Interior Designer | Intermediate

This role focuses on developing thoughtful and functional interior design solutions that align with client goals across all project phases. The Interior Designer leads and coordinates project teams, collaborates closely with consultants and engineers, and ensures high-quality documentation and delivery. The position offers the opportunity to work on a variety of community-focused projects, mentor junior designers, and contribute to both ground-up and renovation work in a collaborative, growth-oriented studio environment. Responsibilities Develop interior design solutions that meet client goals and project requirements across all phases, from schematic design through construction administration. Coordinate design efforts with consultants, including MEP and other disciplines, to ensure cohesive and integrated project delivery. Lead and oversee the work of interior design project team members, providing clear direction, feedback, and support. Provide mentorship and guidance to junior team members, helping them grow their technical and design skills. Participate actively in client meetings, presenting design concepts, gathering feedback, and maintaining strong client relationships. Create detailed plans and 3D renderings, assemble presentation drawings, and develop finish boards that clearly communicate design intent. Produce comprehensive construction documentation and perform quality checks on both personal work and the work of team members to ensure accuracy and consistency. Participate in the submittal process, including preparing addenda sketches and drawing revisions as needed throughout the project lifecycle. Assist with permitting processes, coordinating with relevant authorities and ensuring documentation meets required standards. Participate in punch-list walk-throughs, documenting and following up on items to ensure successful project closeout. Own and operate independently across all project phases, including programming, schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding and permitting, and construction administration. Manage FF&E efforts, including research, selection, specification, and coordination with FF&E dealers. Lead and manage multiple projects and teams simultaneously, including scheduling, workload planning, deadlines, and QA/QC oversight. Apply knowledge of building codes and standard construction methods to ensure compliant and constructible design solutions. Travel locally approximately twice per month to project sites or client meetings as needed. Additional Skills & Qualifications NCIDQ certification preferred. Working knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign preferred, with willingness to learn and receive training as needed. Experience using Deltek for project management is a plus. Prior experience with community-focused sectors such as K-12 education, libraries, municipal facilities, recreation, and workplace projects is highly beneficial. Comfort working in a family-oriented, collaborative environment that values personality, work ethic, and long-term growth. Interest in ongoing professional development, including licensure and certification. This position is based within an established architecture and interior design firm located in the heart of downtown Chicago near the Willis Tower. The studio focuses on design for communities, with primary market sectors including K-12 education, libraries, municipal facilities such as fire and police stations and town halls, recreation and park district amenities, and workplace environments. The majority of projects are renovation-focused, with additional work in ground-up construction. Project sites are primarily located in the Chicago suburbs, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana, and the team maintains a highly client-focused, hands‑on approach, partnering closely with clients to design spaces that achieve their goals. The firm operates as a studio environment that values long-standing relationships as much as design excellence. The overall team consists of approximately 46 people, with an interiors team of around 10 members, fostering a close-knit and collaborative group. Standard office hours are 8:00 . to 5:00 . with a one‑hour lunch break, and there is flexibility around start and end times to accommodate appointments and personal needs, with most employees arriving between 8:00–9:00 . and leaving between 4:30–5:30 . Overtime is limited where possible, though some additional hours are expected during peak deadlines. The role follows a hybrid schedule of approximately 2–3 days in the office each week, with Mondays as a mandatory in-office day for office meetings and additional in-office days planned and documented on a team board. New employees typically work in the office five days per week for approximately the first two months to support onboarding and integration. The culture is family‑oriented and collaborative, with low turnover and daily interaction with senior leadership. Employees benefit from bonus and profit‑sharing opportunities, mileage reimbursement for client‑related travel, paid time off for licensing exams, weekly lunch‑and‑learn sessions for education hours, access to study materials, and reimbursement for licensure and certification costs upon completion. Additional benefits are available upon request. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $36.05 - $43.27/hr. Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long‑term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in Chicago,IL. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Aug 10, 2026. #J-18808-Ljbffr