1

Environmental Design Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Design Professional I- Regenerative Design

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$63K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A systems thinker who performs design and technical tasks requiring application of environmental design ideas and knowledge of passive design first principles. Responsibilities: * Modifies or creates ...

Your work may take many forms, including brand strategy and expression, storytelling systems, interaction and digital product design, data visualization, packaging, and environmental design. Once ...

Design Project Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$99K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) and/or WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP) Certifications. * Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Design Project Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$99K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) and/or WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP) Certifications. * Project Management Professional (PMP) ยฎ certification.

Manager, Digital Design

Oak Brook, IL ยท On-site

  • Retirement

Lead the creative vision for trade shows and experiential activations, including booth branding, environmental design, demo storytelling, signage systems, and customer engagement zones for key ...

Visual Communication Design Lead

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Your work may take many forms, including brand strategy and expression, storytelling systems, interaction and digital product design, data visualization, packaging, and environmental design. Once ...

Visual Communication Design Lead

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$100 - $120/hr

Your work may take many forms, including brand strategy and expression, storytelling systems, interaction and digital product design, data visualization, packaging, and environmental design. Once ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Environmental Design information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$20

$37

$51

How much do environmental design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for environmental design in Chicago, IL is $37.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.67 and $44.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is environmental design?

Environmental design is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on creating sustainable and functional spaces by considering the interactions between people and their surroundings. It integrates aspects of architecture, landscape design, urban planning, and environmental science to improve the quality of built and natural environments. Environmental designers aim to minimize negative impacts on the environment while enhancing aesthetics, usability, and overall well-being. Their work often addresses issues such as energy efficiency, resource conservation, and ecological balance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an environmental designer?

To thrive as an Environmental Designer, you need a strong background in spatial planning, environmental science, and sustainable design principles, often supported by a degree in environmental design or a related field. Proficiency with CAD software, GIS systems, and visualization tools, along with LEED or other sustainability certifications, is commonly expected. Creativity, collaboration, and strong communication skills help set professionals apart by enabling innovative solutions and effective teamwork. These skills are crucial for creating functional, sustainable spaces that meet both client needs and environmental standards.

How does an environmental designer typically collaborate with other professionals during a project?

Environmental Designers often work closely with architects, urban planners, engineers, and landscape designers throughout a project's lifecycle. Collaboration typically involves participating in multidisciplinary meetings, sharing design concepts, and integrating feedback to ensure that sustainability and functionality goals are met. Effective communication and coordination are essential, as Environmental Designers must align their vision with regulatory requirements, client needs, and the technical constraints provided by other specialists. This collaborative approach ensures that projects are both environmentally responsible and feasible within the broader design context.

What is the difference between Environmental Design vs Landscape Architecture?

AspectEnvironmental DesignLandscape Architecture
CredentialsDegree in Environmental Design, certifications in planning or sustainabilityDegree in Landscape Architecture, licensure as a landscape architect
Work EnvironmentUrban, architectural, and planning projects often indoors or in mixed settingsOutdoor projects, parks, gardens, and public spaces
Industry UsageUsed in urban planning, sustainable design, and architecture firmsPrimarily in landscape architecture firms, government agencies, and environmental organizations

Environmental Design and Landscape Architecture share overlapping skills in planning and sustainability, but Environmental Design has a broader focus on urban and architectural environments, while Landscape Architecture specializes in outdoor spaces and natural environments. Both careers require related credentials and often work in similar settings, but their project focus and industry applications differ.

Is environmental design in demand?

Environmental design is in demand as it plays a key role in sustainable development, urban planning, and architecture. Professionals in this field are sought after for projects that focus on eco-friendly and innovative solutions, often requiring skills in CAD software and environmental analysis. Job growth is expected to continue as environmental concerns become increasingly prioritized in development initiatives.

What do you do with an environmental design degree?

An environmental design degree prepares individuals for careers in urban planning, landscape architecture, sustainable design, and environmental consulting. Professionals in this field often use design software like AutoCAD or Adobe Creative Suite and may need licensure or certification depending on the role. They work in settings such as design firms, government agencies, or private consulting companies to create functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing environments.

