We are seeking an experienced Assistant Vice President of Store Design & Concept to lead the creative vision and conceptual evolution of a multi-brand retail portfolio. 

The ideal candidate combines strategic and conceptual thinking with deep expertise in retail architecture and spatial design, along with the visual storytelling and leadership skills needed to bring complex concepts to life.

• Duration: 6-12 month contract potential to extend
• Location: NY, NY Hybrid, 3 days onstie
• Hourly Pay Rate: $68.00

Responsibilities:

Brand Concept Development

• Lead the conceptual evolution of retail design across multiple brands while maintaining a distinctive and commercially relevant identity for each.
• Develop innovative retail concepts aligned with brand strategy, customer expectations, and business objectives.
• Translate brand positioning into compelling physical environments and customer experiences.
• Research global retail, hospitality, architecture, and lifestyle trends to inform future design direction.
• Partner with procurement teams on material sourcing and the delivery of concepts within budget.

Design Standards & Governance

• Own, develop, and continuously evolve comprehensive retail design standards and guidelines.
• Establish principles for material palettes, fixtures, spatial planning, lighting, graphics integration, and customer experience.
• Determine which elements should remain tightly governed and where individual locations or designers should have flexibility.
• Ensure design consistency across retail formats and markets through effective governance and design review.
• Translate flagship concepts into scalable solutions that can be successfully deployed across a broader store portfolio.

Concept Design Leadership

• Lead the localized design of flagship stores from initial creative vision through design development.
• Create innovative concepts for temporary retail environments and pop-up stores.
• Guide materiality, fixtures, lighting, customer journey, and visual merchandising considerations throughout concept development.
• Partner with store design, real estate, procurement, project delivery, construction, visual merchandising, marketing, operations, and brand teams to maintain concept integrity through execution.
• Balance creative ambition with budget, procurement, operational, and construction requirements.

Team & Creative Leadership

• Lead and mentor design and 3D visualization talent, fostering creativity, collaboration, and technical excellence.
• Review and provide creative direction on layouts, mood boards, presentations, renderings, and concept packages.
• Present concepts and strategic design recommendations to senior leadership.
• Manage external architects, consultants, and creative agencies as needed.
• Provide clear, actionable creative feedback while remaining hands-on when project timelines require it.

Innovation & Best Practice

• Champion innovation in retail architecture, materials, sustainability, customer journey, and experiential design.
• Benchmark concepts against leading global retail and luxury environments.
• Identify opportunities to improve design processes, standards, and efficiencies without compromising the customer or brand experience.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, required.
• 10 to 15 years of experience in architecture, retail design, store concept development, or a closely related discipline.
• Proven experience creating retail concepts for premium or multi-brand environments.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating flagship retail projects, concept development, and brand evolution.
• Experience developing and maintaining retail design standards, design guidelines, kits of parts, or comparable design systems.
• Demonstrated ability to take a concept from initial creative idea through a practical, buildable solution.
• Strong understanding of materiality, fixtures, lighting, spatial planning, customer journey, and visual merchandising.
• Experience balancing design vision with budget, procurement, construction, and operational requirements.
• Strong visual storytelling, presentation, and senior stakeholder communication skills.
• Ability to successfully lead cross-functional design initiatives and provide creative direction to other designers.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Vectorworks, Revit, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, required.
• 10 to 15 years of experience in architecture, retail design, store concept development, or a closely related discipline.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Vectorworks, Revit, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite.

• Registered Architect.
• Experience reviewing or directing high-quality 3D visualization.
• Experience with flagship, temporary, or pop-up retail environments.
• Experience managing external architects, consultants, or creative agencies.

If you meet the required qualifications and are interested in this role, please apply today. 

The Solomon Page Distinction

Solomon Page offers a comprehensive benefit program for hourly employees. We pride ourselves on offering medical, dental, 401(k), direct deposit and commuter benefits to our employees, including freelancers - which sets us apart in the industries we serve.

About Solomon Page

Founded in 1990, Solomon Page is a specialty niche provider of staffing and executive search solutions across a wide array of functions and industries. The success of Solomon Page reflects an organic growth strategy supported by a highly entrepreneurial culture. Acting as a strategic partner to our clients and candidates, we focus on providing customized solutions and building long-term relationships based on trust, respect, and the consistent delivery of excellent results. For more information and additional opportunities, visit: solomonpage.com and connect with us on Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Opportunity Awaits.

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