Senior Project Designer / Project Lead

NewGround

Senior Project Designer overseeing design and delivery of projects at NewGround. Leading cross-functional teams for integrated project solutions and ensuring client communication and satisfaction.

Posted 4/14/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $135,000 - $155,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead cross-functional teams (Strategy, Architecture, Engineering, Interiors, Environmental Graphics, Multi-sensory) to deliver integrated project solutions
Serve as primary design point of contact for clients, ensuring a strong relationship, clear communication, alignment of vision, deliverables, and expectations
Lead client communications through presentations, meetings, and email
Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, work plans, and resource allocations
Coordinate internal and external consultants, vendors, and NewGround Build Team to maintain project momentum and quality
Coordinate with Program Directors, Senior Project Managers, Pre-Construction Managers, and estimators from NewGround Build team
Coordinate with Marketing and Business Development on project delivery
Coordinate with local jurisdictions on project development
Lead the team in development of details and technical drawings
Deliver projects on schedule and within budget
Maintain quality control as related to design

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Architecture is required
Architectural License preferred
NCARB certification preferred
8 – 10+ years of professional experience in commercial architecture required
Experience in design of corporate headquarters / office buildings preferred
Experience in retail design preferred
WELL AP credential preferred
LEED AP credential preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
401(k) with company match
Paid parental leave
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Sabbatical program

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

project managementdesign developmenttechnical drawingsbudget managementschedule managementresource allocationquality controlcross-functional team leadershipclient communicationpresentation skills

Soft Skills

strong relationship managementclear communicationalignment of visionorganizational skillscollaborationproblem-solvingleadershipinterpersonal skillsnegotiationadaptability

Certifications

Architectural LicenseNCARB certificationWELL AP credentialLEED AP credential