Freelance Chicago Interior Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Responsibilities

• Develop interior design solutions that meet client goals and project requirements across all phases, from schematic design through construction administration.
• Coordinate design efforts with consultants, including MEP and other disciplines, to ensure cohesive and integrated project delivery.
• Lead and oversee the work of interior design project team members, providing clear direction, feedback, and support.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior team members, helping them grow their technical and design skills.
• Participate actively in client meetings, presenting design concepts, gathering feedback, and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Create detailed plans and 3D renderings, assemble presentation drawings, and develop finish boards that clearly communicate design intent.
• Produce comprehensive construction documentation and perform quality checks on both personal work and the work of team members to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Participate in the submittal process, including preparing addenda sketches and drawing revisions as needed throughout the project lifecycle.
• Assist with permitting processes, coordinating with relevant authorities and ensuring documentation meets required standards.
• Participate in punch-list walk-throughs, documenting and following up on items to ensure successful project closeout.
• Own and operate independently across all project phases, including programming, schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding and permitting, and construction administration.
• Manage FF&E efforts, including research, selection, specification, and coordination with FF&E dealers.
• Lead and manage multiple projects and teams simultaneously, including scheduling, workload planning, deadlines, and QA/QC oversight.
• Apply knowledge of building codes and standard construction methods to ensure compliant and constructible design solutions.
• Travel locally approximately twice per month to project sites or client meetings as needed.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Interior Design from an accredited university.
• Approximately 8+ years of professional interior design experience (with flexibility based on overall qualifications).
• Relevant project experience in K-12 education, workplace, municipal, or library projects.
• Experience with both ground-up construction and renovation projects.
• Proficiency in Revit and Enscape, with the ability to use these tools effectively for design, documentation, and visualization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to work independently across all project phases, including schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding and permitting, and construction administration.
• Demonstrated experience in FF&E, including research, selection, specification, and coordination with FF&E dealers.
• Proven experience leading and managing teams and multiple projects, including scheduling, hours management, workload balancing, deadlines, and QA/QC processes.
• Strong knowledge of building codes and standard construction methods.
• Willingness and ability to travel locally approximately two times per month.
• Collaborative, outgoing, and strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with clients, consultants, and internal teams.
• Must be proficient in Revit and Enscape and able to operate independently across all project phases, including FF&E.
• Must have relevant project experience and experience leading and managing teams and projects.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.

The pay range for this position is $36.05 - $43.27/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in Chicago,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 11, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.