Senior Retail Environment Art Director

Miller Zell; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Miller Zell is seeking a Senior Environments Director in Atlanta to oversee advanced environmental design projects for high-profile clients. This role demands exceptional attention to detail and a proven track record in creating impactful design solutions.

The ideal candidate will have 5–10 years of experience, strong creative direction skills, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts or related fields. Key responsibilities include managing projects, mentoring junior staff, and enhancing client relationships through strategic collaboration.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience in creative roles.
• Background in retail design and brand communications.
• Experience mentoring junior team members.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creative vision for interiors and spatial environments.
• Provide strategic feedback and mentorship to the team.
• Cultivate client relationships and articulate creative strategies.

Skills

Creative direction

Communication skills

Detail-oriented

Mentorship

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

PowerPoint

Keynote

Job description

This role will be based in our Atlanta office. Only Atlanta candidates will be considered.

Position Summary

The Senior Environments Director leads and oversees the creation and execution of advanced environmental design elements and experiences for various high‑profile clients. This role involves managing and contributing to the creation of comprehensive creative projects, including interiors and spatial environments that feature branded graphics, fixtures, merchandising displays, POP, and wayfinding/navigation signage. Designs may integrate environmental sketches, floor plans, elevations, 3‑dimensional models, and renderings as well as materials/finishes research that aligns with overarching creative strategies. Requires a proven track record in branded environments, with an extensive portfolio showcasing impactful and innovative design solutions. Provides strategic guidance, mentors junior team members, and collaborates closely with design leadership to define and execute creative vision across various channels. Demands exceptional attention to detail, a sharp eye for maintaining brand consistency, and the ability to manage multiple complex projects effectively. Articulate, clear, and confident communication, and polished presentation skills are essential for conveying ideas to clients and stakeholders, driving the success of creative initiatives.

Essential Job Functions

• Defines and drives the overarching creative vision for interiors and spatial environments, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, processes, budgets and schedules
• Champions the development of innovative and forward‑thinking design solutions that exceed project objectives while maintaining brand integrity and client expectations
• Provides strategic feedback and mentorship to refine, guide, and elevate team outputs, ensuring creative cohesion and excellence across all projects
• Leads teams in conducting design research and crafting compelling presentations, aligning creative narratives with project goals and client aspirations

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Fosters seamless collaboration across departments such as Engineering, Procurement, Account Management, Project Management, Business Development, and Production, ensuring unified creative execution and vision alignment
• Follows direction on resource allocation and prioritization across multiple projects, ensuring alignment with timelines and organizational objectives
• Sets the standard for freelance collaboration, providing high‑level art direction, resources, and guidance to ensure consistent quality and alignment with the creative vision
• Interacts with outside Architectural partners as required.
• Guides and supports creative project teams, maintaining adherence to company policies and procedures. Assesses challenges, offers corrective solutions, and ensures the team delivers high‑quality results.

Client Engagement

• Acts as a leading creative liaison in client engagements and discussions to articulate strategic creative approaches, gather insights, and shape impactful solutions
• Cultivates and strengthens client relationships, positioning the team as a trusted creative partner through visionary thought leadership and strategic collaboration

Communication and Critical Thinking

• Articulates creative strategies with clarity and influence, tailoring communication to resonate with diverse audiences, from internal teams to senior stakeholders
• Balances competing perspectives to craft innovative, well‑rounded solutions that address client and organizational goals
• Leads presentations with authority and confidence, proactively addressing challenges while reinforcing creative value
• Proactively identifies opportunities for creative and process innovation, implementing strategic improvements to enhance outcomes and mitigate potential risks

Position Requirements / Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s Degree from a 4‑year College, University, or Art School in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Communications, or a closely related field.

Experience

The ideal candidate should have 5–10 years of experience in creative roles, with a background in retail design, brand communications, and design project management (experience with Environmental/Trade Show/Exhibit graphics preferred). They must exhibit strong creative direction skills and a proven ability to work with cross‑functional project teams. Additionally, the candidate should have experience mentoring junior team members, effectively engaging with clients, and expressing creative strategies. Expertise in developing compelling presentations and a demonstrated history of delivering high‑quality design solutions are essential.

Special Skills / Qualifications

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop), PowerPoint, and/or Keynote
• Prior experience working on brand projects for retail, quick‑serve restaurants, hospitality, and/or financial services a plus