Store Design Architect

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 66,300 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care benefits

401(k) retirement benefits

Employee stock purchase program

Paid time off

Job summary

American Eagle Outfitters design office in New York seeks a Retail Designer to support the creation and execution of new stores and renovations. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop design documentation and feasibility studies for real estate decisions.

The role requires a strong foundation in retail design, excellent organization, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Environmental Design, or equivalent.
• 3-4 years of experience in Retail Design, Store Planning, Architecture, or related field.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD (latest release), SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and rendering software.
• Understanding of architectural drawings, space planning, and construction documentation.
• Knowledge of building codes, retail construction methods, and project coordination.
• Ability to interpret landlord criteria and architectural drawings.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated with attention to detail and follow-through.
• Experience supporting international retail projects or franchise partners is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and execution of new retail spaces, remodels, and renovations.
• Develop design solutions aligned with brand standards, customer experience, and ops needs.
• Prepare presentation materials, design studies, renderings, and documentation for reviews.
• Produce and coordinate design development packages including plans, fixture layouts, elevations, and design details.
• Assist in evaluating prospective locations with feasibility studies and space plans.
• Review landlord criteria and site documentation to identify design constraints.
• Coordinate with Real Estate, Construction, Store Ops, and Visual Merchandising.
• Review consultant drawings for brand alignment and design intent.
• Track milestones, revisions, approvals, and action items for project delivery.
• Conduct site visits and assist with punch lists.
• Maintain prototype docs, finish libraries, and design guideline decks.

Skills

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Rendering software

Architectural drawings

Space planning

Building codes

Project coordination

Communication skills

Education

BA/BS in Architecture or Interior Design

Job description

POSITION TITLE: Retail Designer - American Eagle

REPORTS TO: Manager - Retail Design, American Eagle

PURPOSE:

The primary focus of this position is to support the design and execution of new retail spaces and renovations. This individual will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to coordinate project deliverables, develop design documentation, and assist in evaluating retail opportunities through the feasibility process. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in retail design and architecture, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the design and execution of new retail spaces, remodels, and renovations.
• Assist in developing design solutions that align with brand standards, customer experience, and operational requirements.
• Prepare presentation materials, design studies, renderings, and other documentation for internal and external design reviews.
• Produce and coordinate design development packages including plans, fixture layouts, elevations, and project-specific design details.
• Assist in evaluating prospective retail locations by preparing feasibility studies, reviewing site information, and developing preliminary space plans to support real estate decisions.
• Review landlord criteria, lease exhibits, and site documentation to identify potential design constraints and opportunities during the feasibility process.
• Coordinate with internal partners including Real Estate, Construction, Store Operations, and Visual Merchandising to support feasibility process and project execution.
• Review consultant drawings throughout the design process to verify alignment with brand standards and design intent.
• Track project milestones, drawing revisions, approvals, and outstanding action items to support successful project delivery.
• Conduct site visits and assist with punch list reviews as required.
• Maintain prototype documentation, finish libraries, and design guideline decks to ensure consistency across projects.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Environmental Design, or equivalent required.
• 3–4 years of experience in Retail Design, Store Planning, Architecture, or a related field required.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD (latest release), SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and rendering software required.
• Understanding of architectural drawings, space planning, and construction documentation.
• General knowledge of building codes, retail construction methods, and project coordination.
• Ability to interpret landlord criteria, and architectural drawings.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated with exceptional attention to detail and follow-through.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships across cross-functional teams.
• Experience supporting international retail projects or franchise partners is preferred but not required.

PAY/BENEFITS INFORMATION

• Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location.
• Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits.
• Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time / exempt or non-exempt), and years of service.For additional information, please clickHERE.
• AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion.