Interior Design Team Lead

Interior Design Team Lead – Chicago Buildings + Places

AECOM’s Chicago Buildings + Places team is seeking a visionary interior design leader to oversee and guide our interior design team in delivering exceptional, client‑focused design solutions. This hybrid role requires a dynamic leader who combines creative expertise with strong project management skills to ensure the successful execution of interior design projects across various sectors. The position is located in Chicago, IL.

The Interior Design Team Lead is a senior leadership role responsible for delivering design excellence, driving project performance, and developing high‑performing teams. This role balances hands‑on design leadership with people management, client engagement, and business outcomes—supporting practice growth, profitability, and long‑term client relationships in alignment with regional and national objectives.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of interior designers, fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, accountability, and professional growth.
• Manage staffing, workloads, and resource allocation to ensure efficient project delivery.
• Conduct performance reviews, provide coaching and feedback, and support career development.
• Contribute to practice growth through team development, client engagement, and market presence.

• Serve as a trusted client partner, translating vision and goals into clear, actionable design strategies.
• Present design concepts and solutions, incorporating client feedback through design development.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships that drive repeat work and referrals.
• Strengthen AECOM’s presence in the design community through relationships with clients, consultants, and industry partners.

• Work closely with the Design Director to lead the development and review of interior design concepts and deliverables, ensuring design excellence and alignment with client, brand, and project objectives.
• Oversee multiple projects concurrently, managing scope, schedules, budgets, and quality.
• Review and approve design documentation, including concepts, renderings, material selections, and technical drawings.
• Collaborate closely with architects, engineers, contractors, and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless execution.
• Monitor project performance, proactively addressing risks and challenges to maintain efficiency and client satisfaction.

• Represent AECOM at industry events, conferences, and exhibitions.
• Stay current on design trends, innovations, and best practices, sharing insights with teams and clients.

• Work with a high-performing, collaborative team on projects that matter.
• Engage across multidisciplinary practices and business lines, with opportunities to support regional strategy.
• Contribute to creating a high-performing and inclusive culture.

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture or interior design plus 10 years of relevant experience, including 2 years of leadership (or equivalent) in commercial interiors design and/or project management.
• Professional licensure in field of study.
• Valid driver’s license.

• Master’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or Business.
• 15+ years of experience at a large interiors or architectural firm, including 5+ years in leadership.
• Experience across multiple market sectors such as workplace, justice, federal, and healthcare.
• Proven ability to lead teams and deliver projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong client management skills with a demonstrated ability to grow existing and new client relationships.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Experience contributing to thought leadership through panels, presentations, or publications.
• Strong understanding of project planning, staffing, budgets, and profitability.
• Proficiency in PowerPoint, Photoshop, and InDesign; familiarity with Revit.

• Sponsorship is not available for this role.

Offered rate of compensation will be based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. The range for this position is $150,000 to $180,000 per year.

Comprehensive benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absence, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well‑being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.