Architectural Designer

Based in Chicago’s West Loop for 25 years, our firm is licensed in over 40 states with a robust portfolio of hospitality, retail, and mixed‑use projects nationwide. As we enter an exciting new chapter of growth,
ZWA is seeking talented Architectural Designer I candidates to join our collaborative team. If you are a creative professional eager to contribute to high‑impact design across the country, we want to hear from you.

• A firm that values creative thought and prides itself in producing innovative spatial and tectonic design solutions. A highly collaborative place to work, allowing progression of your career.
• A community of great people, highly motivated creative thinkers who genuinely care about the organization.
• A team of people who take pride in their job and enjoy the people they work with.
• A company that invests a great deal of time and resources in helping its employees reach their personal and professional goals, through formal training and knowledge sharing.
• A place that is open with honest communication, and believes in work‑life balance.
• Located in a unique loft space in the West Loop historic district of Fulton Market.
• Just blocks from the green, pink and blue line trains, and one block from the Halsted bus route.

• You are passionate about design and your talent.
• You are detail oriented and care about producing the best product possible.
• You are agile and enjoy working together with a team.
• You want to see your ideas and hard work brought to life.
• You want to create spaces that positively impact the user and occupant experience.
• You want to be in an entrepreneurial environment.
• You want to grow your career.
• You are enthusiastic for the client’s success and care about the client’s interests.
• You are an effective communicator with positive attitudes.

• Undergraduate degree in architecture or interior architecture
• LEED accreditation is desirable.
• 1‑3 years project experience—hospitality and/or retail experience desirable.
• Must have demonstrated ability for hand sketching as well as the ability to use computer software for design.
• Must have portfolio documenting a penchant for design excellence with the ability to develop into a Project Architect / Designer.
• Experience in the production of construction documents is highly desirable.
• Fluency in Revit, AutoCAD and is a must.
• Exhibit skills in Sketch Up, Photoshop, InDesign, and other imaging and rendering software.
• Must have basic knowledge of all phases of the design process.
• Ability to complete tasks with accuracy and with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to keep up in high‑paced work environment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely; both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to present and articulate ideas and analyses.
• Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and comfort with ambiguity and complex challenges.
• Ability to learn quickly and demonstrate willingness to take on new responsibilities.
• Ability to work independently upon receiving direction from others.
• Partner with other group members (both creative and account) to ensure high‑quality creative products on a constant basis that maintains the integrity of art concept to ensure they fit the client, brand, and retailer objectives.
• Must be willing to travel.

• Assist in the development of design alternatives using a variety of media, including hand drawing, and computer visualization. Work in coordination with and oversight of the Project Team Leader, the Directors of Architecture & Interior Design and the Principal Designer / Architect.
• Assist in the development of presentation documents and participate in client design presentations.
• Prepare construction documents in coordination with multi‑discipline project team of architects and engineers.
• Coordinate project requirements and development of construction documents with subconsultants.
• Assist in / perform bid phase and construction phase tasks including site visits, review of shop drawings, responding to requests for information, and issuing clarifications.
• Provide first‑level QA/QC (self‑evaluate own work). Assure the quality and content of both presentation and construction documents appropriate to ZWA project delivery standards.
• Prepare first‑level code review and support the permit submittal processes. Field verification of existing conditions.
• Partial Company Paid Health Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Life Insurance / Short‑ and Long‑Term Disability
• Holiday/Vacation/Sick‑Personal Paid Time Off
• Work from Home 2‑3 Days Per Week
• Casual Office Attire
• Company Hosted Holiday Parties, Summer Outing, and Company Sponsored Office Social Hour