Architectural Design Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL

Position OverviewAt PNC, our people are our greatest differentiator and competitive advantage in the markets we serve. We are all united in delivering the best experience for our customers. We work together each day to foster an inclusive workplace culture where all of our employees feel respected, valued and have an opportunity to contribute to the company's success. As a Design Associate - Corporate Workplace within PNC's Realty Services organization, you will be based in Pittsburgh, PA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; or Washington DC.
The Design Associate - Corporate Workplace supports the planning, design, and delivery of workplace environments that are functional, brand-aligned, and experience-driven. This role partners with internal stakeholders and external design consultants to translate business needs into clear concepts, test fits, and design documentation-while balancing scope, schedule, and budget.
Job responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
- Develop workplace planning and interior design solutions that advance project objectives (user experience, functionality, sustainability, and brand), while meeting budget and schedule requirements.
- Lead and coordinate pre-design and design activities with external architects/designers, vendors, and internal project teams; align on scope, deliverables, and decision points.
- Partner with line-of-business leaders and senior stakeholders to gather requirements, present design options, and drive timely decisions through clear communication and stakeholder management.
- Maintain strong knowledge of workplace strategy, space planning, and FF&E/finish trends; research and recommend solutions that improve consistency, performance, and cost effectiveness at scale.
- Translate brand standards, design guidelines, and culture into cohesive design narratives and deliverables (e.g., test fits, finish palettes, furniture plans, and presentation materials).
- Operate effectively in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment with shifting priorities and multiple concurrent projects.
- Maintain a 40-hour in-office work week as the baseline; participate in in-person collaboration, site visits, and stakeholder workshops as needed.
- Collaborate continuously with internal partners, consultants, and service providers (in person and virtually) to resolve issues and keep deliverables on track.
- Serve as an external-facing representative-supporting vendor coordination, design intent alignment, and professional communication with partners.
- Proficiency with design and documentation tools (e.g., AutoCAD/Autodesk products, Bluebeam) and 3D modeling/rendering workflows; able to produce clear plans, markups, and presentation-quality visuals.
- Strong written and verbal communication; collaborative mindset; sound judgment and proactive problem-solving; ability to facilitate alignment across diverse stakeholders.PNC is an in-office company that fosters a supportive culture where employees can thrive and achieve balance. We encourage candidates to connect with their recruiter and hiring manager to understand workplace expectations and ensure the role aligns with their goals.PNC will not provide sponsorship for employment visas or participate in STEM OPT for this position.Job Description

• Provides design oversight and management related to layout requirements, finishes and artwork.
• Maintains design standards on all corporate and retail construction projects throughout PNC. Develops, researches and implements new design and workplace products for use throughout PNC.
• Creates schematic designs in conjunction with line of business contacts.
• Provides continual updates of design guidelines, adapts current guidelines to new lines of business and creates opportunities for bulk purchases or buying agreements on products used consistently throughout the PNC footprint.
• Manages PNC's corporate art program, including the inventory, placement and purchase of all art throughout the company.

PNC Employees take pride in our reputation and to continue building upon that we expect our employees to be:

• Customer Focused - Knowledgeable of the values and practices that align customer needs and satisfaction as primary considerations in all business decisions and able to leverage that information in creating customized customer solutions.
• Managing Risk - Assessing and effectively managing all of the risks associated with their business objectives and activities to ensure they adhere to and support PNC's Enterprise Risk Management Framework.

Qualifications

Successful candidates must demonstrate appropriate knowledge, skills, and abilities for a role. Listed below are skills, competencies, work experience, education, and required certifications/licensures needed to be successful in this position.

Preferred SkillsBudgeting, Building Design, Building Inspections, Equipment Inspection, Process Improvements, Project Planning, Project Schedule, Waterfall ModelCompetenciesAccuracy and Attention to Detail, Architectural Design, Construction Management, Construction Quality Assurance, Planning: Tactical, Strategic, Process Management, Project Management, Retail Store Design, Standard Operating ProceduresWork ExperienceRoles at this level typically require a university / college degree, with 3+ years of relevant / direct industry experience. Certifications are often desired. In lieu of a degree, a comparable combination of education, job specific certification(s), and experience (including military service) may be considered.EducationBachelorsCertificationsNo Required Certification(s)LicensesNo Required License(s)Pay TransparencyBase Salary: $60,000.00 - $150,000.00Salaries may vary based on geographic location, market data and on individual skills, experience, and education. This role is incentive eligible with the payment based upon company, business and/or individual performance.Application WindowGenerally, this opening is expected to be posted for two business days from 07/03/2026, although it may be longer with business discretion.BenefitsPNC offers a comprehensive range of benefits to help meet your needs now and in the future. Depending on your eligibility, options for full-time employees include: medical/prescription drug coverage (with a Health Savings Account feature), dental and vision options; employee and spouse/child life insurance; short and long-term disability protection; 401(k) with PNC match, pension and stock purchase plans; dependent care reimbursement account; back-up child/elder care; adoption, surrogacy, and doula reimbursement; educational assistance, including select programs fully paid; a robust wellness program with financial incentives.In addition, PNC generally provides the following paid time off, depending on your eligibility: maternity and/or parental leave; up to 11 paid holidays each year; 9 occasional absence days each year, unless otherwise required by law; between 15 to 25 vacation days each year, depending on career level; and years of service.

To learn more about these and other programs, including benefits for full time and part-time employees, visitpncthrive.com.

Disability Accommodations Statement

If an accommodation is required to participate in the application process, please contact us via email at AccommodationRequest@pnc.com. Please include "accommodation request" in the subject line title and be sure to include your name, the job ID, and your preferred method of contact in the body of the email. Emails not related to accommodation requests will not receive responses. Applicants may also call 877-968-7762 and say "Workday" for accommodation assistance. All information provided will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

At PNC we foster an inclusive and accessible workplace. We provide reasonable accommodations to employment applicants and qualified individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to perform the essential functions of their positions.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

PNC provides equal employment opportunity to qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other categories protected by law.

This position is subject to the requirements of Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) and, for any registered role, the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 (SAFE Act) and/or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), which prohibit the hiring of individuals with certain criminal history.

California Residents

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