SOLA Group Inc. is looking for a driven Associate Editor to join our editorial team in Chicago! If you love writing, storytelling, and creating digital content—and want to grow your career in B2B media—this role is for you.
You’ll help produce feature stories, news coverage, and online content for top publications serving the residential design and construction industries. Work alongside experienced editors, pitch ideas, and shape the content that drives our brands.
What You’ll Do
Write feature articles, news stories, and digital content
Edit and polish copy for print and online
Research, interview, and develop strong story angles
Support newsletters, social posts, and web publishing
Track industry trends and spot great story ideas
What We’re Looking For
1–3 years of writing/editing or digital content experience
Strong reporting, interviewing, and storytelling skills
Excellent grammar and attention to detail
Comfortable working in CMS and digital publishing tools
Interest in design, construction, or architecture is a plus
Must be able to work on-site in Chicago four days per week
Why You’ll Love It Here
Hands-on work with respected industry publications
Growth opportunities and mentorship from seasoned editors
Creative, collaborative environment
Chance to build a strong editorial portfolio
Company DescriptionSOLA Group, Inc. is a business media company covering the $900 billion business of residential design and construction. With daily content and deep industry expertise, we’ve built a community of architects, custom builders, remodelers and kitchen and bath designers. Our media brands are Kitchen & Bath Design News (www.kitchenbathdesign.com), Qualified Remodeler (www.QualifiedRemodeler.com) and Residential Design (www.residentialdesign.com).Company DescriptionSOLA Group, Inc. is a business media company covering the $900 billion business of residential design and construction. With daily content and deep industry expertise, we’ve built a community of architects, custom builders, remodelers and kitchen and bath designers. Our media brands are Kitchen & Bath Design News (www.kitchenbathdesign.com), Qualified Remodeler (www.QualifiedRemodeler.com) and Residential Design (www.residentialdesign.com). Read LessChief Editor
Residential Design Magazine
Position Summary
Residential Design (RD) is seeking an accomplished Editor to lead the premier media brand serving residential architects, custom home designers, and builders. The editor-in-chief is responsible for setting and executing the editorial vision of the magazine across print, digital, social, video, newsletters, events, and industry programs. The ideal candidate combines deep knowledge of residential architecture and design with strong journalistic leadership and the ability to engage influential professionals throughout the custom-home industry. This role serves as the public face of the brand and plays a critical role in shaping industry conversations around design excellence, innovation, construction practices, and the future of residential living.
Key Responsibilities
Editorial Leadership
· Define and execute the editorial strategy for Residential Design across all platforms.
· Maintain the highest standards of journalism, storytelling, visual presentation, and editorial integrity.
· Oversee planning, commissioning, editing, and production of all print and digital content.
· Identify emerging trends, influential projects, innovative firms, and thought leaders shaping residential architecture and custom construction.
· Ensure a balanced mix of project case studies, industry analysis, business insights, design trends, and technical content.
Content Development
· Direct coverage of residential architecture, custom home design, interiors, outdoor living, renovation, sustainability, building science, and emerging technologies.
· Develop special reports, annual editorial franchises, awards coverage, and thought-leadership initiatives.
· Expand multimedia storytelling through video, podcasts, webinars, and interactive digital content.
· Collaborate with photographers, writers, architects, designers, and industry experts to produce compelling editorial features.
· In collaboration with SOLA leadership, develop ideas for in-person conferences and webcasts.
Industry Leadership
· Serve as the chief ambassador for Residential Design within the architecture and design community.
· Represent the brand at industry conferences, award programs, trade shows, and speaking engagements.
· Develop relationships with leading architecture firms, custom builders, manufacturers, associations, and educational institutions.
· Moderate panels, host events, and facilitate discussions on critical industry issues.
Awards and Recognition Programs
· Lead the editorial direction and integrity of the Residential Design Architecture Awards and related recognition programs.
· Oversee judging processes, award communications, and winner coverage.
· Ensure programs reflect excellence, innovation, and leadership within the profession.
· Lead the execution of the Residential Design Architecture Awards annual dinner.
Team Leadership
· Recruit, mentor, and manage editors, contributors, freelancers, and creative partners.
· Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high-performance editorial culture.
· Establish editorial calendars, workflows, budgets, and performance metrics.
· Work closely with design, production, marketing, sales, and event teams to support business objectives while maintaining editorial independence.
Strategic Business Partnership
· Collaborate with executive leadership to advance brand growth and market position.
· Identify opportunities for new editorial products, partnerships, events, and revenue-generating initiatives.
· Contribute to long-range planning for the publication and its associated platforms.
Qualifications
Required
· Bachelor's degree in journalism, architecture, design, communications, or a related field.
· Minimum 10 years of progressive editorial leadership experience.
· Significant experience covering architecture, residential design, construction, or related markets.
· Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling abilities.
· Strong understanding of digital publishing, audience analytics, and content strategy.
· Proven experience managing editorial teams and complex publishing operations.
· Established network within the architecture, design, and construction industries.
Preferred
· Experience leading a national trade, professional, or design publication.
· Knowledge of custom residential architecture and luxury housing markets.
· Experience developing events, awards programs, webinars, or multimedia content.
· Public speaking and on-camera presentation experience.
Key Competencies
· Editorial Vision
· Strategic Leadership
· Industry Expertise
· Relationship Building
· Content Innovation
· Team Management
· Brand Stewardship
· Public Speaking
· Business Acumen
Success Metrics
· Editorial quality and industry influence.
· Growth in readership, audience engagement, and digital performance.
· Expansion of industry partnerships and thought leadership.
· Success of awards programs, events, and community initiatives.
· Strength and development of the editorial team.
· Contribution to overall brand growth and market leadership.
Company DescriptionSOLA Group, Inc. is a business media company covering the $900 billion business of residential design and construction. With daily content and deep industry expertise, we’ve built a community of architects, custom builders, remodelers and kitchen and bath designers. Our media brands are Kitchen & Bath Design News (www.kitchenbathdesign.com), Qualified Remodeler (www.QualifiedRemodeler.com) and Residential Design (www.residentialdesign.com).Company DescriptionSOLA Group, Inc. is a business media company covering the $900 billion business of residential design and construction. With daily content and deep industry expertise, we’ve built a community of architects, custom builders, remodelers and kitchen and bath designers. Our media brands are Kitchen & Bath Design News (www.kitchenbathdesign.com), Qualified Remodeler (www.QualifiedRemodeler.com) and Residential Design (www.residentialdesign.com). Read Less