Project Designer

Core Spaces Employer

Chicago, IL, USLocation:

Fri, Mar 6 '26Posted On

$85,000 - $95,000 annually Pay:

Who We Are

Core Spaces (Core) is more than a real estate company; it’s a people company. Where building relationships is just as important as building properties. From researchers and architects to designers and operators, Core is made up of risk takers and dreamers who are on a mission to invent the future of living. Our six cultural values guide us every day and we strive to live them in everything we do: PUSH (Invent Better Places to Live), GRIT (We Got This), LIFT (Help Each Other Win), SHINE (Bring Your Full Self), UPHOLD (Never Break Trust), GROW (Always Get Better). Everything Core does stem from this culture of collaboration and innovation, and the drive to constantly improve the resident experience. This unique approach has led to creating spaces and services that are redefining the way people live.

What We Do

Founded in 2010, Core is a vertically integrated real estate investment manager focused on acquiring, developing and managing across the student housing and build-to-rent (“BTR”) sectors. Its residential communities feature world-class amenities, progressive design, and hospitality-driven service. Core’s student housing portfolio includes over 59,000 beds currently owned or managed, with a pipeline of over 50,930 beds in various stages of development. Core’s BTR division has over 3,000 homes under development, now leasing or in its pipeline in high-growth metros nationwide. For more information, visit

• Portfolio and pipeline numbers as of Q4 2025

Benefits That Matter

• A culture that provides you with a sense of belonging
• Hybrid or remote work options may vary by role to support work-life balance
• Competitive pay that values your contributions
• Incentives designed to reward your achievements
• Paid flexible PTO to disconnect or celebrate life milestones
• Paid 14+ holidays, including your birthday, to disconnect and celebrate
• Paid Parental Leave that begins after 90 days
• Paid volunteer time off to give back to your community
• Monthly workshop weeks; fewer meetings & more collaboration
• Robust health plan options that begin within at least 30 days of your employment
• Monthly phone reimbursement
• Wellness allowance and perks, including a yearly subscription to a meditation app
• An environment that provides you a voice to share your perspectives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for access to confidential support services
• Company retirement options including 401(k) + matching & Roth account option

Position Overview

We are looking for a talented architect to help plan, design, and execute on multiple exciting student housing projects throughout the country. You’ll be part of our small in-house design team which is made up of highly skilled architects, interior designers and urban planners. We take on the scope of all early feasibility studies for each potential site the company looks at which includes site planning, full floor plans of the building, and exterior design presentations. As both the client and the designer rolled into one, you will have the unique opportunity to influence every stage of the design and become a key decision maker on how we re-shape the cities that we work in.

What You Will Do

• Have a notable and tangible effect on the built environment, across multiple asset types in cities around the country
• Guide site planning, zoning analysis and building massing
• Collaborate on exterior and interior architecture, space planning and implementation
• Develop, design and prototype new ideas, innovations, initiatives, and special projects
• Gain an intimate understanding of the real estate development industry
• Skip out early, stay up late, get inspired, inspire others, create, collaborate, gear up, get down, stress out and have fun
• Occasional travel may be necessary as needed
• Perform all other duties and tasks as assigned by management
• Must be able to complete all physical requirements of this role with or without a reasonable accommodation

Ideally, You'll Have

• 3+ years of architecture experience in Multi-family or Student Housing development design support
• Proficiency in SketchUp, Rhino, AutoCAD, Revit, and/or other CAD, 3D modeling, & rendering software
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite
• Graphics and visualization skills to effectively communicate design ideas
• Knowledge of materials, construction techniques, and building codes
• Strong business acumen, phenomenal people skills and ambition to grow in your role

You'll Crush It If You Have Experience With

• Residential and commercial housing sectors, including multifamily, student housing, and single-family projects
• Hospitality environments and related project workflows
• 3D modeling and graphic design tools to support project development and visualization
• Partnering directly with developer clients to deliver high-quality project outcomes

Organizational Structure

Reports to: Manager, Project Designer

Disclaimer

Please note that job responsibilities, reporting lines, and duties outlined in this job description are subject to change to meet the evolving needs of the organization.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Core Spaces celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment, which creates a sense of belonging for all employees. We do not discriminate and believe every individual should be proud of who they are and the community they represent.

Pay Range USD $85,000.00 - USD $95,000.00 /Yr.

Additional Compensation Employees may be eligible for discretionary bonuses, typically 10% of base salary annually, depending on individual and organizational performance.

Compensation Disclosure

The compensation range listed reflects the base salary or hourly rate that we reasonably and in good faith expect to offer for this role at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as education, experience, skills, certifications, seniority, geographic location, and business needs.

This role may be eligible for additional forms of compensation, including bonuses, commissions, stipends, or non-cash incentives, depending on position and performance. Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other role-based offerings, subject to eligibility requirements.

All compensation components are subject to change based on business needs or market conditions.

Please apply directly through the Core Spaces website at the link here for immediate consideration: Associate, Project Designer in Chicago, Illinois | Core Spaces

For any questions, please reach out to Morgan Duplechin at [email protected]