Historic Preservation Design Fellow

The Dream Center Historic Preservation Design Fellowship

Program Overview

The Dream Center Historic Preservation Design Fellowship is a hands-on educational and professional development initiative centered around a historic landmark restoration project on Chicago’s West Side.

The fellowship provides emerging creatives, designers, preservationists, architects, and storytellers with real-world experience working on a historically significant restoration project focused on preservation, culture, storytelling, family, and community revitalization.

Fellows will gain hands-on exposure to:

• Historic preservation and adaptive reuse
• Interior design and architectural concepts
• Restoration planning and creative direction
• Cultural storytelling and content creation
• Community-centered design
• Real-world project collaboration
• Media and documentary-style production support

The fellowship operates under The Dream Center umbrella and supports the ongoing restoration and storytelling surrounding a historic preservation initiative in Chicago.

Historic Preservation Design Fellow

Position Overview

The Historic Preservation Design Fellow will support the creative direction and interior restoration planning of a historic landmark property while helping preserve the architectural integrity and character of the space.

This role is ideal for emerging designers and creatives interested in historic preservation, restoration-focused interiors, adaptive reuse, and culturally significant spaces.

Responsibilities

• Assist with interior design concepts and presentations
• Create mood boards and material palettes
• Research Prairie School and historic interior design references
• Support furniture, fixture, and decor sourcing
• Assist with historic finish and color research
• Help organize design presentations and visual concepts
• Collaborate with project leadership and restoration team
• Assist with design organization, vendor research, and product sourcing

Ideal Background

• Interior Design students or graduates
• Historic Preservation students
• Architecture students
• Emerging designers with interest in restoration work
• Creative professionals with an interest in historic spaces

Skills Preferred

• Canva, Adobe Suite, Pinterest, or mood board experience
• Strong visual and organizational skills
• Passion for historic architecture and preservation
• Ability to work collaboratively in a creative environment
• Strong communication and presentation skills

Fellowship Benefits

Participants may receive:

• Real-world experience on a historic restoration project
• Portfolio-building opportunities
• Professional mentorship
• Exposure to preservation and development industries
• Networking opportunities
• Media and storytelling experience
• Hands-on project collaboration
• Potential public recognition and project feature opportunities

Compensation Structure

Eligible fellows between the ages of 18–24 may qualify for hourly compensation through a workforce development grant program at a rate of $16 per hour for up to 20 hours per week.

Fellows who do not qualify under grant eligibility guidelines may still be selected to participate in the fellowship program and may receive a project-based stipend, professional mentorship, portfolio-building opportunities, and hands-on experience working on a historic Chicago restoration initiative.

Time Commitment

• Part-Time Fellowship
• Up to 20 hours per week
• Flexible scheduling available
• Fellowship term to be discussed during interview process