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Senior Interior Designer - Workplace

NELSON
Chicago, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 2/25/2026 CLOSED ON 3/25/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Interior Designer - Workplace position at NELSON?

NELSON is currently seeking a Senior Interior Designer to join our Workplace Practice in Chicago. As a Senior Designer, you will have the opportunity to create workplaces for the leading companies and organizations in the world. You will assist in project including project planning, client services, conceptual design, and project completion - from participating in client presentations, to visioning, programming, schematic design and design development, construction documents and furniture specification. The Senior Interior Designer is responsible for performing complex interior design assignments receiving specific and detailed instructions as to tasks required and results expected. A Senior Interior Designer is responsible for working with the project team to assist overall efforts of completing various project phases.

 

Attributes to support the NELSON Culture:  Guiding Principles

  • Culture of Transformation: Act as a community to accelerate firm impact
  • Dedicated to Progression: A 360 approach to innovation and design
  • Enable Engagement: Storytelling that educates and inspires
  • Design with Purpose: Sustainable form and function

 

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Critical features of this job are described under the headings below. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

 

Required Knowledge and Skills:

  • Advanced programming and space planning skills
  • Advanced knowledge of design, trends, construction methodology, materials application and manufacturer-supplier appropriateness; consistently share such knowledge with Teammates
  • Advanced knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principals involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models
  • Advanced knowledge of furniture, fixture and equipment (FF&E), architectural/interior finishes, lighting, art signage, color and materials to carryout design intent
  • Advanced knowledge of sustainability, integrated design and LEED guidelines
  • Knowledge of building codes and regulations, life safety codes and ADA requirements
  • Knowledge of the construction process from bidding through construction administration, roles of consultants, contractors, construction schedules, phasing, inspections, etc
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • Ability to organize, prioritize and effectively meet deadlines and provide high quality service to clients
  • Knowledge of expectations related to high quality service to clients
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
  • Possess creative talent in conceptual design and rendering skills of either hand drafting or computer sketching
  • Proficiency in Deltek Vision / Vantagepoint (including project plans, pipeline, etc.)
  • Advanced in AutoCAD/Architectural Desktop
  • Advanced Revit skills
  • Basic proficiency of Adobe Creative Suite skills preferred
  • Basic proficiency of 3D Modeling software such as 3D Studio Max and Viz 2006 preferred

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

Leadership:

  • Lead project design team’s design efforts
  • Partner with the Project Manager in the overall delivery of the goals of the project
  • Lead or participate in design charrettes and project team meetings
  • Participate in interviews and recruiting of professional staff as requested
  • In conjunction with the Studio Leader, mentor and direct the design work of Teammates and participate in Teammate performance evaluations
  • Foster a commitment to external and internal client service
  • Develop and maintain positive relationships with consultants, contractors and jurisdictional/approval agencies
  • Contribute as a team lead, on an as needed basis as it relates to individual performance & development within the project team
  • Embrace specific steps to create, develop and promote a diverse workforce and to promote an inclusive environment

        Project Delivery:

        • Participate with the project team to understand/establish project goals and objectives including workplan, schedule, budget parameters
        • Lead, facilitate and manage the overall project design process for large scale and/or complex projects. Assist and produce fee proposals and project work plans in Deltek Vision/ Vantagepoint
        • Develop innovative design concepts which are practical, aesthetic, safe and conducive to intended purposes and function which is reflective of client goals and within project budget
        • Lead programming efforts such as space planning, layout and utilization of furnishings and equipment, lighting and color coordination
        • Responsible for selection and specification of all interior architectural materials and finishes, furniture, lighting and artwork
        • Lead effort related to development of design concept, color and material palettes
        • Render conceptual design ideas and prepares 2D and 3D presentation/design drawings
        • Prepare and conduct client presentations
        • Prepare, correct, and update documents during schematic design and design development phases
        • Solicit bids and assist Project Manager and client in subcontracting fabrication, installation, and arrangement of the materials, finishes, and furnishings required
        • Responsible for communication with other disciplines, vendors, and contractors to ensure incorporation of all information into project requirements and provides support as necessary
        • Implements and utilizes NELSON Standards for all projects and processes
        • Produce written documentation related to project including agreements, meeting documentation, transmittals, memoranda, etc. using NESLON standard formats
        • Review documents for adherence to building and ADA codes. Ensure project documentation and contracts compliant with the NELSON standards
        • Oversee coordination and quality assurance of documents required to complete a project or phase of a project; ensures documents are in concert with design intent
        • Provide research and compile data during design phases
        • Prepare and modify architectural documents, elevations, sections, details, etc. using AutoCAD/Architectural Desktop and/or Revit/BIM
        • Communicate with consultants, contractors, sub-consultants and other disciplines to ensure project details are carried out including technical issues and project information at all levels of contract administration
        • Explore and identifies new opportunities to add or enhance professional services with existing clients
        • Along with Design Leader, be responsible for projects being professionally photographed
        • Complete timesheet daily and expense reports accurately and on-time

          Business Development:

          • Participate in selected marketing and business development opportunities as requested
          • Assist in development of fee proposals for marketing and project pursuits
          • May assist with negotiating fees and contracts

           

           

          Education / Experience:

          • Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from an accredited University
          • 8 years of experience working in the field of Architecture; or equivalent in appropriate education and experience
          • Strongly preferred: Passed the NCIDQ exam and completed registration or certification within the state jurisdiction

           

          National salary range (regional cost of living, years of relevant experience, certifications, etc. are considered into the hiring process): $80,000 – $120,000; contingent upon relevant experience. Additional compensation includes bonuses and benefits. Bonuses can include but are not limited to: Long Term Incentive Plan, Short Term Incentive Plan, Profit Sharing

           

          Benefits of NELSON:  (additional benefit details can be found at: nelsonworldwide.com/careers)

          • 401(K) plan with company match
          • Full health benefits including medical, dental, and vision
          • Wellness program with rewards for healthy activities
          • Pet Insurance
          • Opportunities for career advancement
          • Paid time off and holiday pay
          • Paid parental leave
          • Flexible working schedules and work from home options based on client’s needs
          • Professional Development including discretionary support and reimbursement for registrations, certifications, and membership to a professional organization

           

          NELSON and its related affiliates are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender, national origin, status as a protected veteran, disability or any other classification protected by law.

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          Salary : $80,000 - $120,000

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