Interior Design Team Lead

AECOM•Chicago, IL

5d•$150,000 - $180,000•Hybrid

About The Position

AECOM ’s Chicago Buildings + Places team is seeking experienced and visionary Interior Design Team Lead to oversee and guide our interior design team in delivering exceptional, client-focused design solutions. This role requires a dynamic leader who combines creative expertise with strong project management skills to ensure the successful execution of interior design projects across various sectors. The Interior Design Team Lead will play a critical role in shaping the design direction, mentoring team members, and fostering collaboration to achieve project excellence. This role is a hybrid position located in Chicago, IL. AECOM is a globally recognized architecture and engineering design firm whose diverse, creative teams deliver positive impact to millions of people worldwide. We operate collaboratively across business lines and regions, trusted to deliver some of the most complex projects on the planet. Our Client Promise - excellence, innovation, measurable value - reflects our dedication to understanding needs, exceeding expectations, and achieving shared goals, grounded in integrity, collaboration, and innovation. About the Chicago Buildings + Places Team Our practice is one of the fastest growing and highest-performing B+P practices in AECOM’ s West Region. We offer a full suite of services: architecture, interiors, building systems and structural engineering, urbanism and planning (including landscape), workplace transformation, advisory services, technology solutions, and digital delivery - and serve as a Center of Excellence for many of these disciplines. We work in a collaborative model across the West Region with other B+P practices, as well as with AECOM’s Transportation, Water, Environment and Advisory business lines to support vertical infrastructure and comprehensive solutions. Our Chicago-led client base is global and includes Public Non-Federal, Cultural + Civic, Commercial, Science & Technology, Transit, and Federal clients. Most clients are repeat partners, recognizing our service model and outcomes as excellent. Recognized by over 45 design awards in the past five years, we aim to be the design firm of choice for clients and the employer of choice for diverse, best-in-class talent - doing the work that matters. Recent/ongoing projects include: Corporate Headquarters Interior Fit-Out, Milwaukee County Courthouse; Interior Fit-Outs for National Financial Client; City of Chicago Joint Police and Training Center Emergency Medical Services Addition; Lake County Convention Center. The Interior Design Team Lead is a senior leadership role responsible for delivering design excellence, driving project performance, and developing high-performing teams. This role balances hands-on design leadership with people management, client engagement, and business outcomes—supporting practice growth, profitability, and long-term client relationships in alignment with regional and national objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in architecture or interior design + 10 years of relevant experience, including 2 years of leadership (or equivalent experience) in Commercial interiors design and/or project management experience.
Professional licensure in field of study.
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or Business.
15+ years of experience at a large interiors or architectural firm, including 5+ years in leadership.
Experience across multiple market sectors such as workplace, justice, federal, and healthcare.
Proven ability to lead teams and deliver projects in a fast-paced environment.
Strong client management skills with a demonstrated ability to grow existing and new client relationships.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
Experience contributing to thought leadership through panels, presentations, or publications.
Strong understanding of project planning, staffing, budgets, and profitability.
Proficiency in PowerPoint, Photoshop, and InDesign; familiarity with Revit.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of interior designers, fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, accountability, and professional growth.
Manage staffing, workloads, and resource allocation to ensure efficient project delivery.
Conduct performance reviews, provide coaching and feedback, and support career development.
Contribute to practice growth through team development, client engagement, and market presence.
Serve as a trusted client partner, translating vision and goals into clear, actionable design strategies.
Present design concepts and solutions, incorporating client feedback through design development.
Build and maintain strong client relationships that drive repeat work and referrals.
Strengthen AECOM’s presence in the design community through relationships with clients, consultants, and industry partners.
Work closely with the Design Director to lead the development and review of interior design concepts and deliverables, ensuring design excellence and alignment with client, brand, and project objectives.
Oversee multiple projects concurrently, managing scope, schedules, budgets, and quality.
Review and approve design documentation, including concepts, renderings, material selections, and technical drawings.
Collaborate closely with architects, engineers, contractors, and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless execution.
Monitor project performance, proactively addressing risks and challenges to maintain efficiency and client satisfaction.
Represent AECOM at industry events, conferences, and exhibitions.
Stay current on design trends, innovations, and best practices, sharing insights with teams and clients.

Benefits

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

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