Northern Trust

Project Architect | Community + Live, Workplace & Government

Northern Trust • $95K — $115K *
Real Estate & Construction
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture
  • Architectural licensure required
  • 8-10 years of professional experience on small- to mid-size projects
  • Deep understanding of programming, building codes, and project documentation
  • Strong skills in leadership, collaboration, and communication
  • Proficient in Revit; knowledge of AutoCAD and other graphic tools is a plus
  • Experience with project-management software and Microsoft Office Suite
  • LEED accreditation preferred

Responsibilities

  • Lead development and coordination of construction documents while safeguarding design intent
  • Translate complex goals into practical design solutions
  • Oversee BIM and technical workflows for project accuracy
  • Integrate systems, materials, and assemblies into sustainable solutions
  • Evaluate materials and systems for performance and compliance
  • Manage technical scope, schedules, and project deliverables
  • Coordinate with consultants to resolve technical issues
  • Support construction administration through site observations and issue resolution
  • Build relationships with clients and stakeholders
  • Partner on project strategy, risk management, and quality assurance
  • Mentor team members on technical skills and best practices
  • Facilitate design-review meetings to ensure alignment
  • Contribute to initiatives that drive technical excellence

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work with an award-winning, national practice
  • Collaborative environment with a diverse project portfolio
  • Chance to contribute to innovative community-focused design solutions
  • Professional development and mentoring opportunities
  • Participation in practice-wide initiatives for technical excellence
Full Job Description
Overview

An award-winning national architecture, engineering, and planning practice is seeking a talented and driven Project Architect to join its growing Community + Live, Workplace, and Government team in Santa Monica, California. The ideal candidate brings strong communication, presentation, time-management, and interpersonal skills, thrives in a collaborative environment, and is passionate about advancing thoughtful, high-performing design.

Position Description

In this role, you will collaborate closely with senior designers, project managers, project architects, consultants, and multidisciplinary partners to develop innovative, technically sound design solutions. You will lead detailed documentation, coordinate architectural and engineering systems, and help ensure that design intent, technical quality, and client goals are carried through every phase of the work.

Responsibilities
  • Lead the development and coordination of construction documents, details, and specifications while protecting design intent.
  • Translate complex project goals into creative, functional, and constructible design solutions.
  • Oversee BIM and technical workflows to support accuracy, consistency, and coordinated project delivery.
  • Integrate building systems, materials, and assemblies into cohesive, sustainable solutions.
  • Evaluate materials and systems for performance, code compliance, constructability, and cost effectiveness.
  • Manage technical scope, schedules, milestones, and deliverables for multiple projects or project phases.
  • Coordinate consultants and multidisciplinary teams to resolve complex technical issues.
  • Review and respond to submittals, RFIs, field reports, and construction-phase questions with sound professional judgment.
  • Support construction administration through site observations, documentation, and issue resolution.
  • Participate in client meetings and build strong relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders.
  • Partner with project managers and design leaders on project strategy, risk management, quality assurance, and delivery excellence.
  • Mentor team members in technical skills, documentation standards, BIM workflows, and best practices.
  • Facilitate coordination and design-review meetings, fostering alignment and accountability.
  • Contribute to practice-wide initiatives that advance technical excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Skills & Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture.
  • Architectural licensure required.
  • Eight to ten years of professional experience, including work on small- to mid-size projects.
  • Deep understanding of programming, building codes, technical detailing, specifications, and project documentation.
  • Strong leadership, collaboration, communication, presentation, and time-management skills.
  • Proficiency in Revit required; experience with AutoCAD, SketchUp, Enscape, and other graphic tools is preferred.
  • Experience with project-management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • LEED accreditation preferred.

Join a collaborative, nationally recognized design team where your technical expertise, leadership, and curiosity can shape meaningful projects across community, residential, workplace, and government environments.

Apply today and include a portfolio or work samples that demonstrate your role, technical judgment, and design contributions.

About Northern Trust

Northern Trust is a global leader in delivering innovative investment management, asset and fund administration, and fiduciary and banking solutions to corporations, institutions, and affluent individuals. They have evolved with the changing needs of their clients and their world.

Northern Trust Careers

Joining Northern Trust means becoming part of a global financial services institution that is dedicated to providing expert guidance and innovative solutions to its clients. At Northern Trust, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of leadership, diversity, and innovation, which makes us a premier destination for career growth in the financial industry.

Work You’ll Do

At Northern Trust, you will collaborate with some of the most talented professionals in the financial sector. Our team is committed to excellence and equipped with a diverse range of skills that contribute to our dynamic environment. Here, you will have the opportunity to lead projects that transform our services and drive significant value for our clients across the globe.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Whether you are starting your career or looking to make a significant impact in the financial industry, Northern Trust offers a variety of job opportunities and internships that will help you achieve your professional goals. From entry-level positions to leadership roles, our company is actively hiring individuals who are passionate, curious, and driven to excel.

Innovative Work

Northern Trust is at the forefront of financial innovation. Our employees are encouraged to think creatively and leverage cutting-edge technologies to solve complex problems. By joining our team, you will work on pioneering solutions that redefine the standards of financial services.

Be Part of a Great Team

Our team at Northern Trust is more than just a group of employees – we are a community. We value collaboration, and our culture is built on mutual respect and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Working with us, you will experience a supportive network that is passionate about sharing knowledge and ideas.

Future-Proof Your Career

Northern Trust is dedicated to your professional development. We offer comprehensive benefits, diversity training, and numerous resources to help you grow your career. With our support, you can expand your skills, gain valuable experience, and achieve professional certifications that will enhance your career trajectory.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team

Discover the perfect role for you at Northern Trust by exploring our current job openings that match your skills and interests. We are looking for professionals who are solution-driven and eager to contribute to our legacy of financial excellence.

Keep Up to Date

Stay informed with the latest career tips, industry insights, and professional growth opportunities—all available through our careers blog. At Northern Trust, we ensure that our team members are always ahead in the industry.

Job Alert Emails

Customize your experience by subscribing to job alerts and insider tips tailored to your preferences. At Northern Trust, exciting and rewarding opportunities are always on the horizon, and we are eager to see where your talents can take us. Join Northern Trust today and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and a diverse and inclusive workplace. Here, every position is a chance to contribute to something bigger and to turn your job into a meaningful career.
Learn more about Northern Trust
Size
21,100 employees
Market Cap
$18.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.2 billion
Founded
1889
5 Year Trend
+4.9%
Revenue
$6.1 billion
NASDAQ

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