Project Manager (Interior Design)

About the job

Classification: Exempt

Work schedule: Hybrid: 3 days in the Chicago office and 2 remote days per week, with client meetings and site visits as needed.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

·      Lead multiple projects from programming and concept development through construction documents and construction administration with minimal senior leadership oversight.

·      Serve as the primary client contact; lead meetings, communicate progress, manage expectations, and resolve concerns.

·      Prepare proposals, contracts, scopes, fee estimates, schedules, and staffing plans; manage scope changes, risk, and firm liability.

·      Manage budgets and profitability; partner with project accountants on forecasting, billing, and collections.

·      Coordinate designers, consultants, contractors, and agencies; assign work, review deliverables, and mentor team members.

·      Guide space planning, materials, FF&E, acoustics, lighting, and code compliance; serve as design lead when needed.

·      Support bidding, cost analysis, and value engineering; maintain clear project documentation.

Experience & Education:

·      Bachelor’s or master’s in Interior Design, Architecture, or Construction Management; CIDA or NAAB accreditation for applicable design or architecture programs.

·      Minimum 5 years of post-graduate design experience, preferably commercial, and 2 years of project management experience.

·      Architectural licensure or interior design registration preferred; project management training or PMP certification preferred.

·      Advanced knowledge of design principles, programming, materials, FF&E, construction documents, and construction administration.

·      Strong knowledge of site surveys, building codes, ADA requirements, occupancy, egress, and plumbing fixture requirements.

·      Strong financial, team, and client management skills; commitment to continuing education.

·      Proficient in AutoCAD, Photoshop, SketchUp, and Microsoft Office; advanced Microsoft Project and Ajera skills.

What We Offer:

·      PTO and paid holidays

·      Medical insurance with vision option; life insurance

·      Employer-sponsored short-term and long-term disability

·      401(k)

·      Professional development and monthly mobile phone stipends; wellness reimbursement program