Architect, Senior Design Manager

Sevan Multi-Site Solutions is a veteran-owned business that provides construction, program management, real estate & site development, and architecture & engineering services for restaurant, grocery, fuel and convenience store, retail, and government sectors nationwide. We work with leading brands like McDonald’s, Starbucks, Sprouts, and BP, to name a few. At Sevan, we provide the talent, technology, and trusted expertise needed to consistently deliver excellence in multi-site construction.

Sevan is nationally recognized for workplace culture, industry leadership, and safety. Recent honors include 12 consecutive years as a Great Place to Work®, placement on ENR's national Program and Construction Management rankings, recognition as one of America's Safest Companies for 2025, and the 2025 Platinum HIRE Vets Medallion Award.

Our Senior Design Manager, Architect provides leadership within Sevan's Architecture & Engineering (A&E) Studio, overseeing architectural programs, project teams, and client relationships. This position is responsible for driving project execution, maintaining design quality, managing program financial performance, developing staff, and supporting business growth.

The ideal candidate is an experienced and licensed architectural professional with a strong background in multi-site commercial and restaurant development, capable of independently managing complex programs, leading teams, and delivering high-quality services while maintaining client satisfaction and profitability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Program & Project Management

• Lead multiple architectural programs and projects, ensuring successful execution from design through permitting and construction.

• Proactively manage schedules, staffing, resources, budgets, and deliverables to meet client expectations and business objectives.

• Oversee program financial performance, including fee management, labor budgets, invoicing, forecasting, and profitability.

• Prepare and negotiate proposals, contracts, consultant agreements, and change orders.

• Identify project risks, resolve challenges, and implement processes that improve efficiency and accountability.

Architectural & Technical Leadership

• Provide architectural expertise and oversight of design development, construction documentation, permitting, and construction administration.

• Lead QA/QC efforts to ensure accurate, coordinated, code-compliant, and high-quality deliverables.

• Demonstrates strong attention to detail by thoroughly reviewing architectural drawings, providing clear and actionable redlines, and ensuring design accuracy, technical coordination, and consistency across project deliverables.

• Provide guidance on building codes, accessibility requirements, zoning regulations, and construction standards.

• Coordinate with consultants, contractors, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to resolve technical and permitting issues.

• Develop and maintain design standards, production procedures, and quality control processes.

• Capable of performing Architect of Record responsibilities, including signing and sealing documents, when appropriately licensed and authorized.

Client Relations & Business Development

• Build and maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication, responsiveness, and consistent project delivery.

• Serve as a primary client contact, managing expectations, resolving concerns, and maintaining program performance.

• Identify opportunities to expand existing client programs and support new business development.

• Assist studio leadership with strategic planning, proposals, staffing forecasts, and business growth initiatives.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in architecture, design management, or project management, including demonstrated leadership of architectural teams and programs.

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture or a related field

• Professional architectural licensure – strongly encouraged

• Extensive experience with restaurant/QSR and multi-site commercial projects, including ground-up construction, conversions, remodels, and tenant improvements

• Proven ability to independently manage multiple projects and programs, including schedules, staffing, budgets, financial performance, and client relationships.

• Strong technical knowledge of architectural design, construction documentation, building codes, accessibility requirements, and permitting processes.

• Demonstrated experience with QA/QC, consultant coordination, contract administration, proposals, and change order management.

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, including experience supervising employees, conducting performance reviews, and supporting staff development.

• Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam Revu, and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel

• Experience with Smartsheet, Microsoft Project, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Procore, or similar project management platforms preferred.

• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, and BIM coordination tools is a plus.

• AIA membership and NCARB certification are preferred.

Work Conditions & Travel:

This is a hybrid position based at our Downers Grove, IL headquarters, requiring a minimum of three days per week in the office, with the option to work remotely up to two days per week. The role requires the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Occasional travel may be required (0–10%).

Why Join Sevan?

At Sevan, we believe in creating a supportive and dynamic environment where your contributions truly matter. Here’s what you can expect as part of our team:

• Live Our Values: Join a company that values integrity, respect, teamwork, excellence, and charity. These principles are at the heart of everything we do.

• Champion Key Initiatives: Play a vital role in driving Sevan-wide initiatives like Safety and Sustainability, ensuring positive impacts for our people and the planet.

• Inspire and Lead: Help us bring our vision to life by embracing our commitment to Service, Talent, and Choices—you’ll have a voice in shaping the future.

• Set the Standard: Be a role model for professional behavior, fostering a workplace culture that motivates and inspires others.

• Grow With Us: Take charge of your personal and professional growth through hands-on experience, engaging training programs, and opportunities to mentor interns and co-ops.

• Support Development of Top Brands: Opportunity to work behind the scenes supporting efforts for industry leaders like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and 7-Eleven.

Pay & Benefits: The anticipated compensation range for the position is $110,000 - $125,000, is based on a full-time schedule, market and business conditions, and is commensurate on individual education, qualifications, and experience. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, flexible paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, and a matching 401K plan.

Sevan Multi-Site Solutions, Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, genetics, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other basis protected by law.