Architecture Discipline Lead

AECOM s Great Lakes Buildings Places team is seeking an experienced and visionary Architecture Team Lead to oversee and guide the Great Lakes architectural team in delivering innovative high-quality client-focused design solutions. This role requires a dynamic leader who combines design excellence technical expertise and strong project management skills to ensure the successful execution of architectural projects across a variety of market sectors. The Architecture Team Lead will play a critical role in managing multidisciplinary projects providing technical leadership mentoring team members and fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams to achieve project excellence. This role is a hybrid position located in Chicago IL.

AECOM is a globally recognized architecture and engineering design firm whose diverse creative teams deliver positive impact to millions of people worldwide. We operate collaboratively across business lines and regions trusted to deliver some of the most complex projects on the planet. Our Client Promise - excellence innovation measurable value - reflects our dedication to understanding needs exceeding expectations and achieving shared goals grounded in integrity collaboration and innovation.

About the Great Lakes Buildings Places Team

With offices in Chicago Indianapolis Detroit Grand Rapids and Minneapolis the Great Lakes practice is one of the fastest growing and highest-performing BP practices in AECOM s West Region. We offer a full suite of services: architecture interiors building systems and structural engineering urbanism and planning (including landscape) workplace transformation advisory services technology solutions and digital delivery - and serve as a Center of Excellence for many of these disciplines.

We work in a collaborative model across the West Region with other BP practices as well as with AECOMs Transportation Water Environment and Advisory business lines to support vertical infrastructure and comprehensive solutions. Our practice supports a diverse portfolio of local national and global clients across the private public and federal sectors delivering impactful projects in the Public (Non-Federal) Cultural and Civic Commercial Healthcare Science and Technology Transit Aviation and Federal markets. Most clients are repeat partners recognizing our service model and outcomes as excellent. Recognized by over 45 design awards in the past five years we aim to be the design firm of choice for clients and the employer of choice for diverse best-in-class talent - doing the work that matters.

Recent/ongoing projects include: Corporate Headquarters Interior Fit-Out Milwaukee County Courthouse; Interior Fit-Outs for National Financial Client; City of Chicago Joint Police and Training Center Emergency Medical Services Addition; Lake County Convention Center.

What Youll Do

The Architecture Team Lead is a senior leadership role responsible for delivering design excellence driving project performance and developing high-performing teams. This role balances hands-on design leadership with people management client engagement and business outcomessupporting practice growth profitability and long-term client relationships in alignment with regional and national objectives.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Team & Practice Leadership

• Lead mentor and develop a team of architects fostering a culture of collaboration creativity accountability and professional growth.
• Manage staffing workloads and resource allocation to ensure efficient project delivery.
• Conduct performance reviews provide coaching and feedback and support career development.
• Contribute to practice growth through team development client engagement and market presence.

Client & Business Engagement

• Serve as the primary client contact and trusted advisor.
• Facilitate effective communication with owners consultants contractors and authorities having jurisdiction.
• Lead client meetings design reviews and progress updates.
• Participate in business development proposal preparation and client engagement activities to support practice growth.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships that drive repeat work and referrals.
• Strengthen AECOMs presence in the design community through relationships with clients consultants and industry partners.

Project Delivery

• Lead architecture and engineering projects from proposal award through completion
• Develop and manage project execution plans schedules staffing plans and budgets
• Ensure adherence to contract requirements scope and fee structure
• Monitor project performance proactively addressing risks and challenges to maintain efficiency and client satisfaction.
• Oversee quality management processes and ensure technical excellence

Financial & Contract Management

• Manage project financial performance including:
  • Budget tracking and forecasting
  • Change management and amendments
  • Monthly invoicing and revenue recognition
• Review and negotiate contracts scopes of services and project deliverables
• Ensure compliance with company financial and risk management policies

Industry Engagement

• Represent AECOM at industry events conferences and exhibitions.
• Stay current on design trends innovations and best practices sharing insights with teams and clients.

Qualifications :

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in architecture or related field 8 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of education/experience.
• Professional licensure in field of study.
• Valid drivers license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 15 years of experience at a large architectural firm including 5 years in project management and leadership.
• Masters degree in Architecture or Business.
• Core & Shell Project management experience.
• Experience in one or more specialized markets (workplace justice federal transit aviation healthcare).
• Experience with multiple delivery methods: CM/GC DB DBROM PPP EPC/EPCM
• Familiarity with risk management contract negotiations and dispute resolution.
• Detail-oriented thorough well-organized; excellent time management.
• Experience supporting proposals pursuits and client interviews
• Proven ability to lead teams and deliver projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong client management skills with a demonstrated ability to grow existing and new client relationships.
• Excellent written verbal and presentation skills.
• Experience contributing to thought leadership through panels presentations or publications.

Additional Information :

• Sponsorship is not available now or in the future for this position.

At AECOM we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status AECOM benefits may include medical dental vision life AD&D disability benefits paid time off leaves of absences voluntary benefits perks flexible work options well-being resources employee assistance program business travel insurance service recognition awards retirement savings plan and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities we solve our clients complex challenges in water environment energy transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle from advisory planning design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at . 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts youll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills helping you build the career youve always envisioned. Here youll find a welcoming workplace built on respect collaboration and communitywhere you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time