Commercial Design Lead - Chicago

The Commercial Design Lead is a senior creative and strategic leadership role responsible for setting and upholding the firm’s design vision while partnering with Project Managers, Project Directors, and Studio Leadership to deliver high-quality, buildable work. This role balances creative excellence with pragmatic execution and plays a critical role shaping design strategy and initiatives, mentoring design staff and supporting business development efforts.

Hoerr Schaudt Design Leads are trusted design leaders who influence projects, people, clients, and the design direction of the firm.

• Ensures design excellence is embedded firm-wide
  , elevating the quality, consistency, and reputation of the commercial portfolio.
• Strengthens the firm’s market position and brand visibility within commercial, civic, and specialty markets.
• Develops the next generation of design leaders through mentorship and cultural leadership.
• Helps to drive commercial revenue growth through relationship-based business development and strategic pursuits.

• Establishes and upholds the firm’s design philosophy, ensuring consistent excellence across all commercial projects.
• Leads project design visioning from conceptual design through technical drawings on signature and high-profile projects while supporting project teams firm wide.
• Works closely to embed design thinking, innovation, and sustainability across the organization.
• Collaborates closely with an internal, initiative-driven design group to embed design thinking and innovation, and sustainability across the organization.
• Serves as the primary design voice for select key clients and complex projects.
• Ensures design intent is maintained from concept through construction while balancing budget, schedule, and constructability.
• Builds long-term, trust-based client relationships through clear communication and leadership.
• Participate in key client presentations and design reviews, particularly during early and critical phases.
• Partner with Project Managers to align design decisions with scope, schedule, and fee.
• Support resolution of design-related challenges and client feedback while protecting design integrity.
• People, Culture & Talent Development
  • A team player who fosters a collaborative studio culture rooted in mentorship, accountability, and creative rigor.
  • Identifies and develops emerging design leaders across all levels of the organization.
  • Supports recruiting efforts and talent pipelines through university and industry engagement.
  • May manage a small team who provides skill-specific design resources and expertise throughout the entire firm.
• Strategic & Organizational Leadership
  • Participates in firm leadership and design strategy and initiatives, contributing to staffing, structure, and long-term strategy.
  • Supports proposal development, competitions, and major pursuits through design leadership.
  • Upholds rigorous QA/QC standards to ensure excellence, consistency, and buildability.
• Commercial Growth & Market Leadership
  • Leads business development strategy for commercial projects, including client cultivation, pursuit planning, and RFP oversight.
  • Partners with Marketing and firm leadership to refine positioning, messaging, and go-to-market strategies.
  • Identifies emerging market opportunities and aligns services with evolving client needs.
  • Acts as a visible representative of the firm at key industry events, conferences, and client forums.

• Demonstrates strong creative leadership while remaining pragmatic and solutions oriented.
• Balances design ambition with project realities, budgets, and schedules.
• Communicates clearly and confidently with clients, project teams, and firm leadership.
• Actively contributes to business development by supporting pursuits, cultivating client relationships, and representing the firm externally.
• Reinforces a positive, collaborative studio culture grounded in mentorship, accountability, and high design standards.
• Leads by example—modeling professionalism, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Builds trust across teams and clients through consistency, follow-through, and thoughtful leadership.