Technical Designer - Mid Level

Technical Designer

Gensler Chicago's Cities Studio is seeking highly accomplished architecture professionals with demonstrated expertise in complex, multifaceted academic sciences and research facilities. At Gensler, we are one community united by our commitment to holistically improve the human experience. Guided by determined optimism, we use the power of design to spark positive change and create a future that promotes equity, resilience, and wellbeing for everyone.

The primary function of this role is to focus on the design development and technical detailing of the firm's complex architectural projects. Under the supervision of a licensed architect, the Technical Designer assists in developing strategies for the production of architectural drawings and construction documentation across a variety of project types. This includes helping define and maintain design standards throughout the lifecycle of each project.

As a Technical Designer in the Cities Studio, you will explore new ways of solving complex design problems at both the conceptual and technical levels—leveraging advanced design tools and BIM workflows—while collaborating with integrated project teams. This position focuses on advanced design and technical innovation, and the selected candidate will serve in a key capacity contributing to Gensler's distinguished portfolio of nationally and internationally recognized projects.

What You Will Do

• Contribute to all project phases, including conceptual design, presentations, schematic design, design development, construction documents, and production. This includes visually synthesizing client goals, project requirements, and design concepts into architectural solutions.
• Develop and document multiple conceptual design options that translate client goals into architectural plans and blueprints. These design strategies incorporate material selections, project dimensions, building code requirements, lighting considerations, and sustainability requirements.
• Prepare graphic presentations, visualizations, 3D renderings, and construction drawings to effectively communicate design intent to clients and project teams using tools such as Enscape, Lumion, or comparable real-time rendering platforms.
• Resolve complex technical and design challenges to ensure that project solutions meet regulatory requirements and design standards related to safety, functionality, aesthetics, serviceability, and market characteristics. Utilize computational analysis, environmental simulation, and digital prototyping tools to validate design performance.
• Develop and present complex design and technical solutions to institutional clients and executive stakeholders, incorporating feedback into iterative design revisions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary project teams, including structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers, to coordinate building systems, finalize plans and specifications, and select appropriate materials and construction methods. Leverage BIM coordination workflows to identify and resolve clashes across disciplines.
• Coordinate with external consultants, contractors, fabricators, and specification writers to ensure the design is feasible, constructible, and compliant with all applicable codes and regulations.
• Participate in construction administration activities, including preparing and reviewing construction documentation, code compliance summaries, and materials required for building permits and regulatory approvals. These documents translate the project's design intent into instructions required for construction.
• Oversee and advise on construction administration processes to help ensure the successful execution of complex design intent on high-profile projects and assist in verifying builder compliance with design specifications under the supervision of a licensed architect.
• Manage client communications, project coordination, and consultant collaboration throughout project milestones, including presenting design progress and incorporating client feedback.
• Collaborate with regulatory agencies and project stakeholders to ensure that designs comply with all applicable building codes, safety standards, and permitting requirements.
• Contribute to office activities, professional development initiatives, and knowledge-sharing programs within the studio.
• Champion adoption of emerging design technologies and digital workflows across project teams.

Your Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from a professionally accredited program
• 6+ years of progressively responsible experience working on complex, large-scale architectural projects, preferably including healthcare, academic sciences, or institutional environments
• Strong organizational, creative, and collaborative skills, with the ability to work independently while managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong graphic, visualization, and presentation skills to effectively communicate design ideas
• Proficiency in Autodesk Revit and Rhinoceros (Rhino) required; experience with Grasshopper for parametric design workflows preferred. Additional proficiency in Autodesk AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite expected. Familiarity with real-time visualization tools (e.g., Enscape, Lumion, or V-Ray), reality capture software is a plus.
• Passion for sustainable design practices and interest in pursuing certifications such as LEED, Fitwel, or similar sustainability credentials

Please submit a portfolio of relevant work samples in PDF format along with your resume.