Architect/Designer Needed for 35' Circular Outdoor Classroom (Permit-Ready Plans)

Job Post: Architect/Designer Needed for 35’ Circular Outdoor Classroom (Permit-Ready Plans)

Project Overview

I am looking to hire an experienced architect or designer to create permit-ready drawings for a 35-foot diameter circular outdoor classroom structure at my regenerative farm in Long Grove, Illinois (Zone 5b). This structure will serve as a 4-season educational gathering space and must balance creativity, durability, and code compliance. The aesthetic we want is natural, whimsical, organic, and creative—something that feels integrated with the land rather than a traditional pavilion.

Scope of Work

1. Concept + Schematic Design

Creative design for a 35’ circular, open-plan pavilion

Options for partial walls, removable/seasonal walls, or flexible enclosures

Design that is waterproof, provides shade, and withstands heavy precipitation

Natural, farm-aligned materials preferred (wood, tensile fabric, hybrid systems, etc.)

2. Structural & Code Considerations

Must be designed to meet Illinois snow loads and wind loads (Long Grove requirements)

Incorporate

Roof structure (tensile, framed, hybrid, etc.)

Footings or foundation system

Open-air ventilation strategy

Space for a wood-burning stove (no plumbing; electrical only)

Familiarity with outdoor classrooms, yurts, pavilions, tensile structures, or similar forms is a plus.

3. Permit-Ready Construction Documents

Deliverables must include a complete PDF plan set suitable for submission to the Village of Long Grove, including:

Site plan showing structure location, property lines, setbacks, and septic system distance

Foundation/footing plan

Floor plan of the 35’ circular structure

Roof framing plan

Elevations and/or sections

Material specifications and schedules

Details for connections, wall systems, and roof/wall interface

Snow/wind design notes

General code notes for Illinois

Minor electrical layout (lighting + outlets; no plumbing)

4. Materials List

A complete, itemized materials list including

Lumber or structural components

Fabric/tensile elements (if applicable)

Wall system components

Roofing materials

Fasteners, connectors, hardware

Any special materials needed for waterproofing or winter-proofing

5. Coordination

You must be open to coordinating with

An Illinois-licensed structural engineer (for stamping engineering calcs)

The Village of Long Grove (via comments/emails during revision)

If you are licensed in Illinois, please note that in your proposal.

(Not required, but ideal.)

6. File Delivery

PDF permit set

Editable source files (DWG preferred)

3D model (SketchUp, Rhino, or similar — optional but appreciated)

Ideal Candidate

Architect or architectural designer with experience in:

Outdoor structures

Nontraditional geometries (circular buildings)

Yurts, pavilions, tensile structures, natural-material design

Comfortable producing clean, professional permit-ready drawing sets

Familiar with Midwest climate requirements

Strong design sense—creative, whimsical, natural

Budget & Timeline

Timeline: 4–8 weeks

Budget: Open to proposals based on experience and scope

Willing to consider fixed-price or hourly structures

To Apply

Please include

Examples of similar structures you’ve designed

Your experience with permit drawings and local jurisdictions

Whether you hold an Illinois license (or work with someone who can stamp)

Your proposed fee structure and timeline