Interior Design Architectural Designer

ABOUT US

Studio Sven’s designs are for the bold. Known for intriguing and nuanced yet extremely livable residential spaces, Studio Sven brings intentionality to luxury living. Lauren Svenstrup leads Studio Sven with a hefty dose of wit and a knowingness for well-curated lifestyles. Every element of the intimate design process is meticulously managed by our team and we thrive on those details.

We are a firm that values its small team culture and thrives on collaboration, innovation and providing an unparalleled experience for our clients.

TO APPLY, PLEASE SEND A COVER LETTER, RESUME, REFERENCES, AND A PORTFOLIO TO CAREERS@STUDIOSVEN.COM. ALSO: TELL US ONE OF YOUR DESIGN ICKS.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We’re looking for an Interior Architect with strong technical expertise who can lead and manage project execution from start to finish. This person builds trust with clients, maintains strong vendor relationships, and has a sharp eye for detail. You’ll oversee multiple interior design projects, ensuring they’re delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. The role is heavily focused on documentation, coordination, and construction management, with close collaboration across contractors, trades, external architects, and our internal team.

While design is an important part of the role, it leans heavily toward project management and technical execution. We’re looking for a strategic thinker who operates with urgency, stays highly organized, and brings strong problem-solving skills and follow-through. The role goes beyond creating an amazingly detailed set of plans; it manages and sees the project all the way through.

We are looking for someone with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, ideally in a high-end residential interior design firm, residential architecture and construction, or a design-build environment. You bring proven experience managing projects from start to finish, along with a bachelor’s degree and strong technical foundation. You’re comfortable being challenged, take ownership of your work, and are confident offering solutions, ideas, and feedback that move projects and the team forward.

ABOUT YOU

• You know how to take a project from concept to construction—designing, detailing, pricing, and building it. You understand that drawings aren’t the finish line; people bring them to life.
• You understand how a house comes together—from structure to systems—and what each trade is responsible for (and what frustrates them). You bring a strong knowledge of construction methods and building systems.
• You can confidently run a job site, ensuring designs are executed as intended and no detail is missed.
• You live design. You’re constantly on the hunt for inspiration. Your Instagram saves and sources are a treasured catalog of what’s next.
• You are extremely proficient in documenting, drawing, and developing layout plans, construction documents and shop drawings in AutoCAD SketchUp. You’ve worked with these tools in your current role and use them on a daily basis.
• You have a proven history of being detailed and organized. You’re able to prioritize and balance multiple projects and tasks at a time with minimal supervision. Bottom line, you deliver results.
• You’ve got an eye for detail and the technical knowledge and discipline to execute a creative vision flawlessly. You can translate the principal’s design direction into reality.
• You understand the importance of relationships, and you’ve mastered the art of working collaboratively—with your team, trades and vendors—to make your job easier.
• You’re direct, confident and concise. You know how to write an effective email, how to get the point across, how to get the answers you need, and when to pick up the phone.
• You complete tasks efficiently and are always looking for ways to improve processes.
• You can think on your feet and problem-solve when things don’t go according to plan, but you’re not too proud to ask for help when you need it.
• You’re looking for a firm you can grow with and a place where your contribution to the team culture matters.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• DESIGN OVERSIGHT – Collaborate with the Principal on Design Direction for each project, then bring the vision to life, ensuring the designs meet the firm’s aesthetic and standards.
• TECHNICAL OUTPUTS – Produce all documents and comprehensive drawing sets throughout the project: This includes layouts, space plans, elevations, technical drawings, millwork and work orders for custom pieces.
• PROJECT LEADERSHIP – Take the lead on multiple project executions from start to finish, guiding everything from early concepts through to construction. You’ll oversee execute architectural elements, documentation, construction drawings, site plans and construction administration.
• VENDOR CONSTRUCTION COORDINATION – You’ll coordinate with and supervise external architects, contractors, and tradespeople to bring the vision to life. You’ll request and analyze bids, provide clear direction and follow-up documentation. This includes maintaining strict document control and version tracking throughout the entire project.
• BUDGET SCHEDULE MANAGEMENT – Plan and manage project budgets and timelines to make sure everything runs smoothly and stays on budget.

REQUISITES

• Must currently reside in Chicago and have a valid driver’s license; access to reliable transportation is required.
• Comfortable working in a Mac environment.
• Proficient use of AutoCAD, SketchUp, Excel and Photoshop is required. Use of ClickUp and Drawboard is preferred, but not required.
• Quickly create and work with floor plans, elevations, construction documents, finish schedules, shop drawings and work orders.
• Prepare client presentations—drawings, digital mood boards and material flat lays
• You must be comfortable with hands-on labor during an install as needed.
• This is a full-time position with standard office hours. Flexibility will be necessary for the occasional evening client meeting, installation, and sometimes just to meet a deadline.
• All offers are contingent on passing a background check.