Interior Designer II - Living Interiors

HKS; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

HKS is seeking a certified Interior Designer with 5+ years of experience to lead concept to construction documentation for complex interiors projects in Chicago. The role emphasizes collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams and applying sustainable design practices.

The successful candidate will produce renderings, finish selections, cost estimates, and detailed construction documents using Revit, Enscape, AutoCAD, and related tools, while guiding junior designers and coordinating with clients.

Qualifications

• Accredited professional degree in Interior Design or related field.
• Typically 5+ years of experience in interior design projects.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates on all phases of the design process from programming to construction administration.
• Develop interiors concepts based on client vision and architectural context.
• Generates renderings and finish plans for construction.
• Provides design support and implementation documentation.
• Coordinates documentation for interiors projects with minimal supervision.
• Assists in leading design presentations and client communications.
• Supports FF&E, color palettes and lighting selections with sustainable design practices.
• Coordinates with project team on reviews, RFIs and submittals.

Skills

Project management

Client coordination

Communication

Team leadership

Sustainable design

Creative problem solving

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Interior Design or related field

NCIDQ certification

Tools

Revit

Twinmotion

Enscape

AutoCAD

Photoshop

Illustrator

InDesign

Navisworks

Rhino

MS Office Suite

Job description

Overview: Exercises independent judgment in evaluation, selection and use of standard techniques, and solves problems when encountered. A certified Interior Designer who possesses and applies a diversified knowledge of interior design principles, practices and procedures to complete assignments with originality and ingenuity. Anticipates job expectations and contributes to project and design solutions.

This position is anticipated to begin in January 2027.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates on all phases of the design process including programming client needs, conceptual and schematic design, design development, document preparation and construction administration
• Collaborates in the development of interiors concepts based on client vision, desire, project scope and architectural concept
• Utilizes creative thinking to achieve innovative solutions
• Generates renderings and visual presentations that convey the design concepts to the client and generates finish plans, specifications and material selections needed for construction
• Provides design support and implementation documentation during completion and execution of design concepts
• May coordinate documentation effort for interiors projects of varying sizes with minimal guidance
• Maintains awareness of project program documents and schedules, including effectively meeting deadlines
• Participates in and may assist in leading design presentations internally and externally
• Effectively collaborates on implementation documentation and conveys design requirements and solutions to the broader design and construction team
• Participates in the selection and presentation of furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E), color palettes and lighting to incorporate responsible and sustainable design practices
• Coordinates and may lead client presentations
• Collaborates in the development of cost estimates for design proposals
• Coordinates with project team on review and approval of final interior and exterior programming, design development documents, construction documents, furnishings selections and purchases, RFIs and submittals
• Participates in product presentations to maintain knowledge of industry drivers, products and materials available on the market
• Communicates with other disciplines, product representatives, furniture dealers, and fabricators and contractors to incorporate all information into project requirements
• Participates in and may lead team meetings to discuss project issues, technical issues and coordination with other disciplines
• May prepare meeting minutes

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Accredited professional degree in Interior Design, Architecture or related field
• Typically 5+ years of experience

Licenses and Certifications

• NCIDQ certification required
• Sustainable design accreditation strongly preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Advanced – expert-level experience, knowledge or skills
• Intermediate – experience, knowledge or skills required to produce high-quality solutions or work
• Basic – familiar with primary concepts or capabilities and can perform elementary functions
• Advanced experience and skills in Revit, Bluebeam, Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign required
• Advanced experience in Twinmotion, Enscape or other visualization tools required
• Intermediate experience and skills in Rhino, Grasshopper and Dynamo required; advanced preferred
• Intermediate skills in AI design tools and virtual reality such as VR headsets and Yulio required
• Intermediate skills in MS Office Suite preferred
• Intermediate knowledge of sustainability and integrated design guidelines required
• Intermediate knowledge of furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) to carry out design intent preferred
• Basic knowledge of furniture specifications software required, and of Navisworks preferred
• Basic knowledge of building codes and ability to research and incorporate into technical documents required
• Intermediate experience with managing and performing duties in a fast-paced environment required
• Intermediate organizational skills and ability to work on multiple projects at the same time required
• Basic ability to communicate and present ideas in a clear, concise and professional manner both verbally and in writing preferred
• Intermediate ability to problem solve and apply innovative solutions required
• Intermediate ability to work and collaborate in a team environment required
• Advanced ability to effectively meet deadlines at expected quality required
• Travel may be required

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HKS is an EEO/AA Employer: M/F/Disabled/Veteran