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

• Lead high-end residential and commercial projects through all phases of design and execution, from concept through installation and 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, material estimates, specifications, and bid coordination.
• Conduct regular job 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 the life of each project.

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

Nate Berkus Associates Chicago is seeking an intern for the fall semester beginning September 2026. The position would require 3-5 days of work per week.

Responsibilities include maintaining the sample library; supporting Designers and Design Assistants with pricing, quotes, and material selections, which may involve visits to vendor showrooms. Additional tasks may include CAD work, drafting, entering specifications into our design tracking system, assisting with presentation preparation, and general administrative duties such as answering phones. Proficiency in Photoshop and PC/Windows is preferred.

To apply, please send your resume and portfolio to employment@nateberkus.com