AVP, Store Design, Concepts

Aquent; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent is partnering with a globally recognized fashion and beauty retailer to drive the next generation of physical store experiences. You will shape the creative vision for three brands, develop flagship concepts, and establish scalable design standards across markets.

With 10–15+ years in retail architecture, you will lead the design direction, mentor a Designer and 3D Visualizer, and collaborate with cross-functional partners to execute high-visibility initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture (required).
• 10–15+ years in retail architecture or store design.
• Portfolio of flagship retail projects and design innovation.
• Experience leading store concepts for premium fashion or luxury brands.
• Ability to create and evolve scalable retail design standards.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creative vision for three fashion/beauty brands' store concepts.
• Develop store concepts translating brand identity into environments.
• Own and evolve Design Standards Bible for layouts, fixtures, lighting, and experience.
• Lead flagship, pop-ups, and strategic retail initiatives.
• Translate flagship concepts into scalable standards for multiple locations.
• Collaborate with procurement, real estate, construction, VM, marketing, and ops.
• Mentor a Designer and 3D Visualizer.
• Review design presentations and renderings.
• Present strategies to senior leadership and partners.
• Research trends in global retail and experiential design.

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

Vectorworks

Revit

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Aquent is partnering with a globally recognized fashion and beauty retailer to find a Senior Retail Architecture and Design Leaderto shape the next generation of physical store experiences across three distinctive consumer brands. This contract opportunity offers the chance to drive creative vision, develop innovative retail concepts, and establish the architectural design standards that guide flagship stores and retail environments across multiple markets.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the creative vision and evolution of retail store concepts across three established fashion and beauty brands.
• Develop compelling store concepts that translate brand identity into distinctive physical environments.
• Own and evolve the organization’s retail Design Standards Bible, establishing guidelines for layouts, fixtures, materials, lighting, and customer experience.
• Lead conceptual design for flagship stores, temporary retail environments, pop-ups, and strategic retail initiatives.
• Translate innovative flagship concepts into scalable design standards that can be implemented across multiple locations and markets.
• Partner with procurement, real estate, construction, visual merchandising, marketing, and operations to maintain design integrity throughout execution.
• Provide creative direction and mentorship to a Designer and 3D Visualizer.
• Review design presentations, architectural layouts, mood boards, renderings, and concept packages.
• Present design strategies and recommendations to senior leadership and external partners.
• Research emerging trends in global retail, architecture, hospitality, and experiential design to inspire new approaches.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture (required).
• Approximately 10–15+ years of progressive experience in retail architecture, store design, or retail concept development.
• Demonstrated experience leading original store concepts for premium, fashion, beauty, luxury, or other brand-driven retail environments.
• Strong portfolio showcasing flagship retail projects, concept development, and architectural design innovation.
• Experience creating, managing, or evolving retail design standards and scalable store design guidelines.
• Deep understanding of spatial planning, customer journey, fixtures, materials, lighting, and retail environments.
• Strong conceptual thinking and the ability to translate brand strategy into impactful physical experiences.
• Exceptional visual storytelling, design presentation, and stakeholder communication skills.
• Experience leading creative teams and collaborating with architects, consultants, and cross-functional partners.
• Proficiency with architectural design and presentation tools such as AutoCAD, Vectorworks, Revit, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Ability to balance creative ambition with practical considerations, including budgets, procurement, operational needs, and buildability.
• Availability to work onsite three days per week.

Nice to Have

• Registered Architect.
• Experience developing concepts across multiple consumer brands.
• Background in global retail design, beauty, cosmetics, or premium specialty retail.
• Experience with temporary retail formats, pop-ups, and experiential environments.
• Advanced experience directing 3D visualization and rendering.
• Previous experience stepping into interim senior design leadership assignments.

Why Apply?

• Shape iconic retail experiences: Influence the physical expression of three recognizable fashion and beauty brands.
• Own the creative direction: Help define new retail concepts, flagship experiences, and evolving architectural standards.
• Work at a strategic level: Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional partners on high-visibility retail initiatives.
• Balance creativity and impact: Turn innovative design ideas into scalable environments experienced by customers across multiple markets.