Suzanne Lovell Inc. is seeking a motivated and passionate Senior Architect for a full-time role in our Chicago office. The position entails owning and managing assigned projects from concept and design, as well as overseeing construction administration and interfacing with general contractors across projects, while working directly with clients to ensure they receive the highest level of service. The ideal candidate will have 8-10 years’ experience in high-end residential work.
Who we are: For over 30 years, Suzanne Lovell Inc. has consistently delivered gracious and timeless residences for private clients. With a solid architectural foundation, we strive every day to design residential interiors that offer unique lifestyle experiences for our clients. Our team of experts work collaboratively across a range of specialties and disciplines including interior architecture, interior design, fine art research, construction administration and custom furniture design. In addition to a lively and creative work environment, we are proud to offer eligible team members a competitive compensation package including medical benefits, 401k matching, and paid time off. We believe that a picture is worth a thousand words, as such please explore our work at www.suzannelovellinc.com
The responsibilities of the job will include, but are not limited to the following:
- Act as the lead point person for all General Contractors and Subcontractors across projects, overseeing progress at the site including travel as required, adherence to plans, timeline and budget and serving as a link between architectural requirements and the job site.
- Work directly with our clients to ensure they receive the highest level of service and that their visions for their residence is realized.
- Provide exemplary Client Service, often acting as an Owner’s Representative at the site and Client Advocate along the lifecycle of the project, bringing timely and detailed updates back to the Client and guiding decisions that protect the Client’s intent and priorities.
- Serve as a leader in the Architecture practice within SLI, participating in the strategic planning across the entire portfolio of projects and leading sound business operations that support Client expectations.
- Create and manage technical drawings for multiple projects with simultaneous deadlines.
- Project Manage the flow of work required by the team to produce and issue construction document submissions and drawing and sample reviews as required to meet project schedules.
- Oversee and revise construction documents, drawings and renderings for projects, including mentoring Junior team members.
- Provide conceptual design and design support drawings on a variety of projects.
- Proactively collaborate with partnering firms and General Contractors and Subcontractors to set project schedules for the team, from Schematic Design through Construction Administration and final architectural punch list activity.
- Analyze construction schedules, change order requests, pay applications and status updates with the goal of recommending data-driven strategic decisions that move projects forward in the Client’s best interest.
- Partner cross functionally with project teams, including architecture, interior design and fine art to ensure site conditions reflect what is required for a successful installation for the Client.
- Act as mentor and actively participate in training of Junior team members.
- Negotiate contracts with General Contractors or subcontractors on behalf of the Client, ensuring competitive pricing and comprehensive bids.
Skill Requirements:
- Experience practicing as a technical architect, preferably in the luxury residential sector
- Professional licensure or in pursuit is preferred
- Must possess strong technical design abilities on residential architecture projects
- Must possess a thorough knowledge of construction methods for residential interior architecture practice with emphasis on materials and integration of various elements and/or aspects
- Demonstrate and practice sound understanding of the entire Suzanne Lovell Inc. portfolio of projects and exercise an ability to apply that understanding to tactical decision making regarding internal project management, quality, attention to detail and workmanship
- Ability to prioritize and lead multiple projects simultaneously while working collaboratively with the Suzanne Lovell Inc. Team, vendors, contractors and other professions
- Head on approach to problem solving with a keen sense of anticipating and identifying issues and finding solutions.
- Detail-oriented with a proven ability to prioritize numerous tasks in order to meet deadlines and manage complex projects
- Strong motivational characteristics that allow for effective management of people and processes
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with experience preparing builder and Client-facing deliverables and internal updates and notes
- Able to adapt to a fast-paced environment and manage client expectations
Years of experience: 8-10 years – experience in high-end residential work preferred,
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture and/ or Construction Management
Software Skills: Proficiency required in AutoCAD, Blue Beam, Microsoft Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, ProCore