Project Architect - Residential

About Us

Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $8.1 billion in revenue for 2025, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building," providing fast track, efficient solutions for mission critical, industrial, life sciences, power & energy, aviation, commercial, institutional, residential and sports & entertainment related building projects.

About LJC

LJC Design & Engineering is a full-service architecture, engineering, and design firm committed to enhancing the quality of the human experience through integrated design. We are a team of high-energy professionals who share a passion for design, a collaborative approach, and a casual culture. We solve challenges by leveraging the collective expertise and ingenuity of the best and brightest minds across development, design, and construction.

The Role We Want You For

Lamar Johnson Collaborative, a leading architectural design firm based in Chicago, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Project Architect to join our team. As a Project Architect, you will play a pivotal role in managing and overseeing the design and execution of residential projects from conception to completion. We work on a diverse range of project types and are looking for candidates that have worked at a range of scales, from Type I high-rise to Type III and V podium and wrap buildings.

The Specifics of the Role

• Lead residential architectural projects (with an emphasis on Types III & V) from yield studies and unit planning through entitlements, design documentation, and construction administration—delivering on scope, schedule, and quality.
• Guide project programing and design based on the opportunities and limitations the project’s construction type
• Provide design direction and translate program/intent into code-compliant drawings and specifications, including accessibility and fair-housing requirements.
• Demonstrate expertise in building-systems coordination, multi-family envelope detailing, and constructability
• Lead and coordinate development of construction documents with project team, engineers, consultants, and builder
• Build and maintain strong client relationships to understand needs and manage expectations throughout the project.
• Partner with the Project Manager to track schedule, budget and manage risk.
• Conduct regular quality reviews to uphold high standards of design and constructability
• Mentor junior staff and foster a collaborative, innovative team culture.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of architectural experience with a focus on residential projects.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.
• Registered Architect with a current license.
• Strong project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Proficient in relevant software and tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, and project management software.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships with clients and team members.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and delivering residential projects of varying scales.

Some Things You Should Know

• Our clients and projects are nationwide – occasional travel will be part of the job.
• No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does.
• We work on creative, complex, award-winning, high-profile projects.

Why Clayco and LJC?

• 2025 Best Places to Work – St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
• 2025 ENR Top 400 – Top Data Center Contractor (Top 3).
• 2025 ENR Top 100 Design-Build Firms – Design-Build Contractor (Top 5).
• 2025 ENR Top 100 Green Contractors – Green Contractor (Top 3).

Benefits

• Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs.

Compensation

• The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.