Interior Designer - Education - Senior

Your Role

We design spaces, services and environments for organizations and institutions seeking new ways to innovate and improve their environments. We are searching for a Designer with a focus in interiors in the higher education, academic workplace and research environment to join our team in Chicago. As a Gensler Designer your job will be to combine creativity and technical knowledge to produce functionally beautiful spaces for clients.

• Utilize your experience to perform interior design assignments that include programming, space planning, conceptual design, schematic design, design development and construction documentation.
• Generate finish plans, specifications and material selections needed for construction.
• Provide design support and documentation during completion and execution of design concepts.
• Effectively communicate design ideas by hand sketching and/or digital graphics.
• Lead design conversations with clients, guide concept development and project direction, and delegate to Junior designers.
• Develop members of your teams and studio by mentoring and coaching those on your team.
• Have an industry presence and be an Interior Design resource for those in the studio.
• Create thoughtful material palettes through a conceptual and sustainability lens.
• Work with external consultants, product representatives, furniture dealers and fabricators.
• Support communication between project team, clients, vendors, contractors, consultants and building and permitting officials.
• Provide technical guidance and innovative solutions to resolve complex technical and design challenges.
• Produce accurate technical and contract documentation in Revit for construction of project.
• Coordinate with the project team for finished plans, specifications and material selections; ensure design intent is incorporated into construction documentation.
• Participate in construction administration, evaluate bids, conduct site visits, address technical issues and maintain quality control during construction.
• Collaborate with consultants, contractors, fabricators, specification writers and regulatory agencies to meet overall project objectives.
• Communicate design thinking and concepts by creating visuals utilizing various 3D software – Revit and Enscape preferred; other software a bonus.

• 8+ years of post‑graduate interior design experience.
• Resourceful creation of unique materials, furniture and fixtures.
• Excellent graphic design, organizational, time‑management, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Passionate, self‑starting, dedicated and efficient; enjoys both taking responsibility and team collaboration.
• Ability to translate big‑picture design ideas into documentation of specifications and details.
• Comfortable with 3D conceptualization (digitally or by hand) – a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or related field from an accredited school.
• Proficient in Revit and AutoCAD. Experience with Sketch Up, Rhino, Grasshopper and other modeling software is a plus.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Graphics and visualization skills to effectively communicate design ideas.
• Demonstrated interest in sustainability and sustainable building practices.
• NCIDQ/CID required.
• Applications will not be considered without a portfolio/work samples in PDF form or linked to an online portfolio.

Base salary will be estimated between $90,000 and $118,000, plus bonuses and benefits, contingent on relevant experience. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, paid time off, a 401(k) with profit sharing, employee stock ownership and twice‑annual bonus opportunities.

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmatively 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 or local law. Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.

Follow Know your rights:
Workplace discrimination is illegal, right to work and E‑verify program, as required by law. Gensler endeavors to make  accessible to all applicants. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us.