ExecutiveFull TimeEN
YourStudio is a strategy and creative agency shaping next-generation experiences and environments for global brands. With studios in London, Melbourne, New York and LA, we work as one global team to deliver award-winning experiences that are recognised globally.
We’re looking for a Design Director with an experiential 3D design skillset to own creative execution across environments and experience design, from first concept through to built delivery. You’ll set the creative standard, hold it across every touchpoint, and bring the kind of precision and craft that makes the difference between good work and defining work.
Working across a multidisciplinary studio, you’ll translate ambitious ideas into emotionally resonant, spatially considered retail experiences. You’ll collaborate fluently with internal strategists, designers and project leads, external consultants, fabricators and brand partners.
Fluent across retail environments, in-store experience, and brand activation, you’ll bring deep knowledge of retail design fundamentals and the spatial intelligence to translate brand identity into the built environment, with a sharp eye for how technology and creativity can converge meaningfully within physical space.
This role can be based across either the East or West Coast of the US.
The Role
As Design Director, you’ll be the creative anchor across key client projects, translating strategic vision into purposeful, meticulously crafted design outcomes that work in the real world. You’ll lead multidisciplinary teams, build trusted client relationships, and deliver to a consistently high creative standard.
You'll report to the Creative Director and work closely with Strategy Directors, Account Directors, and Project Managers to deliver projects that elevate our studio's reputation for creative excellence.
What you’ll do
Creative Leadership
Set and hold creative direction across key client projects, ensuring every output meets an uncompromising standard of craft, coherence, and strategic intent
Translate high-level creative direction into actionable, detail-oriented guidance for teams
Hold the bar on design quality and integrity across multiple concurrent projects
Push ideas further, sustaining creative ambition from brief through to delivery without losing coherence or on-brand integrity
Team Development
Mentor and develop Associate Design Directors and Senior Designers, guiding creative thinking, craft, and confidence
Lead design reviews and workshops, providing clear, constructive feedback that sharpens ideas and execution
Build an environment of shared ownership and pride, encouraging initiative and growth across the team
Client Engagement
Act as the creative lead in client presentations, articulating ideas with confidence and clarity
Build trusted, collaborative relationships with clients, agencies, and external partners, working in a way that invites creative bravery and shared ownership of the outcome
Represent the studio's design vision externally, helping position it as a leader in experience and brand design
Creative Process & Delivery
Own the design process from initial concept through to construction delivery, maintaining rigorous standards of craft, documentation, and presentation at every stage
Collaborate closely with Project Management and Client Services to maintain clarity on scope, timeline, and priorities
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, design systems, and studio workflows without compromising creative quality
Contribute to scope writing with a strong understanding of how individual projects sit within wider business commercials
What you'll bring
10+ years of experience in retail environments, experiential design, brand activation, and spatial storytelling with a portfolio that demonstrates both conceptual ambition and executional excellence.
A portfolio demonstrating conceptual leadership and executional depth, showing work that is ambitious at concept stage and uncompromising at delivery, across retail, brand activation, and in-store experience
Exceptional storytelling and presentation skills: able to command a room, articulate a vision across strategy decks, storyboards, and immersive 3D concepts, and bring clients and teams with you
Proficiency with collaborative design tools (Figma/Miro) with a strong hand for sketching,able to guide teams across tools and workflows with authority
Working knowledge of Cinema 4D and Vectorworks desirable
Strategic integration of AI-assisted and generative tools, not just as part of the process, but to push the boundaries of what’s possible and inspire teams to explore new creative territory
A proven track record of fostering a hands-on, experimental studio culture. Leading by example, championing iteration, and creating the conditions for bold ideas to thrive
Leadership Attributes
Inspiring and calm under pressure — able to lead with empathy and authority
An excellent communicator who can unite multiple disciplines behind a shared vision
Culturally curious and forward-thinking, always seeking innovation and relevance
Balances creative ambition with pragmatism to deliver exceptional, buildable outcomes
Deep expertise across brand, spatial, and experiential touch points — with particular strength in designing for brand at retail
What we offer
We offer a competitive salary, available upon request, plus our benefits package, which includes:
3 days in the office and 2 day WFH hybrid working pattern
Generous Paid-Time Off allowance, including 25 days plus 10 Public Holidays, a well-being day, 2 community days and your birthday off! Alongside additional extra service allowance (pro-rata for temporary contracts)
Private Medical and Dental
2 week Working Abroad Opportunity
Opportunities to work from our global studios whilst travelling
Dedicated learning platform
Enhanced parental leave policies
Lunch club, Thursday office drinks, Summer and Christmas parties!
We would love to hear from you!
YourStudio is an equal opportunity employer — we welcome applications from all backgrounds and encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every requirement. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the recruitment process.
