Associate Design Director in London

StudioXAG creates bold spaces that tell big stories. We have a diverse team of conceptual thinkers, creative dreamers and inquisitive makers that help make this happen. We are seeking an Associate Design Director who is confident in crafting stand‑out moments from concept to execution at an impeccable level.

The Role

As an Associate Design Director you set the creative vision, build narratives and direct creative concepts. Reporting into our Associate Creative Director, you will join a design team of 18. Directing design and leading our creative teams you bring an expert and experienced vision to motivate, guide and nurture designers to deliver the world‑class creative that Studio XAG is known for.

Responsibilities

• Own and lead the creative direction across projects, defining the vision and turning client briefs into bold, high‑impact concepts.
• Set the creative standard, guiding designers supporting the Creative Director to champion clarity, storytelling and innovation while ensuring concepts remain buildable, on budget and true to the original creative vision.
• Lead, mentor and develop a high‑performing creative team of 3‑5 reports, owning their growth through 1:1s, development plans and career progression.
• Inspire and motivate your team to do their best work while setting a consistent creative standard across in‑house and freelance teams.
• Champion skills development, training and culture.
• Be a pivotal voice in recruiting outstanding talent to support the growth of the team.
• Lead clear, confident communication across projects, translating briefs into strong creative direction with defined scopes.
• Work in close collaboration with the Design Project Management team, supporting day‑to‑day running and administration of creative projects and ensuring resources, timelines and delivery are aligned.
• Act as the trusted advisor for both clients and internal teams, guiding creative delivery from briefing through to production, managing expectations and feedback and identifying opportunities to grow and evolve key accounts.

Qualifications

• A highly creative and skilled vision setter with a strong eye for detail, exceptional problem‑solving skills and the ability to craft compelling brand stories across retail and experiential touchpoints.
• Experienced design leader with 10+ years in luxury brand, retail or agency environments, with proven people management and team development skills.
• Excellent communicator and trusted advisor, confident presenting to senior stakeholders and managing client relationships.
• Organised, collaborative and driven, with a thorough understanding of spatial design, retail production processes, and the tools to deliver outstanding creative work.
• Deep industry knowledge across luxury, beauty and lifestyle sectors, using insight to shape strategy and deliver relevant, inspiring work to a broad spectrum of clients.
• Strong technical skills across SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite and rendering software (V‑Ray preferred).
• Knowledge of other industry‑relevant software is desirable – Rhino, C4D, Enscape, AI and wider digital tools.

Benefits

• Gross profit‑related annual bonus scheme.
• Workplace pension.
• 22 days holiday + 3 days off for Xmas closure + a day off for your birthday + bank holidays.
• 0.5 paid days off per month to get inspired.
• International research budgets and trips.
• All‑you‑can‑eat YCN creative professional learning membership.
• Spill mental health support.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Salary: £65,000+ DOE. Please state expectations on application.

Belonging and Inclusivity at StudioXAG

StudioXAG is a business that strives for equality for all its people. Known for our storytelling, our different perspectives make us more creative than ever. No matter who you are, you are welcome at StudioXAG.