AVP, Store Design, Concepts [AQ-25916]

Aquent; New York (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent is partnering with a global fashion and beauty retailer to appoint a design visionary who will shape physical retail experiences across three iconic brands. This contract leadership role blends creative direction with architectural excellence, mentoring a small design team and setting scalable standards for flagship stores and pop-ups worldwide.

You will drive brand identity into immersive environments, collaborate across functions, and present strategies to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture.
• 10–15+ years of progressive experience in retail architecture, store design, or retail concept development.
• Proven experience leading flagship store concepts for premium, fashion, beauty, luxury, or brand-driven retail environments.
• A strong portfolio showcasing flagship retail projects, concept development, and architectural design innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creative vision and design evolution of retail store concepts across three brands.
• Develop compelling store concepts translating brand identity into immersive environments.
• Own and evolve the organization’s Design Standards Bible: layouts, fixtures, materials, lighting, customer journeys.
• Direct the conceptual design for flagship stores, pop-ups, and strategic retail initiatives.
• Translate flagship concepts into scalable design standards for multiple markets.
• Collaborate with procurement, real estate, construction, visual merchandising, marketing, and operations.

Skills

Architecture

Retail design

Concept development

Team leadership

Presentation skills

AutoCAD

Revit

SketchUp

Vectorworks

Adobe Suite

Education

Architecture degree

Tools

AutoCAD

Vectorworks

Revit

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Aquent has partnered with a globally recognized fashion and beauty retail powerhouse to find an exceptional design visionary to shape the future of physical retail experiences across three iconic consumer brands. In this dynamic contract leadership role, you will have the unique opportunity to define the creative direction, architectural standards, and immersive environments for flagship stores and innovative retail spaces worldwide, leaving a lasting imprint on how millions of customers interact with these beloved brands.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an accomplished retail design leader who blends high-level conceptual thinking with deep architectural expertise. In this role, you will bridge the gap between creative artistry and commercial execution, translating brand strategies into breathtaking, scalable physical environments. From designing high-profile flagship locations to pioneering temporary pop-ups, you will lead the evolution of the brand’s physical identity while mentoring a talented creative team.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the creative vision and design evolution of retail store concepts across three established fashion and beauty brands.
• Develop compelling store concepts that translate brand identity into distinctive, immersive physical environments.
• Own and evolve the organization’s retail Design Standards Bible, establishing comprehensive guidelines for layouts, fixtures, materials, lighting, and customer journeys.
• Direct the 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 seamlessly implemented across multiple markets.
• Partner cross-functionally with procurement, real estate, construction, visual merchandising, marketing, and operations to maintain design integrity from concept to completion.
• Provide creative direction, mentorship, and guidance to an internal Designer and 3D Visualizer.
• Review and refine design presentations, architectural layouts, mood boards, renderings, and concept packages.
• Present design strategies, vision, and recommendations to senior leadership and external partners.
• Research emerging trends in global retail, architecture, hospitality, and experiential design to inspire fresh, forward-thinking 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.
• A strong portfolio showcasing flagship retail projects, concept development, and architectural design innovation.
• Proven 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.

Nice to Have

• Registered Architect status.
• Experience developing design concepts across multiple consumer brands.
• A professional 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.