flexible work hours
Salary commensurate on experience.

Pay: From $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k)
Dental insurance
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Work Location: In person