Now Hiring: Associate Architect – Design & Preconstruction Estimating | Onsite – Peoria, IL

We are seeking a driven Associate Architect to support both architectural/construction design and preconstruction estimating for a growing, family-owned General Contractor. This role bridges design intent with construction cost management to deliver projects that are both well-designed and competitively priced.

Important — Please Read:

We actively welcome career changers from engineering and related technical fields (mechanical, civil/structural, industrial, MEP, project controls). 5+ years of relevant experience is fully acceptable (we previously listed 10+), and a degree is not required—professional certificates (e.g., Autodesk/Bluebeam, ASPE estimating coursework, OSHA 30, CMAA/PMI) or equivalent hands-on experience are accepted. If you have strong CAD skills, quantitative thinking, and an interest in cost/constructability, please apply—even if you don’t meet every single bullet.

Key Responsibilities

Client & Field

• Walk job sites with clients to understand needs and help establish budgets
• Support client meetings and capture scope, constraints, and value opportunities

Estimating

• Perform quantity takeoffs, cost analysis, and bid preparation
• Coordinate with subcontractors and vendors to compile and level bids

Design/CAD

• Create and revise architectural and construction drawings with advanced CAD skills
• Maintain drawing standards and clear documentation for constructability

Collaboration

• Interface with outside architectural firms on outsourced designs
• Partner with operations/field teams to align design with schedule and cost targets

Position Details

• Location: Onsite – Peoria, IL
• Hours: Standard First Shift Hours
• Assignment Length: Permanent
• Start Date: Immediate Start
• Pay Rate: $80K/yr – $100K/yr (commensurate with skills and transferable experience)

Qualifications

• Education/Credentials: Degree optional. Professional certificates welcome (Autodesk Certified Professional, Bluebeam, ASPE/estimating coursework, OSHA 30, CMAA/PMI) or equivalent experience.
• Experience: 5+ years in design, preconstruction, estimating, or an adjacent technical role (MEP design, civil/structural, project controls). (Previously listed as 10+; 5+ is fully acceptable.)
• Knowledge: Construction methods, materials, and cost-estimating fundamentals
• Communication: Strong written/verbal skills with client-facing confidence

Must Have Skills

• Proven CAD proficiency (any platform) with the ability to produce clear construction documents
• Quantitative rigor and attention to detail in takeoffs and cost analyses
• Constructability mindset and collaboration with field/subcontractor partners
• Professionalism in client interactions and vendor communications

Nice to Have (Not Required)

• Exposure to conceptual estimating, buyout, or subcontractor scope reviews
• Familiarity with building codes, detailing, or spec writing
• Experience collaborating with architects/engineers and field teams

Benefits

• Stable, family-owned company with a strong reputation
• Growth opportunities with mentoring in a unique design/estimating role
• Competitive pay, benefits, and a supportive workplace culture
• If you’re close on the requirements, apply. We value potential, growth, and transferable skills—including candidates with 5+ years of experience and certificates instead of a degree.