JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: Director of Design (Not Creative Director)
Level: Management Team
Reports To: Head of Agency
Direct Reports: Creative Team

SUMMARY

The Director of Design leads the creative development of trade show exhibits, retail displays, and other face-to-face marketing environments. This role combines strategic design thinking with hands-on creative execution, managing creative scope for client projects from initial concept through the entire project lifecycle, while collaborating closely with accounts, project management, and production teams. The Director of Design provides creative direction to internal teams and client projects, driving UX results and strong marketing outcomes for clients by managing daily operations of design projects and turning artistic ideas into practical design.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Five or more years of experience as a senior-level designer. Specific expertise in trade show exhibit design and fabrication would be great, but not necessary. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience directing complex multi-level exhibits, custom fabrication projects, and large-scale installations.
Ability to work with clients to understand brand objectives, booth specifications, show requirements, and budget parameters to develop comprehensive exhibit strategies that maximize ROI and visitor engagement.
Excellent interpersonal skills to clearly and effectively communicate design concepts, technical specifications, and project timelines to clients, fabrication teams, project managers, and show contractors.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced team environment, including translating marketing objectives into compelling 3D exhibit experiences that drive lead generation and brand awareness.
Extensive supervisory experience leading cross-functional teams including designers, project managers, fabricators, and installation crews through tight show deadlines.
Proficiency in 3D modeling software (SketchUp, Vectorworks), CAD programs, and rendering software to create accurate technical drawings and photorealistic visualizations for client approval.
Experience managing multiple concurrent projects with varying timelines.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

A degree in industrial design, architecture, interior design, exhibit design, or equivalent professional experience in trade show or experiential design.
Strong understanding of trade show industry standards, union regulations, show services, logistics, and venue requirements. Knowledge of materials, fabrication techniques, lighting systems, AV integration, and sustainable exhibit practices.
.

Interpreting client brands for 3D, translating their aesthetic and vibe into innovative activations and engagement strategies. Supervising design processes and guaranteeing design quality. Directing creative initiatives and building brand strategy and exhibit user experience strategy.
Creative and innovative concepting. Director of Design is the creative leader for the agency. They challenge creative boundaries that are always pushing limits and generating original ideas motivating their team to think creatively, while also balancing client budgetary frameworks. Brings a working “do more with less” approach to creative work without compromising novelty.
Design strategy and execution. Taking the creative concept, the Director of Design develops it into workable design plans. They are in charge of deciding the design direction and guaranteeing efficient application of it throughout several projects. They will collaborate closely with account management, project management, and production teams to deliver turn-key exhibit solutions on time and within budget.
Overseeing design projects and processes. This responsibility spans the whole design process from first concept to final implementation. The Director of Design will make sure that all initiatives satisfy quality criteria, are finished on schedule, and within budget. They should be open to receiving client feedback and adapting designs through multiple revision cycles while maintaining project timelines and quality standards.
Managing design and creative teams. The Director of Design will oversee the creative group, working with crossfunctional partners to give direction, make comments, and provide encouragement to ensure the team’s work matches the objectives of the project and the brand standards.
Ensuring design quality and consistency. Quality control is essential to maintaining strong brand standards, creative output, and creative innovation. The Director of Design supervises the design process to guarantee it satisfies the best standards and is in line with the visual character of the brand.
Industry knowledge and trend awareness. Keeping ahead of trends and knowing industry changes are absolutely essential. To produce relevant and powerful work, they must be conversant with current trends, client behavior, and competitive environments.