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Ghafari Associates

Integrated architecture, engineering, and operations firm

Project Architect

Full-Time
$90k - $135k/yr+ 401(k) match + Professional license reimbursement + Educational assistance
Expert
Bachelor's, Master's
Chicago, IL, USA
Hybrid
Architecture & Civil EngineeringArchitectural Design

About the job

Requirements
  • A Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Architectural Engineering is required.
  • An NCARB certificate is required.
  • Registration as an Architect is required.
  • Fifteen or more years of related architecture experience are required.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, Bluebeam, Microsoft Office, and Microsoft Teams is required.
  • Familiarity with BIM360/ACC is required.
  • Familiarity with point cloud software such as Autodesk Recap is required.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
  • Strong attention to detail is required.
Responsibilities
  • Direct and be responsible for the development of design work.
  • Lead the production of technical drawings and specifications.
  • Coordinate the related work of other disciplines.
  • Assume in-house construction administration duties on projects of moderate to large size and complexity.
  • Manage moderate to large, complex projects.
  • Provide mentorship and embrace opportunities for learning with less experienced staff throughout the course of the project.
  • Establish the factual parameters of the design work, including code, site restrictions, budget, and schedule restraints; identify building systems options and related performance and cost criteria; and assist in presenting design documents.
  • Formulate the project work plan based on an approved scope of work, plan mini-sheet work plans for assigned projects, and lead execution of the identified tasks.
  • Assume primary responsibility for the daily activities of the architectural project team, the progress of the work, and the technical quality of construction documents, including drawings and specifications.
  • Produce schematic design, design development, and construction documents accurately.
  • Apply architectural graphic standards and construction drawing set organization and development.
  • Assist the Project Manager in adhering to the project schedule and budget, identify changes to the scope of work and related schedule and budget repercussions, and provide resource and budget forecasting upon request.
  • Advise the Manager of Architecture on staffing requirements for projects.
  • Initiate and orchestrate the work of the entire project team, including engineering and interiors disciplines and other consultants, facilitate timely information exchange, and coordinate all disciplines and documents while enforcing quality control procedures.
  • Manage the production of construction documents.
  • Prepare written portions of addenda and bulletins relating to architectural work.
  • Perform in-house construction administration duties, including responding to requests for information, reviewing and approving shop drawings, and issuing bulletins; provide field-representation services when requested or deemed critical.
  • Maintain and improve office architectural standards, details, and production tools.
  • Create Revit models in accordance with company standards.
  • Set up Revit projects and manage worksets and models in accordance with company standards.
  • Use laser scanning and point clouds.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.
Desired Qualifications
  • A Master's degree in Architecture is preferred.
  • LEED Certification is preferred.
  • WELL Building Certification is preferred.

About the company

Ghafari Associates provides integrated design and engineering services for built environments. It coordinates architecture, interior design, civil and structural engineering, MEP, ICT and security, and operations and systems engineering to align design with building performance and people. The firm serves automotive, aviation, corporate, education, government, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors with a global network of offices. Its goal is to deliver end-to-end projects that optimize building performance and user experience by combining design, engineering, and operational expertise across disciplines.

Company Size

501-1,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Dearborn, Michigan

Founded

1982

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • BBG&S acquisition on 2026-06-04 expands Southeast reach and mechanical capacity.
  • Five promotions on 2026-08-19 strengthen internal succession across architecture and engineering.
  • Todd Lackey's 2026-09-03 hire boosts structural steel and advanced manufacturing credibility.

What critics are saying

  • Wayne County's jail lawsuit names Ghafari and seeks $160 million damages.
  • AECOM-related jail arbitration and potential criminal probe keep reputational drag alive into 2026.
  • Industrial and automotive concentration ties growth to cyclical capital spending.

