Principal Architect

Principal Architect 

Shorewood, Illinois (Hybrid)

$175,000–$200,000 + Comprehensive Benefits

Some architects spend their careers delivering projects.

Others reach a point where they want to help shape the future of a firm.

If you're an accomplished architect who enjoys leading complex projects, mentoring talented professionals, building lasting client relationships, and influencing the direction of an architecture practice, we'd like to start a conversation.

The Will Group is making a strategic investment in the continued growth of our Architecture practice. This isn't a replacement position—it's an opportunity for an experienced architectural leader to play a significant role in where we go next.

You'll continue doing what you love—creating exceptional architecture—but you'll also have the opportunity to influence our people, our clients, our technical standards, and our long-term growth.

Why This Opportunity Stands Apart

Unlike larger firms where leadership roles can be highly structured and narrowly defined, this position offers the opportunity to make a visible impact across the organization.

As one of our senior architectural leaders, you'll work alongside executive leadership while maintaining an active role in design and project delivery.

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Lead some of our most significant education, municipal, commercial, industrial, and private-sector projects.
• Become a trusted advisor to long-standing clients and help cultivate new relationships.
• Mentor architects and designers while helping shape the next generation of leaders.
• Influence technical standards, quality, and project delivery across the Architecture practice.
• Collaborate directly with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Contribute to the continued growth and evolution of a respected Architecture & Engineering firm.

About The Will Group

For nearly 40 years, The Will Group has built a reputation for delivering integrated Architecture, Engineering, Surveying, Infrastructure, Manufacturing, and Program Management solutions throughout the Midwest.

Our multidisciplinary approach allows us to solve complex challenges under one roof while building long-term partnerships with clients across public and private markets.

As we continue to grow, we're investing in experienced leaders who want the opportunity to make a lasting impact—not only on projects, but on the future of our firm.

What You'll Be Doing

Rather than simply managing projects, you'll serve as a senior leader within our Architecture practice by:

• Leading complex architectural projects from concept through construction administration.
• Serving as the trusted advisor for key clients.
• Guiding multidisciplinary teams through challenging design and technical decisions.
• Providing mentorship and technical leadership to architects and emerging professionals.
• Leading presentations, workshops, interviews, and project pursuits.
• Supporting business development through strong client relationships and strategic pursuits.
• Helping establish best practices, quality standards, and technical excellence across the firm.
• Collaborating with executive leadership on initiatives that support the continued growth of our Architecture practice.

We're Interested in Meeting Architects Who...

• Are licensed Architects with a strong record of successfully leading complex projects.
• Enjoy collaborating with clients and becoming a trusted advisor.
• Thrive in multidisciplinary Architecture & Engineering environments.
• Have experience mentoring architects and developing high-performing teams.
• Want to remain engaged in design while expanding their leadership influence.
• Are looking for an opportunity where their ideas, experience, and leadership can shape the future of a growing practice.

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role isn't measured solely by the projects you deliver.

It's measured by the relationships you build, the professionals you mentor, the clients who trust you, and the impact you have on the continued growth of our Architecture practice.

Why Join The Will Group?

Good Faith Salary Range: The annual starting salary for this position is between $175,000 to $200,000 annually. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

Additional Benefits Include:      

• An excellent benefits package including, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401K with company match, generous PTO allotment, paid volunteer time off, 10 ½ days of holiday pay, continuing education reimbursement and much more.
• A work environment that values and respects diverse people, perspectives, cultures, and ideas.

Let's Have a Conversation

If you've built a successful career as a Senior Architect, Associate Principal, or Principal Architect and are looking for an opportunity where you can influence more than individual projects, we'd welcome the opportunity to connect.

Sometimes the next step in your career isn't a bigger firm.

It's a bigger opportunity to make a difference.

Compliance Statement (Illinois AI Notice Requirement Effective Jan. 1, 2026)

The Will Group does not use artificial intelligence in any way that discriminates against applicants based on protected characteristics and complies fully with all applicable federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws. All final hiring decisions will be made by a human. Applicants may contact Human Resources with any questions regarding our use of artificial intelligence in the hiring process. This notice is provided in compliance with Illinois law.