Project Director
Company: Nate Berkus Associates
Duration: Full-time
Date Posted: 08/24/26
Category: Interior Design
Location: Chicago
Salary: 100-150k
Job Description

Nate Berkus Associates is seeking a Project Director to lead the design and execution of sophisticated, high-end residential and commercial interiors. This is a senior leadership role for a thoughtful, highly organized, and design-driven professional with a refined eye, strong technical knowledge, and the ability to manage complex projects with confidence and precision.

This individual will serve as a trusted leader to clients, a strategic partner to architects, builders, and vendors, and a mentor to internal team members. The ideal candidate brings a deep understanding of luxury interior design, strong project management skills, and a calm, collaborative, solutions-oriented approach.

Responsibilities

ead high-end residential and commercial projects through all phases of design and execution, from concept through completion.
Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, architects, builders, vendors, consultants, and internal team members.
Oversee design development, including FF&E, finishes, material selections, and presentations in alignment with the firm’s design standards.
Manage project schedules, budgets, and profitability goals while maintaining a high level of detail and care.
Lead and mentor project teams, providing guidance to designers and project managers throughout all phases of work.
Oversee design documentation and construction drawing sets, ensuring quality, accuracy, and alignment with design intent.
Collaborate with contractors and vendors on pricing, estimates, specifications, and bid coordination.
Conduct regular site visits to communicate design intent, review progress, and ensure execution meets the firm’s standards.
Partner with clients, architects, and contractors to establish design direction, scope, and project goals.
Maintain a strong understanding of residential construction, custom detailing, building regulations, and safety codes.
Foster a high level of client service and communication throughout each project.

Job Requirements

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or Interior Architecture required.
8+ years of professional experience in high-end residential interior design, with significant experience leading projects from concept through completion.
Experience in both design leadership and project management within a luxury residential and commercial design environment.
Strong knowledge of FF&E, materials, custom furnishings, construction documentation, and project execution.
Proficiency in AutoCAD required.
Excellent organizational, communication and leadership skills.
Collaborative, detail-oriented and able to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
Strong client-facing presence and the ability to build trust with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal teams.
Comfortable learning and using project management and design software; Studio Designer experience is a plus.
Willingness to travel to out-of-state project sites as needed.

Compensation: Competitive annual salary based on experience level
Benefits: 401k, Health Insurance, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays

Please email your resume and portfolio to employment@nateberkus.com.

About our Company

Thirty years in, Nate is still at the helm of his eponymous design firm alongside longtime Partner Lauren Buxbaum Gordon. With offices in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles, the highly skilled, hands-on creative team at Nate Berkus Associates specializes in high-end residential and commercial projects across the globe. Their work is guided by Nate and Lauren’s shared perspective that the best interiors are ones that evolve over time and feel deeply personal. With a marked understanding of antiques, textiles, fine art, and custom design, they bring a timeless and refined vision to every project.

Contact

Bridget Speakes
Administrative Assistant
employment@nateberkus.com

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