Arch Spec CAD Designer Job

Primary location: Chicago, Illinois
Relocation offered: No
Employment status: Full-Time
Travel: No
Non-compete: No


The estimated base salary range for this role is "$68,000 to $74,000" per year.
Individual pay is based upon location, skills and expertise, experience and other relevant factors

What does it mean to work at Turf Design, a subsidiary of Armstrong World Industries?

It means being immersed in a supportive culture that recognizes you as a key player in Armstrong's future. We are a large company with a local feel, where you will get to know and collaborate with leadership and your colleagues across the company.

By joining us, you'll have the opportunity to make the most of your potential. Alongside a competitive remuneration package, you will receive:

A benefits package including: medical, dental, prescription drug, life insurance, 401k match, long-term disability coverage, vacation and sick time, product discount programs and many more.
Personal development to grow your career with us based on your strengths and interests.
A casual work environment where we have a recognition program for our team, and service awards. You will also be able to make the most of our fitness center and lunchtime cafe.
A working culture that balances individual achievement with teamwork and collaboration. We draw on each other's strengths and allow for different work styles to build engagement and satisfaction to deliver results.


We are seeking a skilled Designer to join our Design team. Depending on experience, candidates may be considered for either Level I (Designer) or Level II (Senior Designer) roles. In this position, you'll collaborate with clients, contractors, engineers, and production teams to develop detailed drafting and documentation for architectural-scale interior solutions using both premium and standard product lines.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys turning conceptual ideas into manufacturable and installable realities, working across the full lifecycle of projects-from early design to final production support

What You'll Do

Level I - Designer

Project Execution

• Develop drawings and documentation for all project phases, from design through engineering and handoff to production.
• Manage assigned projects through installation, ensuring smooth coordination and consistent progress.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate project timelines and needs to leadership.
• Ensure accuracy by verifying product layouts and communicating with project stakeholders.
• Create drafting packages following established design standards for use by Design, Engineering, and Production.

Client & Team Collaboration

• Participate in client discussions alongside team leadership.
• Package complete project specifications and documentation.
• Balance client requirements with manufacturability and product capabilities.
• Support development of custom design solutions, including hands-on prototyping to validate feasibility.
• Seek peer review to ensure quality and accuracy.

Internal Contributions

• Support internal initiatives, special projects, and product development activities.
• Maintain organized digital project files and documentation.
• Provide on-site support on the Production and Assembly floor as scheduled.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative studio environment.

Level II - Sr Designer

Level II Designers perform all Level I responsibilities with additional autonomy, leadership, and project complexity.

Project Leadership

• Lead the creation of drawings and documentation across the full project lifecycle-from early design concepts through engineering and production.
• Operate as the primary owner of assigned projects, typically working independently.
• Review and approve drawings created by others to ensure accuracy and quality.
• Mentor peers and support training for new team members.
• Manage high-volume or high-complexity projects, coordinating workflows across teams.
• Propose and implement adjustments to drawing standards when needed to support project outcomes.

Technical & Client Responsibilities

• Develop proposal drawings, shop drawings, installation documents, engineering content, and BOMs.
• Validate design intent by reviewing client documents and identifying risks or inconsistencies.
• Communicate and document changes throughout the drawing process.
• Coordinate closely with estimating, project coordination, and production teams.
• Lead design-focused discussions in client meetings, document outcomes, and integrate feedback.
• Prototype custom solutions and independently coordinate findings with internal stakeholders.

Internal Impact

• Support questions related to machining, materials, engineering constraints, timelines, and hardware.
• Explore design ideas, assist teammates, and contribute to process improvements.
• Collaborate across departments as needed for development work or special initiatives.

Who You Are

• Experienced in drafting for architectural, industrial, or product-focused design.
• Skilled at interpreting construction documents, sketches, and design intent.
• Comfortable working with multiple stakeholders across design, engineering, and production.
• Detail oriented, organized, and quality driven.
• A strong communicator who thrives in a collaborative, hands-on environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Windows Applications, including Microsoft Office and operating systems.
• Comfortable in high tolerance CAD/CAM production via CNC, as well as the production of shop drawings. Knowledge of digital fabrication techniques as well as CNC and/or prototyping experience is necessary.
• Ability to read and translate construction documents, ideation and form development, knowledge of materials and manufacturing process, firsthand experience in mock-ups, prototyping & mechanical aptitude.
• Able to prioritize and manage project deadlines.
• Proficient in Rhino 3D and Adobe CC (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) required.
• Excellent communication and people skills; collaborator.
• Initiative-taker with a strong ability to multi-task and juggle multiple responsibilities.

Education and/or Experience

• Associate or bachelor's degree in architecture, industrial design, or a related field. MA preferred for Levels II but not required.
• Minimum 1-3 years' (Level I) experience in architecture and/or product design.
• Minimum 3-5 years' (Levels II) experience in architecture and/or product design.
• Experience with Grasshopper/Dynamo, Revit/AutoCAD preferred. Visualization skills in vRay, 3DS Max, etc. a plus.

Why should you join Turf Design, a subsidiary of Armstrong World Industries?

Armstrong World Industries (AWI) is a leader in the design and manufacture of innovative commercial and residential ceiling, wall and suspension system solutions in the Americas. With approximately $1B in revenue, AWI has about 2,800 employees and a manufacturing network of fifteen facilities in North America.

At home, at work, in healthcare facilities, classrooms, stores, or restaurants, we offer interior solutions that help to enhance comfort, save time, improve building efficiency and overall performance, and create beautiful spaces.

For more than 150 years, we have built our business on trust and integrity. It set us apart then, and it sets us apart now, along with our ability to collaborate with and innovate for the people we're here to serve - our customers, our shareholders, our communities and our employees.

We are committed to developing new and sustainable ceiling solutions, with design and performance possibilities that make a positive difference in spaces where we live, work, learn, heal and play. It's an exciting, rewarding business to be in, and we're committed to continue to grow and prosper for the benefit of all of our stakeholders. We hope you join us.

Our Sustainability Ambition

"Bringing our Purpose to Life" - lead a transformation in the design and building of spaces fit for today and tomorrow.
We are committed to:

• Engaging a diverse, purpose-driven workforce ;
• Transforming buildings from structures that shelter into structures that serve and preserve the health and well-being of people and planet ;
• Pursuing sustainable, innovative solutions for spaces where we live, work, learn heal and play;
• Being a catalyst for change with all of our stakeholders; and
• Making a positive difference in the environments and communities we impact .

Armstrong is committed to engaging a diverse, purpose-driven workforce. As part of our dedication to diversity, AWI is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard for race, sex, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at by email at AWI talent acquisition and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

Come and build your future with us and apply today!