Senior Design Director

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way. Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you've got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you're looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward. JLL Design seeks an accomplished Senior Design Director to lead creative and strategic excellence across our North American interiors practice. This senior leadership role unites workplace strategy with hands‑on design expertise to deliver transformative environments that advance client performance, strengthen our practice, and shape how leading organisations work. This position requires a seasoned design professional with deep workplace expertise who can balance bold creative vision with pragmatic execution. Qualifications & Skills: 15+ years' experience working on commercial interior design with significant focus on workplace environments through design and consultancy. Bachelor's or master's degree in interior design, interior architecture, or architecture from an accredited program. NCIDQ certification required. LEED AP, WELL AP or Fitwel Ambassador credentials strongly preferred. Demonstrated portfolio of completed workplace projects showcasing design leadership on projects of varying scale and complexity. Proven track record leading design for Fortune 500 companies, corporate headquarters or similar high‑profile workplace projects. Expert‑level proficiency in space planning, programming and workplace strategy principles. Advanced knowledge of building systems, construction methods and materials applications. Comprehensive understanding of accessibility codes and life safety requirements. Proficiency with design software including Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite and visualisation tools. Familiarity with workplace data analytics platforms and occupancy planning tools. Exceptional leadership presence with ability to inspire teams and influence senior stakeholders. Strong project management skills including budgeting and scheduling. Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while maintaining design quality and meeting deadlines. Experience mentoring junior staff and building high‑performing teams. Outstanding verbal and written communication skills with ability to articulate complex design concepts to diverse audiences. Polished presentation skills with experience presenting to C‑suite executives and large groups. Strong facilitation and consensus‑building capabilities. Ability to prepare compelling design narratives and documentation. Understanding of commercial real estate fundamentals, workplace economics and client business drivers. Awareness of competitive landscape and market trends affecting workplace design sector. Established industry relationships and professional network. Entrepreneurial attitude – must be self‑motivated and self‑managed and can multi‑task and organise several projects at a given time. Able to meet concurrent deadlines, sometimes under pressure and tight deadlines. Seeks out and responds well to feedback and direction from others. Ability to work both independently and within the fabric of a design team. Team player, culture‑builder. Proven experience leading workplace strategy, consulting or advisory engagements, translating business goals, work patterns and occupancy data into actionable workplace recommendations. Demonstrated success setting strategic direction across a regional or national practice, including portfolio‑level and multi‑account programmes. Experience contributing to business growth, including go‑to‑market strategy, leading pursuits and supporting practice financial performance across North America. Fluency in change management, workplace research and post‑occupancy evaluation to connect design decisions to measurable business and employee outcomes. Strong command of workplace data and analytics, using utilisation, occupancy and experience metrics to guide strategy and demonstrate value. Track record building, integrating and leading multidisciplinary design and strategy teams across multiple locations. Responsibilities: Develop and articulate design vision and strategy for complex workplace interior projects. Lead design charrettes and visioning sessions with senior client stakeholders, establishing design direction. Champion design excellence across project portfolios while ensuring consistency with firm standards and methodologies. Direct all phases of design development from concept through construction documentation, maintaining design integrity throughout project lifecycle. Review, approve and/or lead design deliverables including space plans, design documentation and visualisation, finish selections, client presentations and detail documentation. Coordinate with technical disciplines including MEP, structural, acoustics and technology to ensure integrated, holistic design solutions; conduct design quality reviews and mentor project teams to elevate design standards. Serve as primary design contact for key client accounts, building trusted advisor relationships with C‑suite executives, real‑estate leaders and workplace strategists. Lead client presentations communicating design concepts, rationale and value proposition with clarity and conviction. Navigate complex stakeholder environments, facilitating consensus among diverse groups while managing expectations and maintaining design vision. Provide regular coaching, feedback and professional development opportunities to strengthen team capabilities. Co‑lead workplace strategy agenda for the North American practice, aligning design direction with evolving ways of working, real‑estate goals and workplace trends. Lead strategic advisory engagements, including workplace visioning, work pattern analysis and occupancy planning, that connect client business objectives to design outcomes. Grow the design and strategy practice across North America, contributing to revenue targets, pursuit strategy and integrated service offerings. Partner with leadership to develop tools, methodologies and thought leadership that strengthen JLL Design’s strategic capability and market position. Use workplace data, research and post‑occupancy insight to inform decisions and demonstrate measurable value to clients. Expected 10 %–20 % travel to project sites as required. This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorised to work in the United States without sponsorship. Estimated Compensation 140,000.00 – 180,000.00 USD per year Location On‑site – Chicago, IL Benefits 401(k) plan with matching company contributions Comprehensive medical, dental and vision care Paid parental leave at 100 % of salary Paid time off and company holidays Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process – including the online application and/or overall selection process – you may email us at View email address on click.appcast.io. This email is only to request an accommodation. Please direct any other general recruiting inquiries to our Contact Us page. Pursuant to the Arizona Civil Rights Act, criminal convictions are not an absolute bar to employment. Pursuant to Illinois Law, applicants are not obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest. Pursuant to Columbia, SC ordinance, this position is subject to a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job‑related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate. Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, JLL will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 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