Project Architect - Workplace Interiors - Senior

Gensler; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 97,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Gensler in Chicago seeks a Senior Project Architect to lead interior architecture teams for workplace projects, blending creativity with business acumen to deliver functionally beautiful spaces. You will guide concepts from marketing to construction, mentor designers, and collaborate across consultants.

This role emphasizes leadership, sustainability, and client relationships, with involvement in FF&E selection, design strategy, and the adoption of new technologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of design or architecture.
• 10–15+ years of diverse interiors experience with an emphasis on workplace interiors.
• Advanced knowledge of the design process, including FF+E, furniture systems and specifications, color and materials.
• Experience leading design teams through all phases of the design process.
• LEED, Fitwell or WELL accreditation.
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Understanding and proficiency in design software programs including SketchUp, Revit, InDesign, 3D Studio Max, Enscape, Photoshop, and Illustrator), with proficiency in and Miro.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creative efforts of multiple interior architecture and interior design teams for workplace (office) projects from the initial marketing stages through construction administration
• In collaboration with a team, create overall design concepts, storytelling and design presentation strategies
• Participate in the selection and presentation of furniture, furniture systems, fabrics, equipment (FF&E), color palettes, and decorative lighting
• Generate concepts for finish plans, RCP, lighting plans, specifications, material selections, and millwork for the project
• Be a fearless integrator and advocate for diverse points of view and expansive thinking
• Drive alignment in our designs with our, and our clients’, resilience goals
• Build and sustain client relationships; act as the primary design interface with clients, team members, and a wide range of consultants and collaborators, both internal and external
• Creatively align solutions to budgets
• Mentor and develop Gensler designers; provide creative direction to design teams
• Participate in business development, marketing and recruiting efforts
• Integrate new technology and tools on projects (AR, VR, computational design, etc.)
• Interaction with clients while representing Gensler at meetings and presentations
• Be a voice in our Community for the Power of Design

Skills

Interior design leadership

Workplace interiors

Client relationship management

Sustainability focus

Education

Bachelor’s degree in design or architecture

Tools

SketchUp

Revit

InDesign

3D Studio Max

Enscape

Photoshop

Illustrator

Miro

Job description

Your Role

As a Senior Project Architect in our dynamic Chicago office, you are passionate about your craft and combine creativity and technical knowledge with business skills and understanding to produce functionally beautiful spaces for clients. You have exceptional conceptual design skills, and a portfolio of innovative design solutions with an emphasis on workplace projects.

Description

As a Senior Project Architect in our dynamic Chicago office, you are passionate about your craft and combine creativity and technical knowledge with business skills and understanding to produce functionally beautiful spaces for clients. You have exceptional conceptual design skills, and a portfolio of innovative design solutions with an emphasis on workplace projects.

You will collaborate with talented colleagues to enhance Gensler’s culture for design excellence, elevate the quality of design, and achieve recognition for our clients and the firm. You are a mix of strategic and creative, with the ability to create great form while embracing sound business strategy. Use your unique design perspective to lead design teams, develop next-generation talent, bring new approaches to the design process, and help our clients redesign what’s possible.

What You Will Do

• Lead the creative efforts of multiple interior architecture and interior design teams for workplace (office) projects from the initial marketing stages through construction administration
• In collaboration with a team, create overall design concepts, storytelling and design presentation strategies
• Participate in the selection and presentation of furniture, furniture systems, fabrics, equipment (FF&E), color palettes, and decorative lighting
• Generate concepts for finish plans, RCP, lighting plans, specifications, material selections, and millwork for the project
• Be a fearless integrator and advocate for diverse points of view and expansive thinking
• Drive alignment in our designs with our, and our clients’, resilience goals
• Build and sustain client relationships; act as the primary design interface with clients, team members, and a wide range of consultants and collaborators, both internal and external
• Creatively align solutions to budgets
• Mentor and develop Gensler designers; provide creative direction to design teams
• Participate in business development, marketing and recruiting efforts
• Integrate new technology and tools on projects (AR, VR, computational design, etc.)
• Interaction with clients while representing Gensler at meetings and presentations
• Be a voice in our Community for the Power of Design

Your Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of design or architecture
• 10-15+ years of diverse interiors experience with an emphasis on workplace interiors
• Advanced knowledge of the design process, including FF+E, furniture systems and specifications, color and materials
• Experience leading design teams through all phases of the design process
• LEED, Fitwell or WELL accreditation
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship management skills
• Understanding and proficiency in design software programs including SketchUp, Revit, InDesign, 3D Studio Max, Enscape, Photoshop, and Illustrator), with proficiency in and Miro.
• Registered/Licensed Architect (if you are in the process of taking AREs, feel free to contact [e-mail] to determine whether another opening could be a match for your background)
• Demonstrated commitment to sustainability and sustainable building practices; Portfolios will ideally include at least one project (especially built projects with LEED, Living Building Challenge, WELL Building Standard, Fitwel, and/or Net Zero Building certification) with this particular focus, which we look forward to discussing during the interview

This role is not remote or hybrid; we look forward to working with our new team member in our incredible Chicago office.

Compensation

• The base salary will be estimated between $97,000 – $120,000 plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience. To learn more about our compensation philosophy and full benefits offerings, please visit Great People, Great Rewards | Gensler

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 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affinitive 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.