Design Manager - Workplace Interiors

Gensler; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Gensler is seeking an experienced Design/Project Manager to lead corporate interiors projects from conception through delivery in a dynamic, collaborative environment in Chicago. You will manage client relationships, coordinate across disciplines, and mentor junior staff while ensuring profitability and design excellence.

The role covers a range of project types including headquarters, hybrid work settings, coworking destinations, and speculative offices, requiring strong leadership across all

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Interior Design or Architecture.
• 7+ total years of relevant design experience; inclusive of 2+ years of project management in a commercial architecture firm delivering corporate interiors.

Responsibilities

• Act as a design manager for a variety of project types in workplace design.
• Lead projects and marketing opportunities with existing clients, and work closely with Marketing for business development reporting, lead generation, and proposal writing.
• Drive the project delivery during all phases of the project.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, and work plans.
• Prepare and review proposals, contracts, and consultant agreements.
• Review internal project accounting documents and process draft project billing.
• Mentor junior staff
• Participate in firm marketing, proposal writing, and project interviews
• Manage mid-size to large project teams, assign and monitor completion of tasks
• Coordinate and document preparation for projects
• Other related duties as assigned

Skills

Project management

Client service

Mentoring

Space planning

FF&E

Building codes

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Interior Design or Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

SketchUp

Photoshop

Microsoft Office

Project

Job description

07-22-2026

Full-Time

Chicago, IL, US

At Gensler, we help companies innovate. We design spaces, services and environments for organizations seeking new ways to provide value for themselves by fostering healthier, more effective workplaces. We are searching for an experienced Design Manager with a successful track record of managing all phases of corporate interiors projects and leading multiple complex projects at the same time.

Your Role

A Design/Project Manager at Gensler works with autonomy and is responsible for executing a variety of project types and sizes, leading all phases of projects. Potential projects span dynamic corporate campuses and high-profile commercial office environments, shaping the future of workplace design. These opportunities include cutting-edge headquarters, flexible and hybrid work settings, coworking destinations, innovation hubs, and speculative office developments that redefine how people work and collaborate.

This role is involved throughout the full project delivery process and requires a strong working knowledge of that process to ensure successful project outcomes. The Design Manager leads relationships with clients, contractors, agencies, as well as engineering and specialty consultants. They also collaborate with and mentor junior staff to foster a high level of design quality and ensure client satisfaction, serving as the primary point of contact for all work produced.

What You Will Do

• Act as a design manager for a variety of project types in workplace design
• Demonstrated ability to generate new client relationships, lead projects and marketing opportunities with existing clients, and working closely with our Marketing department to lead business development reporting, lead generation, and proposal writing
• Drive the project delivery during all phases of the project
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, and work plans
• Prepare and review proposals, contracts, and consultant agreements
• Review internal project accounting documents and process draft project billing
• Participate in firm marketing, proposal writing, and project interviews
• Manage mid-size to large project teams, assign and monitor completion of tasks
• Mentor junior staff
• Participate in the coordination and document preparation for projects
• Other related duties as assigned

Your Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Interior Design or Architecture
• 7+ total years of relevant design experience; inclusive of 2+ years of project management experience in a commercial architecture firm, delivering corporate interior projects
• Experience working at architectural scale within large, complex environments, coordinating across multiple disciplines and existing building systems
• Knowledge and experience in all phases of projects that span both interior design and core and shell Architecture
• Ability to provide excellent client service and assure project profitability
• Desire to mentor junior staff
• Strong programming and space planning skills
• High level of design competence and expertise in FF&E
• Knowledge of state and local building codes including accessibility
• Sustainable design experience, with a preference for hands‑on LEED project participation and accreditation
• Computer savvy with moderate or better skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and Project), and AutoCAD
• Revit, SketchUp and Photoshop skills are a benefit
• Experience with construction management and/ or design build projects preferred

*The base salary will be estimated between $95,000 - $130,000 plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience.

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to "Well-being Awareness Week," our offices reflect our people's diverse interests.

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.

As part of the firm's commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmatively Action employer of choice. All aspects of employment decisions will be based on merit, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state and local law.

Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with federal, state and local law.

See also Know your rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal, right to work and E-verify program, as required by law.

Gensler endeavors to make gensler.com/careers accessible to all applicants. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us.

Regarding Gensler's approach to recruiting new talent, we will never ask an applicant for sensitive or personal financial information during the recruitment process. We advise all applicants seeking employment with Gensler to review available information on recruitment fraud. Anyone who suspects that they have been contacted by someone falsely representing Gensler should email [e-mail].