Interior Designer / Architectural Designer – Client-Focused and Creative

About Us JATES, Design+Build is a minority-owned design+build firm specializing in transforming residential spaces into functional works of art. With over 10 years of experience, we’ve evolved into a team that values creativity, hard work, and collaboration. We focus on kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces, including rooftop decks, and pride ourselves on offering a seamless design-to-construction process for our clients. We are a small but dynamic team passionate about health, active lifestyles, and the art of design. As a firm, we are growing aggressively and looking for someone who can grow with us while helping refine our processes and elevate client experiences. The Role We are seeking a talented Interior Designer / Architectural Designer to join our Chicago-based team. This role is perfect for someone who thrives on both technical design work and client-facing responsibilities. The ideal candidate is highly skilled in creating drawings, renderings, and design presentations while also excelling at communicating with clients and guiding them through the design process. What You'll Do Design and Drafting • Create detailed 2D and 3D drawings, renderings, and floor plans using AutoCAD, SketchUp, and other design tools. • Produce construction-ready drawings and ensure designs meet building codes and project specifications. • Develop creative, client-specific solutions for kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces. Client Engagement • Lead design presentations and guide clients through the selection process for materials, finishes, and fixtures. • Act as the primary point of contact for clients during the design phase, ensuring their needs are understood and exceeded. Collaboration and Coordination • Work closely with the construction team to ensure designs are executed flawlessly. • Partner with the leadership team to refine design processes and maintain high-quality standards. Process Improvement • Contribute to the refinement of workflows, ensuring seamless communication between design, construction, and client teams. What We're Looking For Experience: • 5+ years in interior design, architecture, or related fields, with a focus on residential projects. • 3+ years of experience in a client-facing role, ideally with high-touch, luxury clients. • Familiarity with construction processes and collaboration with contractors (2+ years preferred). Technical Skills: • Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Suite. Experience with Revit is a plus. • Ability to produce both technical drawings and visually compelling presentations. Soft Skills: • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a natural ability to build trust and rapport. • Detail-oriented and organized, with excellent problem-solving abilities. • Comfortable balancing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Personality Fit: • An empathetic, client-focused approach that aligns with our commitment to "kid-glove service." • A collaborative, process-oriented mindset. • Passion for health, creativity, and personal growth, reflecting our team culture. What We Offer While we are currently in a phase of financial growth and cannot offer traditional benefits, we provide: • Creative Freedom: Shape your designs and make a lasting impact on our clients’ homes. • Growth Opportunity: Play a pivotal role in a growing firm, with the potential to lead and refine the design department. • Team Environment: Join a passionate, health-conscious, and dynamic team that values hard work and creativity.