Interior Design Team Lead

AECOM s Chicago Buildings Places team is seeking experienced and visionary Interior Design Team Lead to oversee and guide our interior design team in delivering exceptional client-focused design solutions. This role requires a dynamic leader who combines creative expertise with strong project management skills to ensure the successful execution of interior design projects across various sectors. The Interior Design Team Lead will play a critical role in shaping the design direction mentoring team members and fostering collaboration to achieve project excellence. This role is a hybrid position located in Chicago IL.

AECOM is a globally recognized architecture and engineering design firm whose diverse creative teams deliver positive impact to millions of people worldwide. We operate collaboratively across business lines and regions trusted to deliver some of the most complex projects on the planet. Our Client Promise - excellence innovation measurable value - reflects our dedication to understanding needs exceeding expectations and achieving shared goals grounded in integrity collaboration and innovation.

About the Chicago Buildings Places Team

Our practice is one of the fastest growing and highest-performing BP practices in AECOM s West Region. We offer a full suite of services: architecture interiors building systems and structural engineering urbanism and planning (including landscape) workplace transformation advisory services technology solutions and digital delivery - and serve as a Center of Excellence for many of these disciplines.

We work in a collaborative model across the West Region with other BP practices as well as with AECOMs Transportation Water Environment and Advisory business lines to support vertical infrastructure and comprehensive solutions. Our Chicago-led client base is global and includes Public Non-Federal Cultural Civic Commercial Science & Technology Transit and Federal clients. Most clients are repeat partners recognizing our service model and outcomes as excellent. Recognized by over 45 design awards in the past five years we aim to be the design firm of choice for clients and the employer of choice for diverse best-in-class talent - doing the work that matters.

Recent/ongoing projects include: Corporate Headquarters Interior Fit-Out Milwaukee County Courthouse; Interior Fit-Outs for National Financial Client; City of Chicago Joint Police and Training Center Emergency Medical Services Addition; Lake County Convention Center.

What Youll Do

The Interior Design Team Lead is a senior leadership role responsible for delivering design excellence driving project performance and developing high-performing teams. This role balances hands-on design leadership with people management client engagement and business outcomessupporting practice growth profitability and long-term client relationships in alignment with regional and national objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Team & Practice Leadership

• Lead mentor and develop a team of interior designers fostering a culture of collaboration creativity accountability and professional growth.

• Manage staffing workloads and resource allocation to ensure efficient project delivery.

• Conduct performance reviews provide coaching and feedback and support career development.

• Contribute to practice growth through team development client engagement and market presence.

Client & Business Engagement

• Serve as a trusted client partner translating vision and goals into clear actionable design strategies.

• Present design concepts and solutions incorporating client feedback through design development.

• Build and maintain strong client relationships that drive repeat work and referrals.

• Strengthen AECOMs presence in the design community through relationships with clients consultants and industry partners.

Design & Project Delivery

• Work closely with the Design Director to lead the development and review of interior design concepts and deliverables ensuring design excellence and alignment with client brand and project objectives.

• Oversee multiple projects concurrently managing scope schedules budgets and quality.

• Review and approve design documentation including concepts renderings material selections and technical drawings.

• Collaborate closely with architects engineers contractors and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless execution.

• Monitor project performance proactively addressing risks and challenges to maintain efficiency and client satisfaction.

Industry Engagement

• Represent AECOM at industry events conferences and exhibitions.

• Stay current on design trends innovations and best practices sharing insights with teams and
  clients.

Why Join AECOM Chicago BP

• Work with a high-performing collaborative team on projects that matter.
• Engage across multi-disciplinary practices and business lines with opportunities to support regional strategy.
• Contribute to creating a high-performing and inclusive culture.

If youre a design-driven leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment builds trusted client relationships and is passionate about developing high-performing teams wed love to meet you. Join us and help shape impactful interiors while delivering the work that matters.

Qualifications :

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in architecture or interior design 10 years of relevant experience including 2 years of leadership (or equivalent experience) in Commercial interiors design and/or project management experience.
• Professional licensure in field of study.
• Valid drivers license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters degree in Interior Design Architecture or Business.
• 15 years of experience at a large interiors or architectural firm including 5 years in leadership.
• Experience across multiple market sectors such as workplace justice federal and healthcare.
• Proven ability to lead teams and deliver projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong client management skills with a demonstrated ability to grow existing and new client relationships.
• Excellent written verbal and presentation skills.
• Experience contributing to thought leadership through panels presentations or publications.
• Strong understanding of project planning staffing budgets and profitability.
• Proficiency in PowerPoint Photoshop and InDesign; familiarity with Revit.

Additional Information :

• Sponsorship is not available for this role

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status AECOM benefits may include medical dental vision life AD&D disability benefits paid time off leaves of absences voluntary benefits perks flexible work options well-being resources employee assistance program business travel insurance service recognition awards retirement savings plan and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities we solve our clients complex challenges in water environment energy transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle from advisory planning design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at . 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts youll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills helping you build the career youve always envisioned. Here youll find a welcoming workplace built on respect collaboration and communitywhere you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time