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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.
At Goodwin Recruiting, we are committed to our core values and providing world class customer service. We are committed to helping our clients navigate and comply with the complex and ever-changing labor laws as well as help ensure that in every hiring decision, internally and with our client partners, that all viable candidates are considered, and the most qualified candidate is offered the role. We evaluate the knowledge, skills, and abilities that meet the requirements of the position and aim to open doors and change lives. We value all people, understanding that uniqueness and diversity foster a stronger team that is innovative and brings varying perspectives to the table. We put our money where our mouth is and are proud of our efforts to identify a broad slate of candidates, with many hiring success stories to share.
JOB ID: 165471
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Jason Olberding