Senior Technical Designer - Interior Design

Senior Technical Interior Designer

Project-Based / Contract | Hybrid | Chicago, IL

Potential for Full-Time Employment

[[JD_HEADING:About Aleksandra Nova Design

Aleksandra Nova]]

Design is a Chicago-based luxury interior design studio specializing in high-end residential and boutique commercial projects. Our work combines refined aesthetics, custom architectural detailing, and a thoughtful approach to materials, craftsmanship, and functionality.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Technical Interior Designer to collaborate with our creative and project management teams on a project-by-project basis, with the potential to transition into a full-time position as our studio grows.

About the Role

We are looking for a technically skilled, highly detail-oriented designer who understands how to translate creative concepts into buildable, thoroughly documented interiors.

Working closely with our Creative Director and design team, you will take ownership of technical design development, construction detailing, documentation quality control, and technical coordination throughout the project.

This role requires an in-depth understanding of materials, their physical properties, structural implications, installation requirements, and compatibility with different construction methods. The ideal candidate must be able to anticipate technical challenges, develop appropriate construction and support details, and coordinate with structural engineers and other specialists when required.

The position combines technical leadership with hands-on documentation. While you will collaborate with our existing drafting team, you must also be comfortable independently producing construction drawings and detailed documentation when project needs require it.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Design Development

• Review approved interior design concepts for constructability, material suitability, and technical feasibility.
• Develop construction solutions for custom millwork, cabinetry, furniture, architectural features, stonework, and specialty installations.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of material properties, weight, load considerations, substrate requirements, attachment methods, and installation limitations.
• Evaluate how proposed materials interact with existing building conditions and develop appropriate construction details, reinforcement concepts, and installation approaches in coordination with qualified specialists where necessary.
• Research materials, fabrication methods, hardware, mounting systems, clearances, and installation requirements.
• Identify potential technical conflicts early and proactively recommend solutions.
• Collaborate with the creative team to maintain the integrity of the original design.

Construction Documentation & Quality Control

• Collaborate with our drafting team to develop accurate, comprehensive construction documentation.
• Independently produce construction drawings, detailed millwork drawings, elevations, sections, and architectural details as required by the project.
• Translate design concepts, sketches, and 3D models into accurate, technically resolved documentation.
• Develop detailed drawings for complex custom elements requiring additional technical expertise.
• Provide technical direction, sketches, and detailed instructions to the drafting team.
• Review plans, elevations, sections, millwork details, and specifications for accuracy, completeness, and coordination.
• Identify missing dimensions, unresolved details, and potential construction conflicts before drawings are issued.
• Review preliminary pricing drawings and final construction documentation.
• Coordinate drawing revisions and ensure technical issues are resolved.

Vendor & Construction Coordination

• Collaborate with our project management and procurement team to prepare custom elements for vendor pricing.
• Communicate directly with fabricators, millworkers, contractors, and specialty trades to resolve technical questions.
• Review shop drawings and fabrication details for consistency with approved design intent.
• Participate in project meetings and site visits when technical expertise is required.
• Provide technical support during construction and installation, including resolving field conditions and coordinating necessary drawing updates.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in interior design, technical design development, or interior architecture.
• Strong experience with high-end residential renovations, custom interiors, and architectural millwork.
• Advanced understanding of material properties, construction assemblies, load considerations, substrate conditions, fastening systems, and installation methods.
• Ability to assess the technical feasibility of proposed materials and design elements and develop practical, constructible detailing solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to develop technical solutions for complex custom design elements.
• Strong understanding of construction documentation, detailing, and drawing coordination.
• Proven ability to independently produce detailed construction and custom millwork drawings.
• Proficiency in Archicad preferred; experience with comparable architectural documentation software considered.
• Experience coordinating with architects, engineers, contractors, fabricators, and specialty vendors.
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership of technical deliverables, and manage deadlines.
• Availability for occasional in-person meetings and site visits in the Greater Chicago area.

Ideal Candidate

You are a technically minded designer who understands that exceptional interiors require both creative vision and thoughtful execution.

You possess a deep understanding of how materials behave, how architectural elements are supported and assembled, and how design decisions affect construction feasibility.

You can look at a design concept and anticipate how it will be constructed, what information is missing, and what challenges may arise during fabrication or installation.

You are equally comfortable developing technical solutions, producing detailed drawings, and collaborating with other designers and tradespeople to bring complex custom interiors to life.

You are proactive, resourceful, and comfortable taking responsibility for technical decisions within your scope.

Position Details

• Location: Chicago, IL — Hybrid
• Engagement: Independent contractor, project-by-project
• Schedule: Flexible, based on project needs and agreed deliverables
• Compensation: Competitive, based on experience and project scope
• Growth Opportunity: Potential transition to a full-time position

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, portfolio, and examples of technical construction documentation, custom millwork detailing, or completed projects demonstrating your technical expertise.

Include your hourly or project-based rate and general availability.

Aleksandra Nova

Design

www.aleksandranovadesign.com

Pay: $65.00 - $95.00 per hour

Expected hours: 3.0 – 10.0 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person