Senior Interior Designer

Job Description

Job Description

Position: Senior Interior Designer

Location: Chicago, IL

Type :  Direct hire fulltime

Job Description:

full-service residential interior architecture and design firm known for a pleasant, collaborative work atmosphere. We specialize in diverse, high-end

projects primarily in the Chicagoland area and beyond. Our clients value our personal attention and our signature "classic, yet forward-thinking" design aesthetic.

Job Summary :

The Senior Interior Designer is a proactive, highly organized leader who takes charge of the design development and execution of our most prestigious projects. This individual acts as the primary guardian of project integrity, managing the delivery from initial concept through final installation.

The ideal candidate is a "standard-bearer" for professional excellence, possessing the authority to lead clients and the mentorship skills to elevate our design staff.

Core Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Accountability

● Direct Oversight: Lead and manage the daily workflows of Designers and Junior Designers, ensuring all project milestones are met on time and within budget.

● Operational & Financial Accountability: Own the project schedule and deliverables; hold the design team accountable for deadline adherence through strategic delegation.

● Quality Control: Review and approve all design packages, technical drawings, and specifications produced by the team to ensure they meet JLI standards and client

expectations.

● Professional Development: Provide critical, constructive feedback for staff performance reviews and deliver ongoing mentorship essential to the professional

growth of the design team.

Design Strategy & Project Management:

● Client Intake & Evaluation: Involved in initial client consultations and the screening of prospective projects to assess design feasibility and alignment with the firm’s aesthetic and business goals.

● Design Direction: Lead the project team in defining and articulating a cohesive design direction; maintain the project’s overall aesthetic and ensure it aligns with the client's

vision.

● Presentation & Execution: Plan and execute the presentation of designs to clients; manage the selection of all furnishings for final approval by the Principal.

● Technical Excellence: Enforce a thorough knowledge of construction sets and required documentation; oversee projects from conception through installation to ensure flawless execution.

● Preemptive Problem Solving: Adept at identifying potential project roadblocks and devising high-level solutions before they impact the budget or timeline.

Culture & Professional Excellence:

● Brand Ambassadorship: Represent the firm at key vendor and client events; engage in industry networking to cultivate professional relationships and stay at the forefront of the design community.

● Standard-Bearer of Excellence: Model a high level of professional integrity and design rigor, setting the benchmark for the studio’s output.

● Continuous Growth: Commit to ongoing professional evolution by staying current with industry trends, emerging materials, and innovative design methodologies.

● Professional Flexibility: Willingness to travel as required and attend key industry or project-related functions outside of standard business hours to ensure project success

and firm representation.

● Cultural Leadership: Partner with the Principal and Design Director to ensure the firm’s design culture is actively promoted, understood, and adhered to by all staff.

● Team Morale & Engagement: Proactively monitor the "pulse" of the design team; identify morale shifts and implement strategies to keep the team motivated and inspired.

Requirements & Qualifications

● Experience: 8–12+ years of professional experience in residential interior design or architecture, with a minimum of 3 years in a leadership or project management role.

● Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Interior Design or Architecture from an accredited institution. NCIDQ certification or professional licensure is highly preferred.

● Technical Mastery: Expert proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and Adobe Creative Suite. Deep understanding of construction methods and building codes.

● Leadership Provenance: A demonstrated track record of managing and holding junior staff accountable for technical accuracy and project deadlines.

● Communication: Exceptional verbal and written skills; must be comfortable leading client meetings and negotiating with contractors and vendors.

● Soft Skills: Must be highly detailed, organized, and possess a "take charge" attitude with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

General Expectations

● Other Duties as Assigned: Remain flexible and proactive in supporting firm-wide initiatives, business development, or urgent project needs to support the overall success of us