Lead Interior Designer

Interior Talent; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Interior Talent, Inc in Chicago is seeking a Lead Interior Designer to oversee high-end residential projects from concept through completion, maintaining a distinctive design vision and an exceptional client experience.

The role requires guiding the project team, leading client presentations, and ensuring technical soundness and organized project delivery. This is an in-office, full-time leadership position.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of residential interior design experience (luxury experience preferred).
• Proven experience mentoring others (formally or informally) and strong project management.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD; Studio Designer experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee projects from concept through completion while upholding a distinctive design vision and client experience.
• Lead design presentations and ensure quality control.
• Coordinate client meetings, onboarding, and ongoing communication to keep projects on track.
• Keep projects organized, teams aligned, and clients supported throughout the process.

Skills

Residential interior design

Project management

Client presentations

Mentoring/leadership

AutoCAD

Tools

AutoCAD

Studio Designer

Job description

Lead Interior Designer | High End Residential Design

Chicago, IL | In Office | Full Time

Are you an experienced interior designer who brings together creative vision, technical expertise, project leadership, and exceptional client service?

A highly regarded full-service residential design firm in Chicago is seeking a Lead Interior Designer to oversee projects from concept through completion while upholding a distinctive design vision, high standards, and an exceptional client experience.

This is an opportunity for a confident design leader who thrives equally in creative and operational environments. You’ll play a key role in delivering beautiful, layered, highly livable interiors while keeping projects organized, teams aligned, and clients supported throughout the process.

You’ll work closely with the Principal and broader design team to ensure projects move efficiently, presentations are exceptionally thoughtful and technically sound, and every client feels expertly guided through a structured, intentional, and highly personalized design process.

Key Impact Areas

• Project Flow & Office Operations Support
• Design Presentation Leadership & Quality Control
• Client Meetings & Communication
• Onboarding & Client Investment Support

Qualifications

• 5+ years of residential interior design experience (luxury experience preferred)
• Proven experience managing and mentoring others (formally or informally)
• Strong project management skills with the ability to see both the big picture and the fine details
• Proficiency in AutoCAD required and experience with Studio Designer preferred
• Confident leading client presentations and design discussions
• Technically strong in construction and renovation projects, including plan review, drawings coordination, and construction-phase communication
• Strong experience in FF&E specification, including material/fabric selection, furniture and lighting specifications, and detailed documentation
• Highly organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple projects at once
• Solutions-oriented with a steady, composed presence
• Comfortable adapting to evolving processes
• Collaborative, accountable, and invested in team success
• Strong project management skills with the ability to see both the big picture and the fine details

Interior Talent, Inc

Since its founding in 2003, Interior Talent has evolved into one of the leading talent recruitment and retention firms for the Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering, Retail, and Manufacturing industries. Our defined area of expertise and ability to continually adapt to the unique needs of our clients allow us to provide focused, individualized service.