Architectural Designer I

Olson Kundig is a design practice founded on the ideas that buildings can serve as a bridge between nature, culture, and people, and that inspiring surroundings have a positive effect on people’s lives. The firm’s 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 complexity. In this role, you’ll contribute to creative design solutions, technical development, and project delivery while working closely with more senior team members in a collective, design-focused environment.

You’ll 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 $​63,000​ and $70,000. Final salary decisions are made based upon the extent and relevance of the candidate’s 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.