Senior Interior Designer

Perkins Eastman; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) options

PTO

Company paid holidays

Life insurance

Professional development

Job summary

Perkins Eastman is seeking a Senior Interior Designer in Chicago. The selected candidate will lead teams in delivering high-quality interior design projects, particularly in Workplace and Corporate Interiors. Responsibilities include overseeing design, documentation, and mentoring junior staff.

The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in Interior Design with at least 8 years of experience, proficiency in design software like Revit and AutoCAD, and excellent project management and communication skills. A focus on sustainability and adherence to building codes is essential.

This role offers a salary range of $88,000 to $94,000 and benefits that include robust medical coverage, 401(k) options, and a hybrid work policy.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8+ years of related industry experience required.
• Experience in Workplace/Corporate Interiors.
• Knowledge of building and ADA codes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the project team in aesthetic design development.
• Prepare and present design concepts through all project phases.
• Mentor junior staff in design and documentation.

Skills

Design software proficiency

Project management

Communication skills

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor’s Degree from a CIDA-accredited Interior Design program

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Photoshop

Illustrator

Job description

Opportunity

The Senior Interior Designer is responsible for project design quality, including FF&E and interior architecture. The Senior Interior Designer will lead teams to conceptualize the project, develop the initial design direction, oversee documentation, and make critical aesthetic decisions throughout the project while integrating input from clients and operators with a focus on Workplace / Corporate Interiors K-12, and Hospitality.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead/assist the project team in the development of the aesthetic design and the preparation of the interior design, including drawings and specifications.
• Serve as the Project Designer for the design of the project.
• Ability to present ideas clearly.
• Develop, present, and execute a design concept through all phases of project design, including pre‑schematic design, programming, schematic design, design development, construction documents, and furniture specification/bid packages.
• Develop design presentations including rendered plans, elevations, and 3D views.
• Participate in client meetings including interviews, visioning sessions, information gathering, and presentations.
• Follow established standards for project production and review.
• Keep Project Manager, Studio Leaders, and Principal in Charge informed of progress or need for assistance.
• Design, direct, and mentor junior staff in the design and documentation of the interior workplace design.
• Prepare program and schematic proposals and project layouts and develop designs in 3D using Revit or other 3D modeling software for client review/approval.
• Prepare finish and FF&E material palettes and graphic presentations for client approval.
• Support business development efforts within the corporate real‑estate community, helping to cultivate relationships and promote the PE brand to generate new project opportunities.
• Lead/assist the project team in the completion of FF&E design & documentation based on the project program, budget, and standards. Provide a final review of FF&E specifications.
• Oversee the review of furniture installation plans for conformance to specifications and brand standards.
• Review architectural and furniture installation plans and shop drawings for content and accuracy and ensure that they are fully coordinated with all pertinent consultant drawings.
• Ensure all consultant drawings and related physical elements are coordinated with Interior Design and FF&E and applicable building codes.
• Attend and/or direct on‑site meetings with the owner, consultants, and contractor, inclusive of construction review and FF&E installation, as necessary.
• Participate in activities related to construction administration, including shop drawings, field observations, response to RFIs, and punchlist.
• Implement and manage Perkins Eastman’s design and documentation standards to ensure project delivery success.
• Assist the studio and leaders with generating Design Services Proposals.
• Prioritize and manage the design of multiple projects.
• Ensure all deliverables, deadlines and budgets are met.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree from a 4‑year CIDA‑accredited Interior Design program or equivalent.
• Minimum of 8+ years of related industry experience required.
• Must have experience in Workplace / Corporate Interiors.
• Experience in K‑12 and Hospitality projects a plus.
• Passion for and understanding of sustainable design.
• Working knowledge of Brand Standards and ability to execute them.
• Thorough understanding of architectural interior design and building/ADA codes.
• Ability to produce and coordinate a complete set of construction documents for permit and bid.
• Knowledge of building and ADA codes.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

Technical Proficiency

• Strong proficiency with design software: Revit, AutoCAD, Photoshop, Illustrator, SketchUp, Affinity Suite / Adobe Suite, MS Office, and 3D software such as Enscape.

Soft Skills

• Excellent organization, time management, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in teams.
• Detail‑oriented and able to multi‑task.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, written, and graphic communication skills.
• Excellent graphic presentation skills.
• Ability to mentor team members and support growth through knowledge sharing.

Additional Experience (Preferred)

• Design team leadership.
• Writing FF&E specifications and FF&E budgeting.
• Ability to develop Design Narratives and FF&E schemes.
• Space planning; hand sketching ability a plus.
• Ability to think and articulate interior architectural design in 3D.
• Understanding and managing detailed construction documents, including:
• Floor plans
• Furniture floor plans
• Reflected ceiling plans (RCP)
• Power plans
• Elevations, details, and sections
• Finish schedules

Benefits

• Robust medical, dental and vision coverage.
• 401(k) options.
• PTO.
• Company paid holidays.
• Life insurance.
• Professional development.

Hybrid Work Policy

PE has a hybrid policy that allows flexibility for our employees in managing their working days and hours to cater to their diverse needs.

Salary Range

$88k to $94k

Equal Opportunity Employer

Perkins Eastman is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and a participant in the U.S. Federal E-Verify program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.