Studio Sven is looking for an Interior Architect with strong technical expertise who can lead and manage project execution from start to finish. This person builds trust with clients, maintains strong vendor relationships, and has a sharp eye for detail. You’ll oversee multiple interior design projects, ensuring they’re delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. The role is heavily focused on documentation, coordination, and construction management, with close collaboration across contractors, trades, external architects, and our internal team.
While design is an important part of the role, it leans heavily toward project management and technical execution. We’re looking for a strategic thinker who operates with urgency, stays highly organized, and brings strong problem-solving skills and follow-through. The role goes beyond creating an amazingly detailed set of plans; it manages and sees the project all the way through.
We are looking for someone with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, ideally in a high-end residential interior design firm, residential architecture and construction, or a design-build environment. You bring proven experience managing projects from start to finish, along with a bachelor’s degree and strong technical foundation. You’re comfortable being challenged, take ownership of your work, and are confident offering solutions, ideas, and feedback that move projects and the team forward.
DESIGN + OVERSIGHT – Collaborate with the Principal on Design Direction for each project, then bring the vision to life, ensuring the designs meet the firm’s aesthetic and standards.
TECHNICAL OUTPUTS – Produce all documents and comprehensive drawing sets throughout the project: This includes layouts, space plans, elevations, technical drawings, millwork and work orders for custom pieces.
PROJECT LEADERSHIP – Take the lead on multiple project executions from start to finish, guiding everything from early concepts through to construction. You’ll oversee + execute architectural elements, documentation, construction drawings, site plans and construction administration.
VENDOR + CONSTRUCTION COORDINATION – You’ll coordinate with and supervise external architects, contractors, and tradespeople to bring the vision to life. You’ll request and analyze bids, provide clear direction and follow-up documentation. This includes maintaining strict document control and version tracking throughout the entire project.
BUDGET + SCHEDULE MANAGEMENT – Plan and manage project budgets and timelines to make sure everything runs smoothly and stays on budget.
• Must currently reside in Chicago and have a valid driver’s license; access to reliable transportation is required.
• Comfortable working in a Mac environment.
• Proficient use of AutoCAD, SketchUp, Excel and Photoshop is required. Use of ClickUp and Drawboard is preferred, but not required.
• Quickly create and work with floor plans, elevations, construction documents, finish schedules, shop drawings and work orders.
• Prepare client presentations—drawings, digital mood boards and material flat lays
• You must be comfortable with hands-on labor during an install as needed.
Studio Sven’s designs are for the bold. Known for intriguing and nuanced yet extremely livable residential spaces, Studio Sven brings intentionality to luxury living. Lauren Svenstrup leads Studio Sven with a hefty dose of wit and a knowingness for well-curated lifestyles. Every element of the intimate design process is meticulously managed by our team and we thrive on those details.
We are a firm that values its small team culture and thrives on collaboration, innovation and providing an unparalleled experience for our clients.
