Interior Designer

Job Title: Mid-Level Interior Designer

Job Description

This Mid-Level Interior Designer role blends creativity, technical expertise, and business acumen to deliver purposeful, functional, and beautiful interior spaces. The position focuses on architecture with an emphasis on interiors, requiring strong design capabilities, a portfolio of innovative concepts, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to a respectful, creative, and inspiring design environment. You will play a key role in high-profile, high-design projects and be an integral member of a collaborative team.

Responsibilities

• Interpret client needs and translate them into effective interior design solutions, including space planning, conceptual design, schematic design, design development, and construction documentation.
• Exercise independent judgment in evaluating, selecting, and substantially adapting or modifying standard design techniques and procedures to meet project goals.
• Participate in the selection and presentation of furniture, furniture systems, fabrics, equipment (FF&E), color palettes, and lighting to create cohesive and compelling interior environments.
• Generate design concepts using 3D modeling tools such as Revit, SketchUp, or other relevant software, and produce digital 3D views to clearly communicate design ideas to clients and project stakeholders.
• Develop interior finish plans, reflected ceiling plans, elevations, details, specifications, and material selections required for construction, ensuring accuracy and alignment with design intent.
• Provide design support and documentation throughout the completion and execution of design concepts, coordinating closely with project teams to maintain design quality and consistency.
• Collaborate with external consultants, product representatives, furniture dealers, and fabricators to integrate specialized expertise and products into the design.
• Guide and mentor junior designers, offering constructive feedback and direction to support their professional growth and the overall quality of project work.
• Work in a synergistic manner with other design and professional staff, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and innovation.
• Contribute to office activities, initiatives, and learning programs, actively engaging in the broader design community and supporting continuous improvement within the studio.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree from an accredited school of design or architecture.
• At least 5 years of design leadership experience in interior design and/or architecture projects.
• Strong interior design skills with a focus on commercial and lifestyle projects, including retail and hospitality environments.
• Demonstrated ability to produce construction documents and detailed architectural drawings.
• Proficiency in Revit and other computer-based design programs, including 3D modeling tools such as SketchUp.
• Experience generating 3D models, renderings, and digital views to communicate design concepts effectively.
• Proven ability to deliver highly sustainable design solutions.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide and mentor junior designers.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship management skills.
• A portfolio showcasing relevant project experience and innovative design concepts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• LEED accreditation or WELL AP certification is preferred.
• Experience working on lifestyle projects such as retail and hospitality is preferred but not required.
• Background in architecture with a focus on interiors or interior design.
• Familiarity with FF&E selection, including furniture, furniture systems, fabrics, equipment, color palettes, and lighting.
• Experience collaborating with external consultants, product representatives, furniture dealers, and fabricators.
• Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, open-concept studio environment.
• Recognition or strong reputation within the broader design community is a plus.

Work Environment

This role is based in a highly collaborative, open-concept office environment, with work performed on-site five days per week. The studio operates within a global network of offices and is consistently ranked among the top architecture and design firms worldwide, known for delivering high-profile, high-design projects and industry-leading revenue. The Chicago office features a large, open workspace designed to encourage teamwork, creativity, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Interior designers work closely with workplace and project teams using tools such as Revit, SketchUp, and other design software to develop and document projects. The position is initially structured as a temporary opportunity with a strong track record of transitioning designers and architects into permanent roles over time. The culture emphasizes professional development, learning initiatives, and participation in office activities, creating an engaging environment for designers who are passionate about innovation, sustainability, and impactful design.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $60.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 25, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Chicago,IL.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.