Director, Architecture

Tapestry (Coach/Kate Spade); New York (NY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Coach is seeking a Director of Architecture to lead the end-to-end global store design vision, standards, and execution from New York with oversight across Asia markets. You will manage centralized design functions and regional teams to ensure brand consistency, innovation, and timely delivery.

In this role, you will set global design governance, drive collaboration with VM, merchandising, construction, and operations, and mentor a high-performing international team to deliver outstanding store

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the global architectural design strategy across all retail formats and markets.
• Collaborate with VM, merchandising, construction, and operations to align design direction.
• Oversee regional design managers and fixture designers to ensure timely delivery and brand consistency.

Job description

Coach is a global fashion house founded in New York in 1941. Inspired by the vision of Creative Director Stuart Vevers and the inclusive and courageous spirit of our hometown, we make beautiful things, crafted to last-for you to be yourself in.

Coach is part of the Tapestry portfolio - a global house of brands committed to stretching what's possible.

A member of the Tapestry family, we are part of a global house of brands that has unwavering optimism and is committed to being innovative and wholly inclusive. Visit Our People page to learn more about Tapestry's commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity.

Director, Architecture (Global Store Design)

Position Overview

The Director of Architecture is responsible for leading the end-to-end retail design vision, standards, and execution across the globe with teams based in New York and key Asia markets. This role oversees both centralized design functions and regional design managers delivering individual store projects, ensuring consistency, innovation, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Define and lead the global architectural design strategy across all retail formats and markets.
• Connect cross-functional inputs (VM, merchandising, construction, operations) into a cohesive and future-forward design direction.
• Drive innovation in store design, materials, and execution methods, continuously evolving the store experience.

Global Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and inspire a team across New York and Asia, fostering local alignment, collaboration and accountability.
• Oversee both fixture designers and regional design managers responsible for store-specific project delivery.
• Build a culture of high performance, confidence, and continuous learning.
• Mentor and develop team members, strengthening leadership capability and expertise across regions.

Design Standards & Governance

• Establish and maintain global design standards, guidelines, and toolkits to ensure brand consistency and design excellence.
• Implement processes that ensure quality of design based on global guidance.
• Partner with construction and procurement to align standards with cost, timelines, and operational requirements.

Project Oversight & Execution

• Provide oversight and guidance to regional design managers on store layouts and designs.
• Ensure projects are delivered with design integrity, on schedule, and within budget.
• Act as a senior escalation point for critical decisions impacting design outcomes.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Champion a culture of experimentation and forward-thinking design solutions.
• Lead and foster initiatives that incorporate new materials and technologies into store environments.
• Drive adoption of improved workflows, tools, and design technologies (e.g., Monday.com).
• Continuously evaluate and refine design processes to improve speed, quality, and cost efficiency.

Leadership Expectations and Competencies

Lead with Courage (Short Term)

• Demonstrate the courage to speak up, challenging assumptions and advocating for the best design and business outcomes.
• Navigate ambiguity with confidence, making informed decisions even in complex or evolving situations.
• Lead honest, transparent conversations across stakeholders at all levels.
• Balance global standards with local needs, and creative ambition with operational and budgetary realities.

Translate and Drive Strategy (Short Term)

• Leverage emerging and advanced technologies (e.g., digital tools, data, automation) to enhance design outcomes and support business objectives.
• Identify and shape new or untapped opportunities, driving innovation and advancing strategic initiatives within store design.
• Holistically connect inputs across people, customer experience, operations, and financial considerations to inform design direction.

Motivate and Develop (Medium Term)

• Build and lead high-performing, inclusive teams across regions, creating clarity of roles, expectations, and shared accountability.
• Develop and elevate talent through coaching, feedback, and stretch opportunities, strengthening both technical expertise and leadership capability.
• Foster a culture of trust, collaboration, and continuous learning that enables teams to operate confidently and independently.
• Identify and address capability gaps, ensuring the organization is equipped to scale and adapt to future business needs.

Own Your Impact (Medium Term)

• Take full accountability for outcomes, driving decisions and actions that deliver measurable business and design results.
• Balance speed and quality, ensuring the right trade-offs are made to meet timelines, budgets, and strategic goals.
• Operate with a strong sense of ownership across the full project lifecycle, from concept through execution and post-opening performance.
• Demonstrate self-awareness and adaptability, continuously refining leadership approach to maximize personal and team impact.

Build the Brand (Long Term)

Champion and evolve a distinctive global store de