Junior Architect (New Grad) – DLR Group
DLR Group is an integrated design firm with 1,200+ professionals across 30+ US offices, operating as a 100% employee-owned company — a distinction that shapes DLR Group's collaborative, entrepreneurial culture and commitment to design excellence. DLR Group is a national leader in K-12 education, civic, justice, sports, hospitality, and workplace architecture, consistently ranked among the top 20 US architecture firms. DLR Group's employee ownership model creates an exceptional career environment where every designer has a stake in the firm's success and shares in its financial performance. We are hiring New Grad Junior Architects in Chicago to join DLR Group's award-winning design teams.
Responsibilities
- Develop architectural design for DLR Group projects across K-12 schools, civic buildings, sports venues, and workplace environments
- Produce Revit architectural documents — floor plans, sections, elevations, interior elevations, and construction detail packages
- Create design presentation graphics and visualizations for school board presentations, community engagement, and owner review meetings
- Conduct building code research and life safety analysis applying IBC, state education codes, and accessibility standards
- Support DLR Group's integrated BIM coordination — using Revit and Navisworks for multi-discipline coordination with MEP and structural consultants
- Contribute to DLR Group's sustainability initiatives — LEED, Net Zero Energy design strategies, and high-performance building envelope design
Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's of Architecture from an NAAB-accredited program
- Revit proficiency required
- Interest in DLR Group's key sectors: K-12 education, civic, sports, or workplace
- Strong collaborative instincts suited to an employee-owned, team-first culture
- LEED GA credential or sustainability coursework is valued
Benefits
- Competitive salary with DLR Group annual profit-sharing distribution (employee-owned)
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) — build ownership stake from Day 1
- ARE reimbursement and structured intern development program
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits
- 401(k) with DLR Group matching