Senior Architect- Interiors

Job Description

AECOM ’s Chicago Buildings + Places team is seeking a highly skilled and creative Senior Architect with a specialization in Interior Design to lead and oversee the conceptualization, planning, and execution of interior spaces for diverse projects. This role combines architectural expertise with a deep understanding of interior aesthetics, functionality, and client needs. The Senior Architect will play a pivotal role in shaping innovative, sustainable, and visually compelling interior environments that align with project goals and organizational standards. 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 B+P 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 B+P practices, as well as with AECOM’s 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 awards in the past five years, we’re committed to being the design firm clients trust and the employer of choice for diverse, best‑in‑class talent—focused on work that truly matters.

In this role you an expect to work on a wide range of small to large projects in varied market sectors such as Commercial, Science & Technology, Civic, Aerospace, Transportation, Aviation and Federal market sectors. Ongoing/recent projects include: Milwaukee County

Courthouse; Fermi Welcome Center; CTA Belmont/Irving Park Station Upgrades; Rockford Air Traffic Control Tower; City of Chicago Joint Police and Training Center Emergency Medical Services Addition; Lake County Convention Center and numerous corporate client workplace projects across the country.

What You’ll Do

As a Senior Architect in our Interior Design Studio you can expect to create and work on projects from Schematic Design through Construction Administration and closeout. Ability to work independently while also leading a team, as well as strong communication skills, broad technical expertise and ability to deliver high-quality projects as part of a multidisciplinary team is key to success.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• In concert with other Senior Architects, Designers and Project Manager, lead, shape and guide the development of innovative and functional interior architectural designs.
• Assist project manager in managing client relationships and team collaboration and communication.
• Utilize architectural software (Revit and AutoCAD) for detailed project plans and drawings.
• Ensure compliance with building codes, standards, and regulations across a portfolio of projects.
• Integrate sustainable design principles into projects.
• Mentor and guide junior team members, providing regular feedback and support to nurture their growth and development, while fostering a collaborative and supportive studio environment. Facilitate learning opportunities, encourage continuous professional development, and promote a culture of design excellence, quality and innovation within the team.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, including in-house Engineers and external consultants.
• Address design and technical challenges with creative problem-solving.
• Present design ideas clearly and persuasively to clients and stakeholders, ensuring their vision and requirements are understood and integrated into the project.
• Maintain strong relationships through effective communication, active listening, and responsive feedback, fostering trust and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.
• Review drawings and specifications meticulously for accuracy and quality.
• Periodic site travel to review existing conditions, review construction progress and complete punch list.
• Stay current with industry trends, adapting to new technologies and methodologies.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or related field + 4 years of relevant experience, or demonstrated equivalency of education/experience.
• Licensed Architect

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Detail-oriented, thorough, well-organized; excellent time management.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment; prioritize and manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Experience supporting multiple building typologies and markets such as Corporate Workplace.
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written with the ability to clearly articulate design concepts, collaborate across multiple disciplines and develop graphics and visualizations to support communications.
• Positive can-do collaborative spirit with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to proactively address complex design or technical issues.
• Proficient with Revit as well as experience in AutoCAD, Photoshop, Microsoft Office, InDesign, and software such as Rhino, Enscape, SketchUp, or other visualization tools.
• Working knowledge of building codes, standards, building construction, and building structures with ability to complete code studies.
• Expertise with developing details and experience in construction documents
• Capable of writing or contributing to the development of project specific specifications.
• Ability to work independently or with other senior architects to lead integrated design teams of varying sizes to accomplish project delivery from concept through construction document completion and may perform construction administration
• Ability to be client-facing and lead client discussions and charrettes
• LEED Certification

Additional Information

• Sponsorship is not available for this role.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

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.

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