What makes Ghafari Associates unique

  • Integrated architecture, MEP, structural, ICT, and security under one delivery model.
  • BBG&S acquisition deepens mechanical engineering and doubles Ghafari's Birmingham footprint.
  • Forty-year niche in automotive facilities, reinforced by 2025 ENR #1 recognition.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Paid Time Off

Flexible Spending Accounts

Health Savings Accounts

Parental Leave

Paid Holidays

Hybrid Work Options

Remote Work Options

Wellness Program

Mental Health Support

Gym Membership

Phone/Internet Stipend

Home Office Stipend

Conference Attendance Budget

Professional Development Budget

Family Planning Benefits

Fertility Treatment Support

Stock Options

Company Equity

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Adoption Assistance

Employee Referral Bonus

Tuition Reimbursement

Professional Certification Support

Education Allowance

Mentorship Program

Relocation Assistance

Employee Discounts

Meal Benefits

Commuter Benefits

Pet Insurance

Legal Services

Company News

dBusiness
Sep 3rd, 2026
Ghafari expands leadership team with industry veteran Todd Lackey.

Ghafari expands leadership team with industry veteran Todd Lackey. Dearborn-based global architecture and engineering firm Ghafari Associates has hired structural engineering veteran Todd Lackey as vice president. September 3, 2026 Dearborn-based global architecture and engineering firm Ghafari Associates has hired structural engineering veteran Todd Lackey as vice president. Lackey brings more than 30 years of industry experience spanning structural steel fabrication, detailing, engineering, project delivery, client development, and leadership, with expertise in the automotive, industrial, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Lackey joins Ghafari after more than two decades with Ruby + Associates, where he most recently served as associate principal and led complex projects, strategic client relationships, and business development initiatives. His career began on the fabrication side of the structural steel industry before progressing into engineering, project management, and organizational leadership. That breadth of experience has shaped a practical, constructability-driven approach centered on understanding how decisions made during design ultimately affect fabrication, construction, schedule, cost, and overall project success. Throughout his career, Lackey has championed an integrated approach to structural steel delivery that connects engineering, connection design, detailing, fabrication, and construction. His approach emphasizes early collaboration, constructability, model-based coordination, and fabrication-ready information to improve quality, reduce rework, and accelerate project delivery. Lackey is an active industry speaker, having presented at the Lean Construction Institute, NASCC: The Steel Conference, and the Advanced Manufacturing Facility Construction Conference on topics focused on lean project delivery, structural steel integration, constructability, and collaboration. In his new role, Lackey will support Ghafari's continued growth in structural engineering and advanced project delivery, working across disciplines to strengthen client relationships, mentor project teams, and advance integrated structural steel delivery capabilities. "We are excited to welcome Todd to the Ghafari team," says Kouhaila (Ki) Hammer, president and CEO of Ghafari. "His comprehensive knowledge of structural steel and proven client leadership make him a fantastic addition as we continue to elevate our capabilities."

Ghafari
Jun 5th, 2026
Ghafari Acquires Mechanical Engineering Firm BBG&S

Ghafari has acquired BBG&S Engineering Consultants, Inc., a mechanical engineering firm based in Birmingham, AL. The acquisition of BBG&S strengthens the…

Ghafari
Sep 2nd, 2025
Ghafari Honored as a "Best and Brightest Company to Work For" in Chicago, Detroit + West Michigan

Ghafari Associates, LLC is thrilled to announce that Ghafari has been named a "Best and Brightest Company to Work For" in Chicago, Metro Detroit, and West Michigan!

Ghafari
Jul 11th, 2025
Ghafari Celebrates Another Year as ENR's #1 U.S. Automotive Facilities Designer

Ghafari is thrilled to announce that Ghafari Associates, LLC has been named the #1 U.S. automotive facility designer for 2025 by Engineering News-Record!

Ghafari
Apr 28th, 2025
News | April 28, 2025

Ghafari Associates, LLC launched the Ghafari Scholars Program in 2023, which provides a scholarship and cooperative work experience to students enrolled at the University's College of Engineering & Science.