Project Architect

Richard L Johnson Associates (RLJA), a GMB team, is hiring a Project Architect to join our team in Rockford, Illinois. We are seeking professionals interested in championing the design throughout all phases for a variety of projects in K-12 and Higher Education Markets. A professional will be part of GMB's project teams in all aspects of project design, construction documentation, and field observation. 

Why Work with Us? This is the part where most job descriptions jump into the responsibilities and requirements for the role being posted - and we'll get there shortly! But we like to start with the why instead of the what. 

Our purpose is helping build strong communities through educational opportunity. We focus on projects within the educational ecosystem, from Pre-K through Higher Education and projects in our community that support lifelong learning. GMB’s Ecosystem of Teams provides planning, architecture, engineering, branding, and enrollment marketing services to educational institutions across the country, holistically impacting how they maximize their learner success. 

About the team: GMB’s Richard L. Johnson Associates brand is an education-focused architecture partner serving K-12 schools and community colleges across Northern Illinois for the past 45 years. We know the communities we serve, understand the realities of educational facilities, and work alongside our clients as part of their team - not simply as a consultant. 

As a Project Architect with Richard L. Johnson Associates you will:

• Develop project documentation for multiple projects of varying scale and type 
• Assist in developing programmatic documentation and studies 
• Clearly communicate design internally and externally 
• Prepare construction drawings and specifications to meet owners’ goals 
• Assist with construction administration and closeout documentation efforts 
• Apply knowledge of design, construction methodology, architectural building systems, codes and material application 
• Ensure coordination across multidisciplinary project teams 
• Have the opportunity to work in a primarily 'remote' environment yet have the ability to work in the field or the Rockford, IL learning hub when needed. 

What type of knowledge do I need to succeed in this role? 

More than a specific degree and exact number of years of experience, we're most excited about what kind of knowledge you bring. For this role, we are seeking someone who can co-own projects and own pieces of larger projects with decreasing guidance.  

Some components that may help indicate you are at this knowledge milestone include more tangible items like: 

• Professional degree in Architecture from an accredited college/university 
• 3+ years of experience in an architectural firm 
• Thoroughness in drawing and communicating design 
• Proficiency executing architectural details 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Ability to prioritize work, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines 
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently 
• Proficiency in Revit  

What might set you apart from other candidates?  

• A desire for Architectural registration, or in-progress 
• Passion for Education Market. Experience with the K-12 and Higher Education markets is a plus 
• Strong knowledge of design, construction methodology, architectural building systems and material application 
• Experience with AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, or other 3D modeling, animation, rendering computer graphics programs 
• Familiarity with specification writing 

We might be a great match for each other if you are: 

• A self-starter with great time management skills who thrives in an environment with team-based decision making. 
• An individual who strives to learn and grow, is motivated by their team's success and works hard to ensure it. 
• Someone who enjoys trying new ideas and constantly improving. 

What you might also like to know is that:  

We're an employee-owned company. This means that 100% of the ownership at Richard L. Johnson Associates, a GMB team, is held by us as employees. Our creativity, skills, and expertise have a direct impact on our value and growth. Your role as a teammate will have a direct impact on the company's actions and result in a share in its profits. 

We don’t operate within a hierarchical pyramid structure; instead, we operate like a network of teams that come together around specific goals working toward our overarching purpose. We think this is a better way to work and help everyone reach their potential. 

Finally, we embrace a flexible workplace that empowers each person to decide where and how they work best. Our inclusive, people-first culture encourages teams to collaborate, communicate and find fulfillment personally and professionally, regardless of location or schedule.