Store Designer (Retail)
Employment Type: Freelance
Location: Hybrid in NYC (3x per week onsite)
The Store Designer ole supports Global Store Design in developing compelling, on-brand retail environments across international markets and travel retail locations. This position is responsible for translating global design standards and creative concepts into store-specific layouts and design solutions that uphold brand integrity while meeting regional codes, regulations, and operational needs. The ideal freelancer is detail-oriented, creatively driven, and adept at managing multiple complex projects across varied regions, timelines, and stakeholder groups.
Key Responsibilities
- Create floor plans, storefront elevations, 3D models, renderings, and supporting visual materials that clearly communicate design intent and align with established guidelines and brand strategy.
- Apply working knowledge of retail trends, customer experience, and competitive landscape to inform design decisions.
- Direct and coordinate work with third-party consultants and vendors to produce complete, accurate design packages.
- Review drawing sets to ensure adherence to design standards, technical accuracy, and constructability.
- Collaborate closely with internal and external partners (construction, purchasing, visual merchandising, store operations, creative, and real estate) to keep projects on schedule and within budget.
- Adapt quickly to changing business priorities, new design prototypes, material innovations, and regional requirements.
- Prepare and deliver clear, visually compelling presentation materials to cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
- Champion design integrity throughout the project lifecycle, from concept through execution.
- Review and approve shop drawings as needed to maintain design quality and alignment to standards.
- Identify risks and propose solutions that protect schedule, cost, and overall design vision.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously at various stages, balancing deadlines and stakeholder expectations.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor of Architecture or Interior Architecture from an accredited institution.
- 3–5 years of professional design experience focusing on retail projects; international and/or travel retail experience is strongly preferred.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, BlueBeam, Enscape, InDesign, Photoshop, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
- Strong 3D modeling, rendering, sketching, and presentation capabilities to effectively communicate concepts.
- Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to produce, read, and review detailed construction drawings.
- Active interest in new materials, finishes, and design techniques, with ongoing engagement in industry trends and best practices.
Core Competencies
- Highly organized, reliable, and able to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
- Strong verbal and visual communication skills; comfortable presenting work to cross-functional partners.
- Collaborative mindset with experience contributing to larger, multi-disciplinary teams.
- Agility and openness to feedback; able to navigate ambiguity and evolving project requirements with a positive, solutions-oriented approach.
- Demonstrated ability to independently drive work forward while honoring established guidelines and processes.
