DESIGN DIRECTOR
Our client is seeking a Design Director to lead the creative department and oversee the design of custom trade show exhibits, branded environments, and experiential activations. This is a working leadership role, balancing bold creative vision with structural reality and client budgets while staying hands-on for high-value client work and pitches.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Set creative direction and translate client goals, sometimes broad or undefined, into compelling design solutions, presenting concepts with confidence to clients and leadership
Lead, mentor, and grow the creative team while ensuring all work reflects client brand and objectives
Manage multiple projects from concept through execution, keeping schedules and deadlines on track
Collaborate with sales, project management, production, and clients to balance creative and business needs
Push the team's thinking through fresh ideas, calculated risk, and staying current on design trends, materials, and fabrication methods
Help establish creative standards and best practices, and represent the creative team in client meetings and project reviews
REQUIREMENTS
Degree in design, visual arts, experiential design, architecture, or related field, or equivalent experience
5+ years in a senior design or creative leadership role, preferably in experiential design, exhibits, or branded environments
Proven ability to turn complex client requirements into practical, compelling concepts, with strong presentation and communication skills
Experience leading and developing a creative team, with a collaborative leadership style
Strong grounding in branding, visual communication, and design principles, balanced with budget, schedule, and production realities
Comfortable managing multiple projects and priorities with attention to detail
Mastery of 3ds Max, AutoCAD, and V-Ray, with working knowledge of custom millwork, rigging, electrical layouts, and modular systems
