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Associate Interior Designer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Coordinate with other engineering teams, interior designers, architects, and any other owner ... Associates degree, or certificate, in Building Information Modeling (Building Information Model) or ...

Coordinate with other engineering teams, interior designers, architects, and any other owner ... Associates degree, or certificate, in Building Information Modeling (Building Information Model) or ...

Senior Designer

Lombard, IL · On-site

$16.78 - $23.22/hr

Design education (BA or AA in Interior Design) * 6 years interior design experience in lieu of ... Paid vacation and sick time for eligible associates * Paid holidays plus a personal holiday * Paid ...

Senior Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $26.25/hr

Design education (BA or AA in Interior Design) * 6 years interior design experience in lieu of ... Paid vacation and sick time for eligible associates * Paid holidays plus a personal holiday * Paid ...

Senior Designer

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$17.28 - $25.52/hr

Design education (BA or AA in Interior Design) * 6 years interior design experience in lieu of ... Paid vacation and sick time for eligible associates * Paid holidays plus a personal holiday * Paid ...

Senior Designer

Lombard, IL · On-site

$16.78 - $23.22/hr

Design education (BA or AA in Interior Design) * 6 years interior design experience in lieu of ... Paid vacation and sick time for eligible associates * Paid holidays plus a personal holiday * Paid ...

Senior Designer

Lombard, IL · On-site

$16.78 - $23.22/hr

Design education (BA or AA in Interior Design) * 6 years interior design experience in lieu of ... Paid vacation and sick time for eligible associates * Paid holidays plus a personal holiday * Paid ...

... designers to increase market reach and revenue. Partner with each associate to manage design ... Broad knowledge of interior design and effective sales techniques. Supervisory experience required.

... designers to increase market reach and revenue. Partner with each associate to manage design ... Broad knowledge of interior design and effective sales techniques. Supervisory experience required.

... designers to increase market reach and revenue. Partner with each associate to manage design ... Broad knowledge of interior design and effective sales techniques. Supervisory experience required.

... designers to increase market reach and revenue. Partner with each associate to manage design ... Broad knowledge of interior design and effective sales techniques. Supervisory experience required.

... designers to increase market reach and revenue. Partner with each associate to manage design ... Broad knowledge of interior design and effective sales techniques. Supervisory experience required.

... designers to increase market reach and revenue. Partner with each associate to manage design ... Broad knowledge of interior design and effective sales techniques. Supervisory experience required.

... designers to increase market reach and revenue. Partner with each associate to manage design ... Broad knowledge of interior design and effective sales techniques. Supervisory experience required.

... designers to increase market reach and revenue. Partner with each associate to manage design ... Broad knowledge of interior design and effective sales techniques. Supervisory experience required.

... designers to increase market reach and revenue. Partner with each associate to manage design ... Broad knowledge of interior design and effective sales techniques. Supervisory experience required.

... designers to increase market reach and revenue. Partner with each associate to manage design ... Broad knowledge of interior design and effective sales techniques. Supervisory experience required.

Showing results 41-60

Associate Interior Designer information

See Illinois salary details

$18.9K

$56.7K

$84.8K

How much do associate interior designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate interior designer in Illinois is $56,747.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $65,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate interior designer do?

An Associate Interior Designer assists senior designers in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces. Their responsibilities often include preparing design presentations, selecting materials and finishes, producing drawings using software like AutoCAD or SketchUp, and coordinating with vendors and contractors. They may also help manage project timelines and budgets, ensuring that design concepts are executed according to client needs. This role is often entry-level to mid-level, providing valuable experience and mentorship in the field of interior design.

How does an associate interior designer typically collaborate with senior designers and clients during a project?

As an Associate Interior Designer, you will work closely with senior designers to help translate client needs into creative design solutions. This often involves participating in client meetings, drafting design proposals, preparing mood boards, and assisting with sourcing materials. You may also coordinate with vendors and contractors to ensure project milestones are met and design visions are accurately executed. Regular communication and teamwork are essential, as you’ll frequently exchange feedback with both internal team members and clients to refine concepts throughout the project lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate interior designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Interior Designer, you need a solid understanding of design principles, spatial planning, and proficiency in drafting, usually supported by a degree in interior design or a related field. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as knowledge of building codes and industry certifications, is typically required. Strong communication, creativity, attention to detail, and teamwork skills help you effectively collaborate with clients and project teams. These skills ensure the creation of functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces that meet client needs and comply with industry standards.

What is the difference between Associate Interior Designer vs Interior Designer?

AspectAssociate Interior DesignerInterior Designer
CredentialsAssociate degree or similar certification, some states require licensingBachelor’s degree in interior design or related field, licensing often required
Work EnvironmentAssist senior designers, work on project details, collaborate with clients and vendorsLead design projects, client consultations, project management
Employer & Industry UsageInterior design firms, architecture firms, retail, hospitalityDesign firms, architecture firms, independent consultants

The main difference between an Associate Interior Designer and an Interior Designer lies in experience, responsibilities, and credentials. Associate Interior Designers typically support senior staff and focus on project details, while Interior Designers lead projects and have more advanced qualifications. Both roles are essential in the interior design industry, with the Associate role often serving as a stepping stone to becoming a licensed Interior Designer.

What can I do with an associate interior designer degree?

