Project Architect - Workplace Interiors - Senior

Role Overview

You are a Senior Project Architect in our dynamic Chicago office, passionate about your craft and combining creativity, technical knowledge, and business acumen 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 collaborate with colleagues to enhance Gensler’s culture of design excellence, elevate quality, and achieve recognition for our clients and the firm.

Your unique design perspective leads design teams, develops next‑generation talent, introduces new approaches to design, and helps clients rethink what’s possible.

• Lead the creative efforts of multiple interior architecture and interior design teams for workplace projects from initial marketing stages through construction administration.
• 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.
• Advocate for diverse points of view and expansive thinking while integrating solutions into our design process.
• Drive alignment of designs with client resilience goals.
• Build and sustain client relationships; act as the primary design interface with clients, team members, and consultants.
• Creatively align solutions to budgets.
• Mentor and develop Gensler designers; provide creative direction.
• Participate in business development, marketing, and recruiting efforts.
• Integrate new technology and tools on projects (AR, VR, computational design, etc.).

• 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, color, and materials.
• Experience leading design teams through all phases of the design process.
• LEED, Fitwel, or WELL accreditation.
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Proficiency in design software programs including Sketch Up, Revit, InDesign, 3D Studio Max, Enscape, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Miro.
• Registered/Licensed Architect (or currently pursuing AREs).
• Demonstrated commitment to sustainability and sustainable building practices; portfolio includes at least one project with LEED, Living Building Challenge, WELL, Fitwel, or Net Zero certification.
• Willingness to work onsite in Chicago; this role is not remote or hybrid.

Base salary: $97,000 – $120,000 plus bonuses and benefits, contingent on relevant experience.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, paid time off, 401(k), profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and additional annual bonuses. The firm also offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses, exam fees, and tuition for eligible programs.

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affinitive Action employer of choice. All aspects of employment decisions are based on merit, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state, or local law, including disability, veteran status, or criminal history consistent with applicable law.