What does an environmental design do?

An environmental designer creates and plans physical spaces to improve their functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. They work on projects such as urban planning, landscape architecture, and interior environments, often using design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp. Their role involves understanding environmental impact, safety standards, and client needs to develop effective solutions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Design jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Environmental Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Environmental Design job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,655 per year, or $37.8 per hour.

Design Professional I- Regenerative Design

Hksinc

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$63K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Overview:

Supports project teams using a wide range of developing professional skills while working under general supervision. Performs basic design and technical tasks requiring application of regenerative, nature first, passive design techniques and emergent knowledge. Eager to learn and innovate through both in-depth research and creative design. A systems thinker who performs design and technical tasks requiring application of environmental design ideas and knowledge of passive design first principles.

Responsibilities:

  • Modifies or creates conceptual and implementation documents, applying regenerative design thinking, collaborative design ideations as assigned under direction
  • Performs assignments in support of team members and will have some design responsibility collaborating with other team members as designated
  • Assignments may include higher-level work for training/development purposes
  • Provides support in the production of creative 3D conceptual ideas that freely explore nature first and human focus design with interdisciplinary collaboration.
  • Exhibits initiative, interest in innovation and problem solving in design.
  • Co-develops strong conceptual diagrams under guidance
  • Demonstrates capacity to distill complex ideas into simple-to-understand design, integrating context, climate and community resources
  • Participates in the concept, ideation, production and facilitation of internal and client-facing integrated design charette/workshops
  • Represents design ideas and prepare implementation documents, applying innovative graphic techniques and according to written and verbal specifications with general supervision
  • May attend on-site visits, field reviews and client and/or project meetings as appropriate
  • May assist in preparing proposals, presentations, schedules and processing of implementation documentation and samples
  • May participate in communication with other disciplines, vendors and contractors to incorporate information into project requirements
  • Participates in team meetings to discuss project issues, design and technical issues and coordination with other disciplines

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

  • Accredited professional degree in Architecture or related field required
  • Typically 0-3 years of experience

Licenses and Certifications

  • On the path to Architectural Registration
  • Sustainable design accreditation preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Advanced - expert-level experience, knowledge or skills

Intermediate - experience, knowledge or skills required to produce high-quality solutions or work

Basic - familiar with primary concepts or capabilities and may perform elementary functions depending on role

  • Basic skills in Revit, Rhino and Grasshopper required; intermediate preferred
  • Basic skills in Bluebeam, Twinmotion, Enscape or other visualization tools required
  • Basic knowledge of Navisworks and Dynamo required
  • Basic skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign required
  • Basic knowledge of Ladybug, Forma or other environmental tools preferred
  • Basic skills in MS Office Suite required
  • Basic knowledge of sustainability and integrated design guidelines required
  • Basic knowledge of materials, construction techniques, building codes and QA/QC process required
  • Basic presentation, graphic and visualization skills to communicate ideas required
  • Basic experience with the entire project lifecycle through post-occupancy required
  • Basic ability to communicate in a clear, concise and professional manner both verbally and in writing required
  • Basic ability to problem solve and collaborate on innovative solutions required
  • Basic ability to work in a team environment required
  • Basic ability to work on multiple projects at the same time required
  • Basic ability to effectively meet deadlines at expected quality required
  • Travel may be required

Base Salary Range: $63k - $75k annually - Chicago & New York locations only.
The estimate displayed represents the general base salary range of candidates hired in the Chicago & New York locations only. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range based on the location of the role. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
HKS offers a comprehensive total compensation & benefits package with health, dental, and vision care coverage, 401(k) plans, life & AD&D insurance, short/long term disability plans, paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, vacation), and much more for benefits-eligible employees. To learn more about our benefits visit this page.

If you currently work for HKS, please submit your application via the Internal Careers Portal.

HKS is an EEO/AA Employer: M/F/Disabled/Veteran