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Store Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

AKIRA

Retail Design & New Store Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Ensure all store designs comply with company standards, local building codes, and safety requirements. * Resolve design, installation, and operational issues during project implementation. * Maintain ...

AKIRA

Retail Design & New Store Development

Chicago, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Ensure all store designs comply with company standards, local building codes, and safety requirements. * Resolve design, installation, and operational issues during project implementation. * Maintain ...

Steinhafels

Interior Designer

Crystal Lake, IL · On-site

$15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Overview Interior Designers: Bring Your Creative Vision to Life at Steinhafels! Are you an Interior ... The ability to work both in-store and in customers' homes * The ability to manage multiple projects ...

Steinhafels

Interior Designer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Overview Interior Designers: Bring Your Creative Vision to Life at Steinhafels! Are you an Interior ... The ability to work both in-store and in customers' homes * The ability to manage multiple projects ...

Steinhafels

Interior Designer

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Overview Interior Designers: Bring Your Creative Vision to Life at Steinhafels! Are you an Interior ... The ability to work both in-store and in customers' homes * The ability to manage multiple projects ...

Steinhafels

Interior Designer

Crystal Lake, IL · On-site

$15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Overview Interior Designers: Bring Your Creative Vision to Life at Steinhafels! Are you an Interior ... The ability to work both in-store and in customers' homes * The ability to manage multiple projects ...

Steinhafels

Interior Designer

Harwood Heights, IL · On-site

$15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Interior Designers: Bring Your Creative Vision to Life at Steinhafels! Are you an Interior Designer ... The ability to work both in-store and in customers' homes * The ability to manage multiple projects ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsStore Designer JobsStore Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Store Designer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$23

$42

How much do store designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for store designer in Chicago, IL is $23.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $23.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a store designer?

To thrive as a Store Designer, you need a strong background in interior design or architecture, spatial planning, and retail merchandising, usually demonstrated through relevant education and design experience. Proficiency with design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and knowledge of building codes and retail standards is often required. Creativity, strong communication, and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure that store environments are both visually engaging and functionally optimized for a successful retail experience.

What do store designers do?

Store designers plan and create the layout, visual appearance, and overall aesthetic of retail stores to enhance customer experience and brand identity. They use design software, collaborate with clients and architects, and consider factors like space utilization, lighting, and signage to develop functional and attractive store environments.

How much does a store designer make?

The average salary for a store designer ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Senior store designers or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $90,000 annually. Compensation may also include benefits such as bonuses, health insurance, and opportunities for career advancement.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a store designer?

Store Designers spend their days developing layout concepts, producing technical drawings, and collaborating closely with project managers, architects, and visual merchandisers to bring store environments to life. They often conduct site visits, coordinate with contractors and vendors, and ensure that all design elements align with brand standards and comply with local regulations. Balancing multiple projects, refining plans based on client or leadership feedback, and sourcing materials are also common tasks. This blend of creative and technical responsibilities allows Store Designers to see their vision realized from concept through to finished retail space.

What is a store designer?

A Store Designer is responsible for creating the layout, aesthetics, and visual merchandising of retail spaces to enhance customer experience and optimize sales. They collaborate with architects, marketing teams, and store planners to develop functional and appealing store designs that align with a brand’s identity. Their work includes selecting materials, fixtures, and color schemes while considering traffic flow and accessibility. Store Designers must balance creativity with practicality to ensure designs are both visually engaging and cost-effective.

What are the most commonly searched types of Store Designer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Store Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Store Designer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Store Designer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Store Designer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Store Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Store Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Store Designer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,847 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Retail Design & New Store Development

AKIRA

Chicago, IL • On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago

Akira rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

AKIRA Retail Design & New Store Development
In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 40+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com). AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand. AKIRA's culture has one very large, distinct difference from other high fashion competitors: Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer's needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner, and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company.
The Position: Retail Design & New Store Development
Location: HQ - Chicago, IL (Onsite). This is not a remote position and requires regular onsite attendance, with up to 50% travel to support new store openings, remodels, and operations across 40+ retail locations.
Overview
The Retail Design & New Store Development is responsible for the design, planning, development, and implementation of new retail store locations and remodel projects. This role combines creative design, project coordination, installation support, and vendor management to ensure stores are visually appealing, functional, and aligned with company standards. The position works closely with company leadership, store owners, contractors, and vendors to deliver projects on time and within budget.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop innovative store layouts and design concepts for new store locations and remodels.
  • Create floor plans, fixture layouts, elevations, and store presentations.
  • Present store layouts, design concepts, and project updates to management and store owners for review and approval.
  • Coordinate all aspects of new store development from concept through installation and store opening.
  • Conduct site visits, store surveys, and project assessments as required.
  • Collaborate with contractors, vendors, architects, and internal teams to ensure successful project execution.
  • Coordinate store fixture, signage, display, and equipment installations.
  • Assist with hands-on installation activities when necessary to ensure store readiness.
  • Place, track, and manage orders for fixtures, signage, equipment, displays, and other store-related materials.
  • Monitor project timelines, budgets, and delivery schedules.
  • Ensure all store designs comply with company standards, local building codes, and safety requirements.
  • Resolve design, installation, and operational issues during project implementation.
  • Maintain accurate project documentation and records.
  • Support store openings, relocations, and remodel projects.
  • Research industry trends and recommend improvements to store design and customer experience.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Retail Design, or a related field preferred.
  • Experience in retail store design, store planning, interior design, or new store development.
  • Knowledge of retail fixtures, construction, installation, and store opening processes.
  • Experience working with vendors, contractors, and store owners.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

Required Skills
  • Ability to travel as required for store visits, installations, meetings, and new store openings.
  • Strong installation skills and understanding of store setup procedures.
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Strong computer skills, including the ability to create and present store layouts and design concepts to management and store owners.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, or similar design software preferred.
  • Ability to place, manage, and track orders for fixtures, equipment, signage, and store supplies.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
  • Comfortable utilizing AI-powered tools to enhance design development, project management, communication, documentation, and overall productivity.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to travel up to 50% of the time.
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and move materials during store installations and site visits, lift up to 60 lbs.
  • Ability to work flexible hours when supporting store openings and installations.

Success Factors
  • The ideal candidate is a creative and detail-oriented professional who enjoys both design and hands-on project execution. They possess strong communication skills, work well with teams and store owners, can manage multiple projects simultaneously, and are comfortable traveling and supporting store installations from concept through completion.

Benefits and Perks:
AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full-time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurance, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and a generous employee discount. We're committed to internal growth, providing meaningful development and career advancement opportunities.
Job Type: Full-Time
We are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. Compensation for this position will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. Additional compensation and benefits may also apply and will be discussed during the hiring process.
We may utilize AI-assisted and automated tools as part of the recruiting and hiring process. All employment decisions are made in compliance with applicable laws and without discrimination.
Department Owners Role Retail Design & New Store Development Locations Chicago Headquarters Yearly salary $90,000 - $120,000 Employment type Full-time

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