Associate Design Director

OUR ETHOS

Consistency, thoroughness, passion, and craftsmanship are the fundamentals on which we have built SPMD. Our team has decades of experience in design, multidisciplinary production, artisanal craftsmanship, and fabrication.

We design, curate, build, and install bespoke elements including large-scale art installations, environmental graphics, wayfinding systems, experiential moments, exhibits, and public activations. Working directly with clients, architects, and interior designers, we bring to life the art and design that enhances traditional architectural scope.

POSITION SUMMARY

We're seeking an experienced environmental graphic designer or experiential designer to join our team as Associate Design Director - depending on experience. Strong understanding of both 2D and 3D means of production, a bonus. This role combines strategic design leadership, team management, and client-facing project direction. You'll work across high-end corporate, hospitality, and public art environments on exciting, unusual projects.

Strategic Design Leadership

● Conceptualize complete project visions from initial brief to final installation

● Develop innovative concepts that balance creative excellence with practical considerations of cost, production, and timeline

● Design custom elements that integrate environmental graphics, 3D design, experiential design, art curation, spatial design, and wayfinding

● Conduct hands-on design work in Illustrator and Photoshop

● Building presentation decks in Google Slides

Client Management

● Present design concepts confidently and passionately to clients and project partners

● Lead client conversations and build lasting external relationships

● Synthesize client feedback effectively and guide teams to deliver aligned solutions

● Support business development initiatives

Team Leadership

● Manage and mentor design teams through all phases of SPMD's design process

● Delegate tasks effectively across multiple concurrent projects

● Guide junior staff development and remove obstacles to their success

● Foster cross-departmental collaboration with architects, project managers, graphic designers, engineers, fabricators, and lighting designers

Process Improvement

● Identify opportunities to strengthen design team operations

● Drive internal process improvements with design management

● Contribute positively to SPMD's culture, morale, and growth

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

Technical Expertise

● Proven background in environmental graphic design, interiors, architecture, or experiential design

● Understanding, curiosity and experience of graphic production

● Knowledge and curiosity of fabrication techniques, materials, and processes

● Understanding of ergonomics, Universal Design, permitting, and ADA requirements

● Ability to review architectural drawing sets and fabrication shop drawings

● Understanding of wayfinding systems, methods, and materials a plus

Design Skills

● Ability to quickly communicate concepts through sketches, diagrams, mood boards, and collage

● Strong presentation skills with narrative development capabilities

● Experience managing design through all project phases

● Awareness of current design trends and market forces

Leadership & Collaboration

● Experience managing project teams and mentoring junior designers

● Proven ability to handle multiple projects at different phases simultaneously

● Self-driven, organized, cooperative, and flexible working style

● Proactive, self-disciplined, and confident approach

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors in graphic design, architecture, or related field

• 10+ years of experience working in related field

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

● In-house 3-5 days per week

● Collaborative studio environment working closely with Chief Creative Officer, Creative Director, Design Directors, design team, and executive leadership

● Variety of project types across corporate, hospitality, and public sectors

● Salary range based on ability and experience level

● Travel may be required as-needed on a project basis for site visits, installations, workshops, and internal team collaboration

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Normal office temperature-controlled conditions with quiet to moderate noise level and little to no exposure to heat, dust, or fumes. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position working at a desk; operate a computer and other office machinery including printer, copier, and telephone; move about inside the office to access office machinery; exchange information with coworkers; and may need to lift or move up to 10 pounds.

Salary Range based on experience: $100K - $125K

To apply, please send your resume and portfolio (PDF or website link) to ***email_hidden*** with the subject line: Associate Design Director, Your Name