Design Manager

US AMR-Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

JLL in Chicago seeks a Design Manager to lead high-end hospitality design across luxury hotel and restaurant environments. You will collaborate with project management, brand and architects to deliver elegant spaces that meet budgets and brand standards.

Role requires a professional degree in interior design or architecture and 10+ years in premium hospitality design, with strong AutoCAD and budgeting skills. Join a team delivering sophisticated concepts and coordinated execution.

Qualifications

• Professional degree in Interior Design or Architecture
• 10+ years of direct experience in high-end hospitality design
• Extensive knowledge of luxury hospitality operations and guest experience design
• Expert understanding of FF&E procurement, budgeting, and installation coordination
• Knowledge of building codes, accessibility standards, and hospitality regulations
• Strong proficiency in construction documentation and coordination with trades
• Experience with AutoCAD and producing detailed construction documents
• Proficiency in MS Office for budgets and presentations
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities
• Experience with historic renovation or luxury properties (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with PMs, brand, architects and stakeholders to maintain design schedules
• Navigate complex design details for high-end hospitality projects
• Monitor and control FF&E budgets with cost analyses and value engineering
• Develop design concepts reflecting brand standards and guest experience
• Review design documents for technical accuracy and constructability
• Coordinate with owners, brand representatives and consultants to maintain vision
• Prepare presentation materials to communicate design intent to leadership
• Collaborate with vendors to develop custom design solutions
• Incorporate sustainable and wellness-focused design practices
• Maintain thorough documentation of decisions, specs, budgets and schedules

Skills

Interior Design

Architecture

Hospitality Design

FF&E procurement

Construction documentation

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Education

Professional degree in Interior Design or Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

SketchUp

InDesign

Microsoft Office

Job description

Design Manager

Chicago, IL 60603

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 peopleand empowering them tothrive, 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.

What this Role Involves

In this role as Design Manager within our Hospitality Design & Construction team, you'll leverage your extensive high-end hospitality design expertise to deliver exceptional guest experiences through sophisticated, detail-oriented environments. You will work collaboratively with project management teams to maintain project schedules, navigate complex design challenges, and ensure design integrity and furniture specifications remain within established budgets. This position requires a seasoned professional who can balance creative excellence with practical project execution while managing the intricate details that define luxury hospitality.

Job Responsibilities:

Collaborate closely with project management teams, brand, architects and other stakeholders to maintain design schedules, proactively identify potential delays, and implement solutions to keep projects on track

Navigate and resolve complex design details inherent to high-end hospitality projects, including custom millwork, specialty finishes, bespoke furniture, and intricate installation sequences

Monitor and control design and FF&E budgets throughout all project phases, providing cost analysis, value engineering recommendations, and budget reconciliation

Develop and refine design concepts that reflect brand standards and elevate the guest experience in luxury hospitality environments

Review and provide detailed commentary on design documents at all stages, ensuring technical accuracy, constructability, and alignment with project objectives

Coordinate with internal stakeholders, ownership groups, brand representatives, and external consultants to maintain design vision while addressing operational requirements

Prepare comprehensive presentation materials and effectively communicate design intent, material selections, and project progress to executive leadership and ownership

Collaborate with specialized vendors and artisans to develop custom design solutions that meet the elevated standards of high-end hospitality

Incorporate sustainable design practices and wellness-focused elements that align with contemporary luxury hospitality expectations

Maintain thorough documentation of design decisions, specifications, budgets, and schedules throughout project lifecycle

Required Qualifications, Capabilities, and Skills:

Professional degree in Interior Design or Architecture with 10+ years of direct experience in high-end hospitality design, including boutique hotels, luxury resorts, or premium restaurant environments

Demonstrated success managing all phases of complex hospitality projects from concept through completion, with proven ability to handle multiple sophisticated projects simultaneously

Extensive knowledge of luxury hospitality operations, guest experience design, and the intricate detailing required for premium environments

Expert understanding of FF&E procurement, specification, budgeting, and installation coordination for high-end hospitality applications

Comprehensive knowledge of building codes, accessibility standards, hospitality-specific regulations, and building systems as they relate to guest-facing environments

Strong technical proficiency in construction documentation, custom millwork detailing, material specifications, and coordination with specialized trades

Applied knowledge of AutoCAD software with ability to produce and review detailed construction documents

Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project) for budget tracking, scheduling, and presentation development

Exceptional communication skills with ability to articulate complex design details to diverse audiences, from craftsmen to executive leadership

Proven leadership abilities with strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and effective relationship management capabilities

Familiarity with MEP and structural systems and their integration within hospitality design solutions

Preferred Qualifications, Capabilities, and Skills:

Experience with internationally recognized luxury hospitality brands or independent high-end properties

Portfolio demonstrating sophisticated material palettes, custom furniture design, and completed high-end hospitality projects

Additional proficiency in Revit, SketchUp, InDesign, or rendering software

Registration or certification with NCIDQ, AIA, or relevant professional association

Experience with historic renovation or adaptive reuse projects within hospitality contexts

Knowledge of emerging hospitality design trends, wellness-focused design, and experiential guest environments

This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Estimated compensation for this position:

100,000.00 – 150,000.00 USD per year

What this Role Involves

In this role as Design Manager within our Hospitality Design & Construction team, you'll leverage your extensive high-end hospitality design expertise to deliver exceptional guest experiences through sophisticated, detail-oriented environments. You will work collaboratively with project management teams to maintain project schedules, navigate complex design challenges, and ensure design integrity and furniture specifications remain within established budgets. This position requires a seasoned professional who can balance creative excellence with practical project execution while managing the intricate details that define luxury hospitality.

Job