Certified Interior Designer (CID) / Project Lead

Full Time / Permanent - $80,000-$95,000 /yr

Wilkus Architects is seeking an experienced Certified Interior Designer / Project Lead who enjoys developing creative design solutions, coordinating project teams, and helping clients bring their vision to life.

Founded in 1990, Wilkus Architects is a family-led, full-service architectural firm based in Hopkins, Minnesota. Our work includes restaurant, retail, hospitality, healthcare, office, and senior housing projects nationwide. We value strong client relationships, practical design, accountability, and a collaborative, family-friendly work environment.

Position Summary

The Certified Interior Designer / Project Lead develops creative interior design concepts that respond to client needs, operational requirements, brand standards, and project budgets. Under the direction of the Project Manager and Principal Architect, this role leads the development and coordination of interior design work while supporting day-to-day project delivery, schedules, documentation, and team coordination.

This position combines hands-on design with team leadership, providing guidance and mentorship to Designers and Senior Designers while building experience toward increased project management responsibility.

Core Responsibilities

  • Develop interior design concepts that align with client goals, project scope, and budgets

  • Prepare and deliver presentations that clearly communicate design concepts, materials, recommendations, and decisions

  • Develop and coordinate space plans, material and finish palettes, interior elevations, architectural interior details, lighting concepts, and furniture, fixtures, and equipment selections

  • Evaluate materials for appearance, performance, durability, maintenance, cost, and availability

  • Support the Project Manager throughout all phases of design and construction

  • Coordinate workflow between internal team, consultants, and clients to support project delivery

  • Assist with proposals, contracts, consultant proposals, fee evaluation, billing review, and tracking progress against project budgets

  • Maintain project schedules, deadlines, and team priorities

  • Prepare and lead project kickoff meetings, participate in project development meetings, document decisions, and track action items

  • Produce and coordinate construction documents using Revit, integrating client standards, approved design concepts, and consultant information

  • Conduct code and critical drawing reviews to improve quality, accuracy, and completeness before supervisory approval

  • Coordinate with permitting authorities, apply due diligence findings, and prepare responses to plan review comments

  • Develop construction details and written specifications

  • Support construction administration through site observations, RFIs, submittal reviews, field reports, punch lists, and project closeout

  • Mentor, train, and support Designers and Senior Designers through clear direction, feedback, and accountability

Qualifications

  • Certified Interior Designer (CID) credential required

  • Bachelor’s degree or technical degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Drafting, preferred

  • 7+ years of professional architectural or interior design experience, including team coordination and leadership

  • Relevant project experience in restaurant, retail, or tenant improvements

  • Substantial experience developing space plans, creative design concepts, design development documents, and coordinated construction details

  • Advanced graphic and verbal presentation skills, including the ability to communicate design intent and guide client decisions

  • High proficiency in Revit, BIM coordination, Enscape, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam

  • Proficiency in design visualization and presentation tools

  • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and project management software

  • Strong understanding of commercial construction systems, materials, finishes, and detailing

  • Thorough knowledge of building codes, accessibility requirements, and multi-state codes

  • Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple projects, delegate tasks, and support team workload planning

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Ability to travel to job sites and client meetings as needed

  • Commitment to leadership, collaboration, mentorship, and client service

About Wilkus Architects

Wilkus Architects is based in Hopkins, Minnesota and combines the resources and experience of a larger firm with the collaboration, creativity, and personal attention of a smaller office. We are committed to developing well-rounded team members and creating a workplace where people can grow professionally, contribute meaningfully, and bring their authentic selves to work.

Our culture is collaborative, family-friendly, and grounded in our core values. We believe work-life balance matters, and we work hard to create an environment where people feel supported both professionally and personally.

Benefits

  • Salary: $80,000-$95,000

  • Profit sharing

  • 401(k) retirement savings program

  • Health, dental, vision, and LT disability insurance

  • Flexible schedule and work environment

  • Paid time off

  • Paid holidays

Wilkus Architects is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To apply, please submit your resume to: info@wilkusarch.com, the link below, or online at: www.wilkusarch.com

We look forward to meeting you!

Please combine your Cover Letter, Resume, References, and Portfolio into a single document and upload for submission.

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*Wilkus Architects is an equal opportunity employer