Concept Director

This is a Full Time Job

THE ROLE

Direct the development of assigned venue concepts from ideation through execution while collaborating closely with and reporting to the Head of Concept Studio to ensure alignment with overall studio vision and standards.

This is a senior role within the Concept Studio requiring both creative and technical fluency. The Concept Director plays a key role in translating brand and experiential strategy into physical environments across global projects while helping maintain and improve the highest creative standards across the Concept Studio and Blueprint pipeline.

WHAT THIS ROLE WILL DO

Concept Leadership

• Direct development of venue concepts from narrative through spatial expression (look and feel) and detailed concept books, including specifications (finishes, FF&E, decorative ligting, Art & Styling, etc)

• Translate concepts into built environments

• Develop briefs, mood boards, material palettes, and design intent packages

• Present concepts clearly to teams and stakeholders

• Maintain design clarity across project phases

• Hire and direct design consultants for new concepts and during development phases when required

• Understand the difference between rollout concepts and bespoke concepts, and maximize efficiency for both while preserving the ultimate look & feel and design intent

Lifecycle Design Stewardship

• Participate in projects from concept through opening

• Direct, review, and redmark drawings and shop drawings

• Ensure execution aligns with design intent (safeguard the concept)

• Identify risks and proactively propose solutions

• Support live projects when direction requires clarification

Technical Collaboration + Execution Support

• Collaborate with architecture and design teams

• Provide specification input and sourcing recommendations

• Support technical problem solving

• Balance design ambition with feasibility, cost constraints and durability

FF&E + Material Expertise

• Direct or support FF&E sourcing, specifications and schedules

• Demonstrate strong knowledge of materials and fabrication methods

• Source custom solutions and maintain vendor relationships as ressources to other teams

• Work cross-functionally with design management and procurement teams

Studio Contribution + Leadership

• Direct projects while remaining aligned with studio leadership (organize progress reviews with Head of Concept Studio)

• Operate with ownership and initiative

• Anticipate needs and initiate solutions proactively

• Contribute to studio standards and best practices

• Improve workflows and creative processes

WHAT YOU WILL BRING

• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related discipline; advanced degree a plus

• 12+ years of experience in hospitality, retail, entertainment, experiential, or branded environments

• Proven experience leading concepts from ideation through execution and opening phases

• Strong understanding of drawing sets and shop drawings

• Ability to redmark drawings and communicate design intent clearly to technical teams

• Experience collaborating with architects, consultants, vendors, and internal stakeholders

• Ability to translate vision into executable direction

Professional Strengths

• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple workstreams

• Strong verbal, written, and visual communication skills

• Ability to clearly articulate ideas, feedback, and direction

• Comfortable collaborating cross-functionally

• Highly proactive, self-directed, and self-sufficient, while also receptive to direction and feedback

• Anticipates challenges and develops solutions

• Strong presentation and problem-solving skills

• Highly creative

• Required Technical Proficiency:

Advanced proficiency in AI rendering, 3D visualization, and digital design tools, including Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Word.

Mindset + Approach

• Conceptually strong and technically literate

• Strategic yet detail-oriented

• Collaborative yet autonomous

• Creative yet solution-driven

• Demonstrated ability to elevate both project outcomes and overall studio performance.