Project Designer

Job Title: Project Designer IIJob Description

The Project Designer II plays a key role in leading projects from conceptual design through design development and supporting the architectural and construction phases. This position focuses on delivering thoughtful, high-quality design solutions that align with client objectives, including programming, planning, documentation, and FF&E specification. The role offers the opportunity to work within a fully integrated design-build environment, gain broad project visibility from concept through completion, and contribute to healthcare-focused design projects while mentoring junior team members.

Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in client meetings to establish project goals and objectives, including programming questionnaires, design intent, schedules, and budget parameters.
• Guide projects through conceptual design and design development, ensuring alignment with client needs and overall project vision.
• Develop comprehensive design solutions such as test fits, space plans, schematic designs, color palettes, conceptual sketches, conceptual ceiling and lighting plans, reflective ceiling plans, elevations, and 3D Revit views.
• Create and coordinate finish plans and schedules, including detailed FF&E specifications and initial furniture and lighting inspirations.
• Prepare and support the development of construction documents, ensuring accuracy and coordination with engineering documents and other project disciplines.
• Collaborate closely with team members and vendors, offering creative input throughout the project lifecycle, including construction documents, take-offs, millwork drawings, punch list review, and existing conditions surveys.
• Attend job site meetings as needed to verify design intent and support project execution during construction.
• Verify and maintain design intent throughout project execution, addressing design-related issues and coordinating with project managers and construction professionals.
• Train new designers, providing guidance on design standards, processes, tools, and best practices.
• Perform quality control reviews of work produced by new designers, junior designers, and interns to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to project standards.
• Contribute to a collaborative, performance-based culture by demonstrating strong work ethic, self-discipline, and a drive to excel.
• Adapt quickly to changes in project scope, schedule, or priorities while maintaining high-quality design deliverables.
• Participate actively in a fully integrated design-build team, working alongside architects, designers, project managers, and construction professionals under one roof.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architectural Design, or a related field.
• Minimum 5-7 years of design experience, with healthcare-related design experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Revit for developing design concepts, documentation, and 3D views.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite for design presentations and visual communication.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills applied to design challenges and project coordination.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for effective interaction with clients, team members, and vendors.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and prioritization skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Self-motivated with high energy and a strong drive to excel in a performance-based environment.
• Strong work ethic and self-discipline to follow through on commitments and project responsibilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment.
• Flexibility to quickly adapt to change in project requirements, timelines, or client needs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in healthcare-focused design projects or interest in specializing in healthcare environments.
• Ability to mentor and train junior designers, new designers, and interns.
• Experience conducting programming, space planning, and test fits for complex projects.
• Familiarity with FF&E specification, finish plans, and schedules.
• Experience collaborating within a design-build or integrated project delivery environment.
• Interest in working directly with leadership and taking ownership of projects from concept through completion.
• Comfort with wearing multiple hats rather than being limited to a single narrow role.
• Strong collaboration skills and a positive, team-oriented mindset.

Work Environment

The role is based in an office located in Rosemont, IL, with convenient access via the Blue Line, supported by a shuttle service that transports employees from the station to the office in approximately 10 minutes. The team consists of about 50 professionals, including architects, designers, project managers, and construction staff working together under one roof in a fully integrated design-build setting. The standard schedule includes four days in the office and one day working from home, with an initial period of five days in the office each week to support onboarding and training until the designer is fully up to speed. The environment emphasizes strong team culture, supportive colleagues, and opportunities for professional growth, with significant exposure to projects from initial client programming through construction completion. The culture encourages collaboration, self-motivation, and versatility, offering more ownership and visibility than typically found in large corporate architecture firms, particularly within the growing healthcare design sector.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $38.46 - $45.67/hr.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Rosemont,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 29, 2026.

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.