Associate - Interior Designer

Join Our Team at FitzGerald Associates Architects

FitzGerald Associates Architects is a nationally recognized firm specializing in architecture, interior design, and sustainability. Established in 1919, we’ve built a century-long legacy of design excellence, innovation, and community-focused work. We are currently seeking a talented Associate Interior Designer to join our dynamic, collaborative team as we continue shaping the built environment with purpose and creativity.

What We’re About

At FitzGerald, we’re dedicated to crafting smart, sustainable, and thoughtful design solutions that support community development and enhance urban living. Our firm offers the stability of an established practice alongside the energy of a forward-thinking, growing team. We believe in fostering professional growth, encouraging initiative, and providing clear paths to career advancement.

About the Role

As an Associate Interior Designer, you will contribute to every stage of the design process, from conceptual design through construction administration and FF&E installation. This role offers the opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of projects, including Commercial, Multifamily, Senior Living, Affordable Housing, Hospitality, Workplace, Mixed-Use, and Adaptive Reuse developments.

This role requires a highly collaborative designer who can effectively balance technical production and client interaction while supporting senior design leadership. The position includes providing guidance and mentorship to junior designers, coordinating and overseeing delegated work, and ensuring deliverables meet project standards for accuracy, quality, and consistency before senior-level review.

This is a hybrid position based in our Chicago office. Team members are expected to work in the office a minimum of three days per week to support collaboration, mentorship, and project coordination, with the flexibility to work remotely on other days.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Prepare design concepts, presentations, and supporting materials for client and project team review
• Meet with clients, vendors, consultants, and contractors to advance design objectives and support successful project implementation
• Participate in internal design reviews and contribute creative and technical solutions throughout project development
• Collaborate with project teams to produce design and construction documentation
• Develop specifications and coordinate with furniture dealers to ensure proposals align with client budgets and project schedules
• Conduct site visits to evaluate existing conditions, coordinate with contractors, and verify that design intent and quality standards are achieved
• Support project coordination, scheduling, and communication across multidisciplinary teams while assisting senior staff in maintaining project timelines, client expectations, and design quality
• Contribute to a collaborative studio culture through knowledge-sharing and professional development, and communicate project progress, coordination updates, and design challenges to senior leadership

We’re seeking candidates with the following qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in interior design
• Proficiency in Revit, including at least 1 year of hands-on experience, along with strong working knowledge of AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Cloud
• Experience with rendering software such as Lumion and Twinmotion is highly preferred
• Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design from an accredited program
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment while demonstrating initiative, accountability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving
• Experience guiding design efforts through all phases of the design process
• Ability to contribute effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Strong organizational skills with the flexibility to manage multiple priorities and responsibilities
• NCIDQ certification is encouraged but not required
• Willingness to travel occasionally and attend industry events outside of regular business hours as needed

Why FitzGerald?

Joining FitzGerald means becoming part of a team that values design excellence, mentorship, and long-term professional development. You’ll be surrounded by talented, passionate professionals in an environment that celebrates innovation, inclusivity, and work-life balance.

Compensation:

Salary range: $62,000 - $82,000, commensurate with experience, skills, and certifications. Additionally, we offer a complete benefits package including medical/dental/vision/life/disability insurance, 401(k) savings plan, plus a generous holiday and paid time off schedule