Spatial Design Internship Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

This Interior Architect role focuses on leading design execution and technical documentation for high-end hospitality interiors, particularly custom restaurant and hotel projects. You will translate conceptual design into detailed construction documents, coordinate with cross-functional teams, and manage project workflows from schematic design through construction administration. The position combines creative design, technical detailing, and project management, with a strong emphasis on mentoring junior designers and contributing to a collaborative studio culture.

• Execute project deliverables within the hours and schedule established by the Project Manager, ensuring work is completed on time and in line with project scope.
• Develop multiple design iterations and options for review, aligning all proposals with the design direction established by senior design leadership.
• Communicate design ideas clearly through hand sketches, plans, elevations, details, 3D models, renderings, and polished presentation materials.
• Translate conceptual design into coordinated documentation from Schematic Design through Construction Administration using CAD, SketchUp, Enscape, Bluebeam, and other project tools.
• Coordinate finish plans, material selections, specifications, schedules, and supporting product information to ensure cohesive and accurate design packages.
• Apply working knowledge of spatial and programmatic requirements, construction standards, detailing, product performance, installation methods, accessibility, and applicable code requirements throughout project development.
• Collaborate with architects, consultants, vendors, and fabricators to integrate project information, resolve conflicts, and maintain alignment with the design intent.
• Develop and coordinate custom furniture, millwork, fixtures, and architectural details in accordance with the approved design direction and project standards.
• Review and redline drawings, renderings, models, prototypes, and consultant documentation produced internally and externally to ensure accuracy and consistency with the design intent.
• Lead shop drawing reviews, submittals, RFIs, design clarifications, and other Construction Administration documentation, coordinating closely with the Project Manager as needed.
• Participate in site visits, field observations, punch walks, and installation reviews to confirm that built work reflects the approved design.
• Independently manage assigned project tasks, deadlines, priorities, open items, and deliverables under the direction of the Project Manager.
• Coordinate workload across multiple projects and communicate proactively regarding missing information, schedule concerns, scope impacts, or resource needs.
• Track and document project decisions, design changes, revisions, and open items, integrating updates into project deliverables and documentation.
• Delegate appropriate tasks to junior team members and provide the information, guidance, and context needed to support timely, coordinated deliverables.
• Review the work of junior designers, technical designers, design assistants, and interns as assigned, ensuring quality, accuracy, and adherence to standards.
• Train and mentor junior team members in design development, documentation, project coordination, and studio standards.
• Provide clear redlines, direction, and constructive feedback to help improve the quality and precision of project work across the team.
• Coordinate junior staff and intern assignments with Project Managers based on project needs, timelines, and resource availability.
• Under the direction of project leadership, communicate with clients, consultants, vendors, and project partners to distribute deliverables, obtain information, and support overall project coordination.
• Maintain project trackers, files, and folders in accordance with established studio standards and organizational systems.
• Maintain timely and professional communication through meetings, email, markups, and internal coordination tools.
• Demonstrate accountability, strong organization, sound judgment, and consistent follow-through in all aspects of project work.
• Actively seek feedback and demonstrate a willingness to listen and learn from all members of the team, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement.
• Research and follow industry developments, new materials, evolving technologies, construction practices, and design best practices to inform project work.
• Continue developing both creative design capabilities and technical documentation skills to support multiple phases of the design process.
• Provide technical documentation support and lead project management and client correspondence for assigned hospitality and restaurant projects.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Interior Design or Interior Architecture.
• 6–10 years of relevant experience in a high-end hospitality interiors firm, with a focus on custom hospitality and retail environments.
• Demonstrated experience supporting design projects from start to finish, including schematic design, design development, and construction administration.
• Experience with project management, with at least 80% of projects previously run independently.
• Experience mentoring junior designers, providing guidance, feedback, and training on design and documentation.
• Strong interior design experience specifically for hospitality projects, including custom restaurant design.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD for technical drawings, detailing, and documentation.
• Proficiency in SketchUp for 3D modeling and design visualization.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite for presentations, mood boards, and visual communication.
• Ability to develop and present design concepts through mood boards, FF&E packages, and space planning.
• Experience with design development, schematic design, and rendering workflows.
• Proficiency in project management and project coordination, including tracking deliverables, schedules, and open items.
• Strong technical drawing skills, including millwork and custom furniture detailing.
• Ability to coordinate FF&E, finishes, and material specifications for hospitality interiors.
• Comfort working with outsourced drawing sets and integrating external documentation into the project workflow.

• Experience with custom hospitality and retail projects; student housing experience is a plus.
• Ideally, experience leading at least two custom restaurant projects from concept through completion.
• Experience in hotel and residential interiors is beneficial, particularly high-end, custom projects.
• Familiarity with Enscape and Bluebeam or similar tools for visualization, markup, and coordination.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards of design and documentation quality.
• Strong communication skills for client correspondence and coordination with consultants and vendors.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative studio environment that values both creative and technical excellence.
• Interest in working as a well-rounded designer who can support multiple phases of the design process, from FF&E specification to built-in drawings and millwork detailing.

The studio offers a beautiful, lively office on the outskirts of the West Loop with an open office concept that encourages collaboration and frequent in-person interaction with clients and vendors. The environment is dog-friendly, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The typical schedule is Monday through Thursday in the office and Friday working from home, with a flexible start time between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. to accommodate different commuting needs. The average workload is 42–45 hours per week, with additional hours during key deadlines. The team structure includes both creative and technical groups, with designers, visual designers, technical leads, construction administrators, and furniture designers working closely together. The organization is transitioning from separate creative and technical teams to a model that emphasizes well-rounded designers who support multiple project phases, from FF&E specifications to millwork and built-in drawings. Drawing sets are often outsourced to an overseas partner, and you will integrate and coordinate these documents within the project workflow. The studio culture is social and team-oriented, with regular outings, including visits to a nearby brewery for team meetings and social events, and an annual weekend retreat for team bonding. Benefits include a structured paid time off program that grows with tenure, holiday pay, and additional time off between Christmas and New Year’s, as well as major holidays and a birthday half-day, supporting a balanced and engaging work experience.

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

The pay range for this position is $36.06 - $40.86/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Sep 10, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

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