Senior Interior Designer in Chicago, Illinois at The Gettys Group Companies

At The Gettys Group, Senior Interior Designers are creative leaders, strategic thinkers, and trusted project partners who shape memorable hospitality environments through thoughtful design and strong execution. This role leads projects through all phases of the interior design process—from concept visioning through construction administration—while mentoring team members, elevating design quality, and building trusted relationships with clients, consultants, and project partners.

Senior Designers are expected to bring both strong creative leadership and technical expertise, balancing big-picture vision with meticulous attention to detail. They serve as design stewards for projects, helping ensure Gettys work is innovative, operationally sound, brand-aligned, and beautifully executed.

This role is ideal for a design leader who thrives in collaboration, takes ownership, and is passionate about creating exceptional guest experiences through design.

What You’ll Do

• Lead all phases of the design process, including:
  • Concept development
  • Schematic design
  • Design development
  • Construction documentation
  • FF&E selection and specification
  • Rendering / visual storytelling
  • Construction administration
  • Shop drawing and submittal review
• Develop compelling design concepts that align with brand positioning, guest experience goals, and operational functionality
• Present design concepts, materials, and recommendations confidently to clients, ownership groups, and project stakeholders
• Provide design leadership across projects of varying size, complexity, and market segment
• Mentor Junior Designers and intermediate team members through coaching, review, and day-to-day collaboration
• Guide production teams in creating high-quality drawings, specifications, and project documentation
• Partner closely with architects, consultants, procurement teams, vendors, and manufacturers to ensure design intent is executed successfully
• Oversee material selection, finish palettes, FF&E specifications, and detailing with a high level of design rigor
• Conduct site visits, field verification, mock-up reviews, and installation oversight as needed
• Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, and design deliverables while maintaining Gettys quality standards
• Perform quality control reviews to ensure technical accuracy, constructability, and design excellence
• Stay current on hospitality trends, emerging brands, materials innovation, and guest experience evolution
• Contribute to studio culture, design standards, and creative innovation across the firm

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design or Architecture from a CIDA-accredited or NAAB-accredited program preferred

Experience

5+ years of professional interior design experience, preferably in hospitality

Licensure / NCIDQ certification preferred

Core Success Skills

• Strong design leadership and creative vision
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
• Ability to confidently lead client conversations and present ideas persuasively
• Highly collaborative, professional, and solutions-oriented
• Strong organizational and project management capabilities
• Ability to mentor and elevate others through coaching and feedback
• Strategic thinker who balances creativity, operations, and execution
• High accountability, ownership mindset, and strong follow-through
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Thrives in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments

Technical Skills

• Advanced understanding of interior architectural detailing and construction documentation
• Advanced FF&E specification development and vendor coordination
• Strong knowledge of materials, finishes, furniture applications, and sourcing strategies
• Proficiency in specification writing (SPEXX experience preferred)
• Advanced AutoCAD proficiency
• Advanced Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign / Photoshop)
• Strong SketchUp / rendering / visualization proficiency
• Strong understanding of codes, ADA, constructability, and hospitality operational planning
• Strong self-review / QAQC discipline

What Sets Gettys Designers Apart

We design with purpose, hospitality, and heart.

Senior Designers at Gettys lead more than projects—they help shape experiences, mentor future talent, and elevate the creative standard of our work. They combine imagination with execution, leadership with humility, and creativity with accountability.

At Gettys, great design is memorable—but great designers make others around them better.