Director of Business Development

About the Role

Partners by Design is seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Business Development to lead the continued expansion of the firms presence in the commercial interior architecture and design sector. This individual will play a key role in identifying new business opportunities, strengthening client relationships, and enhancing the firms brand visibility across the region and beyond. Working closely with our Principal of Business Development, the ideal candidate is a motivated, organized, and proactive professional who thrives in a collaborative, design-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Cultivate and maintain strong, long-term relationships with existing and prospective clients across corporate, commercial real estate, and institutional sectors
• Develop and implement effective business development strategies aligned with the firms growth objectives
• Lead efforts to identify and pursue new market opportunities through networking, outreach, and market research
• Oversee and maintain the firms CRM system (Membrain) to manage leads, contacts, and campaign data
• Collaborate with internal teams to produce compelling RFQs/RFPs, proposals, presentations, and qualification packages
• Support the creation and distribution of marketing collateral for digital platforms, including website and social media
• Analyze market trends and provide insights to guide strategic decision-making and positioning
• Coordinate with leadership on the development and execution of the firms annual business development plan
• Represent Partners by Design at industry events, networking functions, panel discussions, and professional association meetings
• Serve as a brand ambassador, effectively communicating the firm's design vision and value proposition
• Serve as an active and knowledgeable member of our project teams while interacting with clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Marketing, Communications, Architecture, Interior Design, Business, or a related field strongly preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of business development and/or marketing experience, preferably in the architecture, design, or commercial real estate industries
• Existing knowledge of and connections within the Chicago commercial real estate and design markets preferred
• Strong grasp of industry trends, players, and positioning strategies
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including presentation and storytelling capabilities
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, CRM platforms (Membrain preferred), and web-based marketing tools
• Experience with Deltek Vision is a plus
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment

About Partners by Design

Founded in 1993, Partners by Design is a leading architecture and design firm based in Chicago, IL, offering a full range of interior architecture, planning, and design services. The firm is nationally recognized for its creative, client-focused approach and strategic design solutions. As a member of ONE Global Design, Partners provides seamless services across North America and internationally. We are proud to be ranked among the top 100 architecture and design firms in the United States.