An associate interior designer degree prepares individuals for entry-level roles such as interior design assistant, design technician, or showroom associate. Graduates can work on space planning, drafting, and client consultations, often using design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp. Further certification or experience can lead to more advanced interior design positions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Interior Designer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Interior Designer jobs in Illinois are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Interior Designer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Interior Designer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Associate Interior Designer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Associate Interior Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Interior Designer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 55% Full Time, 42% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,747 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Lighting Project Designer

IMEG

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


IMEG rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

268th of 453 rated engineering


Job description

Illuminating Concepts, IMEG's Architectural Lighting Studio, is hiring a Lighting Project Designer to support the growth of our Architectural Lighting team through proactive design leadership and project ownership. In this role, you will lead smaller projects independently while working closely with engineers and consultants to deliver lighting solutions that support positive client outcomes and stay aligned with project budgets. You'll also help mentor team members, collaborate across disciplines, and build project management and proposal-writing experience.
Principal Responsibilities
  • Determine appropriate design practices and standards, illuminance targets, and uniformity targets based on client and project needs, and align with IES recommendations
  • Create visual presentations for client meetings using PowerPoint, Bluebeam, InDesign, Photoshop, AGI32, or other methods to illustrate design concepts
  • Create luminaire layouts and perform illuminance calculations using AGI32 software
  • Select luminaire options and develop luminaire schedules
  • Design lighting layouts that include basic control sensors and draft lighting control sequences of operations and zone schedules in Revit or, more rarely, AutoCAD
  • Coordinate internally or externally with electrical engineering on zoning, emergency lighting, and energy code and sustainability documentation, including but not limited to ComCheck
  • Coordinate with other engineering teams, interior designers, architects, and any other owner provided consultants or representatives, as required
  • Actively contribute to the local section of the Illuminating Engineering Society
  • Attend project job site visits to review existing conditions or luminaire and controls installations and work with on site team to focus lighting and adjust light levels
  • Assist with creating luminaire mockups in the office or at the job site
  • Help drive consistent quality across projects, support the development of IMEG standards, and begin developing client relationships
  • Manage smaller to middle-size projects and collaborate with senior lighting design team members, project executives, or client executives to learn and write proposals

Required Skills/Abilities
  • Proficiency in design techniques, tools, and concepts involved in the production of technical plans and specifications
  • Enriched 2D and 3D visualization and design skills.
  • Expanded knowledge and understanding of lighting design including both visual and technical aspects.
  • Ability to train and mentor less experienced staff
  • Proficiency of industry standard engineering and design software and tools including AGI32 or similar photometric software
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; Ability to clearly communicate in both oral and written communication to individuals or groups in a timely manner
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
  • Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
  • Eagerness to adapt to new challenges
  • Proficiency in the use of Building Information Model software
  • Proficient with MS Office Suite including but not limited to Word, Excel, and Outlook
  • Ability to travel up to 10% with occasional overnight stays
  • This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Education and Experience
  • Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Architectural Engineering, Theatrical Lighting Design, Interior Design, or equivalent required
  • 5 years of experience minimum required, 6 preferred, in the building design consulting industry
  • Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certification preferred

OR
  • Associates degree, or certificate, in Building Information Modeling (Building Information Model) or Engineering preferred
  • 9 years of experience minimum required, 10 preferred, in the building design consulting or construction industry

Why Join Us
We put people first-with a strong focus on career growth, work-life balance, and meaningful impact. As a 100% employee-owned firm, we offer the resources of a national design leader with the close-knit culture of a local office. You'll collaborate across disciplines, contribute to innovative, sustainable projects, and shape the communities we serve. Join a team where your ideas are valued, your development is supported, and your work truly matters.
Architectural Lighting Team Highlights
  • The team blends the art and science of lighting, with expertise spanning interior and exterior lighting design, daylighting analysis, advanced lighting controls, and specialized lighting settings.
  • Illuminating Concepts' lighting designs balance form and function to create solutions that are visually compelling, energy-efficient, and cost-effective.
  • You'll work on an exciting mix of interior and exterior design projects, with opportunities to shape corporate workplaces, civic spaces, higher education facilities, hospitality destinations, healthcare environments, and sports and recreation venues.
  • The team works closely with architects, interior designers, landscape designers, and developers on projects across the U.S. and beyond.

Locations available:
Chicago, IL
Seattle, WA
Salary Range: $60,000 - $95,000
Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay will be based on several factors including experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant. Other rewards may include annual bonuses and stock ownership options. In addition, IMEG Corp. provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO). This information is being provided in compliance with local laws. Additional information regarding employee benefits may be found on our company website at (http://www.imegcorp.com)
Apply today to help create impactful lighting environments that shape how people experience the built world.
IMEG, an employee-owned corporation, is committed to investing in employees' futures through professional development programs and opportunities for career advancement. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including generous PTO, flexible schedule, and assistance with tuition reimbursement. Additionally, employees are eligible to enroll in health, dental, vision, and life insurance on their first day of employment.
Want to learn more about IMEG and our other amazing career opportunities? Please visit https://www.imegcorp.com/careers/.
IMEG is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), gender, national origin, disability, age, genetic information (including family medical history), parental status (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation), ethnic origin, hair type (including hairstyle or hair texture), citizenship status, marital status, military service, veteran's status, political affiliation, non-merit-based factors, or any other characteristic protected by law. In accordance with antidiscrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to put into effect these principles and mandates. IMEG prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. IMEG conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
All applicants have the right to request access, correction, and deletion of their personal information from our system. In order to make a request, please email careers@imegcorp.com.

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