Interior Designer

Actalent; Illinois; On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Interior Designer to lead high-end hospitality projects from concept through construction. You will develop design solutions, coordinate with partners, and mentor junior designers while shaping custom restaurant and residential environments in a collaborative studio.

The role emphasizes technical documentation, project management, and clear client communication across multiple project phases within a lively studio setting.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering hospitality interior design projects from concept to construction.
• Strong technical documentation and project coordination skills.
• Ability to mentor junior designers and communicate with clients.

Responsibilities

• Execute project deliverables within schedule established by the Project Manager.
• Develop multiple design iterations aligned with the Senior Designer's direction.
• Communicate design ideas through sketches, plans, elevations, renderings, and mood boards.
• Translate design into coordinated documentation using CAD, SketchUp, Enscape, and Bluebeam.
• Coordinate finish plans, materials, schedules, and product information for hospitality projects.
• Coordinate with architects, consultants, vendors, and fabricators to align with design intent.
• Review drawings and submittals to ensure accuracy and adherence to design intent.
• Manage shop drawings, RFIs, and construction administration documentation.
• Visit sites, perform field observations, and verify design implementation.
• Mentor junior team members and provide clear feedback to support deliverables.

Skills

Project management

Client coordination

Mentoring

Communication

Tools

CAD

SketchUp

Enscape

Bluebeam

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Interior Designer

Job Description

This role focuses on delivering high-end hospitality interior design projects from concept through construction, with a strong emphasis on technical documentation, project management, and client correspondence. You will develop and execute design solutions, coordinate with internal and external partners, mentor junior designers, and help shape custom restaurant, hospitality, and residential environments. The position offers the opportunity to work across multiple project phases in a lively, collaborative studio environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute project deliverables within the hours and schedule established by the Project Manager, ensuring work is completed accurately and on time.
• Develop multiple design iterations and options aligned with the design direction established by the Senior Designer for review and refinement.
• Communicate design ideas clearly through hand sketches, plans, elevations, details, 3D models, renderings, mood boards, and presentation materials.
• Translate conceptual design into coordinated documentation from Schematic Design through Construction Administration using CAD, SketchUp, Enscape, Bluebeam, and other project tools.
• Coordinate finish plans, material selections, specifications, schedules, and supporting product information for hospitality and restaurant projects.
• Apply working knowledge of spatial and programmatic requirements, construction standards, detailing, product performance, installation methods, accessibility, and applicable code requirements.
• Coordinate with architects, consultants, vendors, and fabricators to integrate project information, resolve conflicts, and maintain alignment with design intent.
• Develop and coordinate custom furniture, millwork, fixtures, and architectural details in alignment with the approved design direction.
• Review and redline drawings, renderings, models, prototypes, and consultant documentation produced internally or externally to ensure accuracy and adherence to design intent.
• Manage shop drawing reviews, submittals, RFIs, design clarifications, and other Construction Administration documentation in coordination with the Project Manager.
• Participate in site visits, field observations, punch walks, and installation reviews to verify design implementation and quality.
• Independently manage assigned project tasks, deadlines, priorities, open items, and deliverables under the direction of the Project Manager.
• Coordinate workload across multiple projects and communicate proactively regarding missing information, schedule concerns, scope impacts, or resource needs.
• Track and document project decisions, design changes, revisions, and open items for integration into project deliverables.
• Delegate appropriate tasks to junior team members and provide clear information and direction to support timely, coordinated deliverables.
• Review the work of Designer I, Technical Designer I, Design Assistants, and Interns as assigned, ensuring quality and consistency.
• Train and mentor junior team members in design development, documentation, project coordination, and studio standards.
• Provide clear redlines, direction, and constructive feedback to improve the quality and accuracy of project work.
• Coordinate junior staff and intern assignments with Project Managers based on project needs and schedules.
• Support project leadership by communicating with clients, consultants, vendors, and project partners to distribute deliverables, obtain information, and maintain project coordination.
• Maintain project trackers, files, and folders in accordance with studio standards to ensure organized and accessible documentation.
• Maintain timely and professional communication through meetings, email, markups, and internal coordination.
• Demonstrate accountability, organization, sound judgment, and consistent follow-through on assigned responsibilities.
• Actively seek feedback and demonstrate a willingness to listen and learn from all members of the team.
• Research and follow industry developments, materials, technology, construction practices, and design best practices to inform project work.
• Continue to develop both creative design capabilities and technical documentation skills, with a particular focus on technical documentation support, project management, and client correspondence.
• Contribute to custom hospitality and retail projects, including custom restaurant environments, with student housing experience considered a plus.
• Support projects in expanding markets, including hospitality, hotel, and residential sectors, as the studio grows into new markets.

Essential Skills