Associate Design Director

Company Overview

StudioXAG crafts immersive environments that tell captivating stories, creating memorable experiences for globally renowned brands. Our diverse team combines conceptual innovation with creative execution to inspire awe, delight, and meaningful emotional connections.

Role Summary

We are searching for an Associate Design Director skilled in developing compelling creative visions, overseeing design concepts from inception through flawless implementation. Reporting to the Associate Creative Director and working alongside a team of 18 creatives, this role involves leading and mentoring design teams to achieve the exceptional standards StudioXAG is celebrated for.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and lead the creative vision across projects, transforming client briefs into impactful, innovative concepts that balance creativity with feasibility and budget constraints.
• Guide designers and support the creative director to reinforce storytelling, clarity, and innovation.
• Manage, mentor, and grow a creative team of 3-5 members through regular one-on-one meetings, development plans, and career coaching.
• Foster a culture of skill development and training, and contribute to recruitment to enhance team capabilities.
• Communicate effectively to translate briefs into clear creative direction, collaborating closely with Project Management for resources and timelines.
• Act as a trusted creative advisor for clients and internal teams throughout project delivery, managing expectations and seeking opportunities for account growth.

Qualifications and Experience

• At least 10 years of experience in luxury brand, retail, or agency settings with proven leadership in design and team management.
• Strong creative vision with an eye for detail and problem-solving in telling brand stories, especially within retail and experiential domains.
• Excellent communication skills, confident in presenting to senior stakeholders and managing client relationships.
• Organized and collaborative with deep understanding of spatial design and retail production processes.
• Industry insight in luxury, beauty, and lifestyle sectors to shape strategic, innovative work.
• Technical proficiency with SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and rendering tools such as V-Ray; familiarity with Rhino, Cinema 4D, Enscape, AI, and other digital tools is advantageous.

Working Conditions and Benefits

This role is based at our East London studio (E10) with a hybrid working schedule: three days onsite and two flexible remote days per week. Standard hours are 9 am to 6 pm, with flexible arrangements available.

• Annual gross profit-related bonus scheme
• Workplace pension scheme
• 22 days annual leave plus 3 days for Christmas closure, your birthday off, and statutory bank holidays
• Half a day per month dedicated to personal inspiration
• International research budgets and travel opportunities
• Access to YCN creative professional learning membership
• Mental health support via Spill
• Cycle to work program
• Fitness discounts

Compensation

Salary starts at 65000 per year and may increase depending on experience. Please provide salary expectations when applying.

Inclusion Statement

StudioXAG is committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives enrich creativity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.