Associate Design Director in London

StudioXAG creates bold spaces that tell big stories. We create WOW moments for some of the world's best known brands, telling stories that touch every corner of the globe. Immersive experiences that spark emotional connection: surprise, disbelief, delight, joy, awe, wonder. 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 these stand-out moments; from concept to execution at an impeccable level.

The Role: As an Associate Design Director you set creative vision, build narratives and direct creative concepts. Reporting into our Associate Creative Director, you’ll be joining 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 are known for.

Responsibilities:

• Creative/ Design Direction: 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.
• Leadership: 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.
• Communication & Collaboration: 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, who support the day‑to‑day running and administration of creative projects, 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.

What we are looking for:

• 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.

Location: We currently work a hybrid model; 3 days a week from our East London studio in E10 and 2 flexible days. Our normal working hours are 9am – 6pm but flexible working hours are available.

Some of our 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
• Access to fitness discounts

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.