Project Designer - Interior Design and Architecture

Position Summary We are looking for architects and interior designers who are passionate, driven, and creative problem solvers. People who bring real energy to every phase of a project and who are just as comfortable defending design intent in an OAC meeting as they are selecting the perfect material finish or crafting a presentation that stops a client in their tracks. At Mary Cook Associates, our Project Designers work independently and think on their own. You own your projects from space planning and drawing set coordination through construction administration and final installation. You are not here to be managed through every decision. You are here to lead the work, solve the problems that come up in the field, and bring a point of view that makes the end result better than what was originally envisioned. We work across diverse project types throughout the country. If that kind of variety, autonomy, and creative challenge is what gets you out of bed in the morning, we want to hear from you. Key Responsibilities Design Plan, design, and execute interiors of residential and commercial buildings across diverse project types and locations nationwide Develop design solutions that are aesthetically compelling, functional, and purpose-built for their environment, whether inspiring culture, raising productivity, or improving how people live Lead furniture, finish, and material selections; coordinate specifications with vendors and manage procurement through delivery Prepare and deliver client presentations with confidence; communicate design intent clearly and advocate for creative decisions when challenged Documentation + Drawing Sets Produce expert-level construction documentation in AutoCAD; own drawing sets from space planning and floor plan development through full construction document sets Coordinate drawing sets across disciplines; ensure all documentation is complete, coordinated, and construction-ready before it leaves the studio Work in Revit on applicable projects; proficiency required and expected to grow with the firm’s platform adoption Develop precise architectural details; think through buildability, not just appearance Construction Administration Manage RFIs and submittals with thoroughness and speed; resolve field issues without losing ground on design intent Attend and contribute to OAC calls with confidence; represent the design team with expertise, speak up when the work is at stake, and hold the line on what matters Conduct site visits and on-site installations; travel approximately 10% as projects require Assist in managing project budgets and timelines; flag scope and schedule risks early and propose solutions Qualifications 6+ years in interior design or architecture, with a track record of independently delivering complex, multi-phase projects from concept through construction administration Expert AutoCAD required. Revit proficiency required. SketchUp, Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, V-Ray, Microsoft Office. Studio Designer preferred. Architecture or interior design degree. Strong aesthetic point of view. Multi-unit residential experience preferred. Graphic design skills a plus. Hands-on RFI and submittal experience. Confident in OAC settings. Able to represent design intent in the field and push back professionally when the work is at risk. Confident presenter and communicator. Equally effective in a client room, a contractor meeting, and a studio review. Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative work style. Strong time management and organizational skills. Able to carry multiple projects simultaneously without losing momentum or detail. Self-directed and accountable. Who You Are A passionate, driven designer who brings real energy to projects and genuinely cares about the quality of the work from the first sketch to the last punch list item A creative problem solver who does not wait to be told what to do; you see what needs to happen and you do it Expert in AutoCAD and proficient in Revit, with the technical depth to produce and coordinate complex drawing sets independently Confident in front of clients and on OAC calls; you show up prepared, speak with authority, and defend the design when it counts Experienced in construction administration; RFIs and submittals are not intimidating, they are part of how you protect the work you care about Organized, self-directed, and accountable; you manage your own projects and do not need to be chased for updates Energized by diverse project types and the chance to work across the country; you thrive on variety, not routine What We Offer Competitive salary and benefits package Health, dental, and flexible benefits 401(k) with matching Paid time off Hybrid schedule: in-office Tuesday through Thursday, remote Monday and Friday An entrepreneurial culture that empowers growth, rewards initiative, and gives you room to thrive at your own pace Mary Cook Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates must be able to reliably commute to or relocate to Chicago, IL prior to starting work. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year Benefits: 401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Experience: Interior Design or Architecture: 6 years (Required) Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60613