AVP, Store Design, Concepts

Aquent is partnering with a globally recognized fashion and beauty retailer to find a Senior Retail Architecture and Design Leader to shape the next generation of physical store experiences across three distinctive consumer brands. This contract opportunity offers the chance to drive creative vision, develop innovative retail concepts, and establish the architectural design standards that guide flagship stores and retail environments across multiple markets.

We're looking for an accomplished retail design leader who combines exceptional conceptual thinking, architectural expertise, and the ability to translate creative ideas into commercially successful, scalable store experiences.

• Lead the creative vision and evolution of retail store concepts across three established fashion and beauty brands.
• Develop compelling store concepts that translate brand identity into distinctive physical environments.
• Own and evolve the organization's retail Design Standards Bible, establishing guidelines for layouts, fixtures, materials, lighting, and customer experience.
• Lead conceptual design for flagship stores, temporary retail environments, pop-ups, and strategic retail initiatives.
• Translate innovative flagship concepts into scalable design standards that can be implemented across multiple locations and markets.
• Partner with procurement, real estate, construction, visual merchandising, marketing, and operations to maintain design integrity throughout execution.
• Provide creative direction and mentorship to a Designer and 3D Visualizer.
• Review design presentations, architectural layouts, mood boards, renderings, and concept packages.
• Present design strategies and recommendations to senior leadership and external partners.
• Research emerging trends in global retail, architecture, hospitality, and experiential design to inspire new approaches.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture (required).
• Approximately 10-15+ years of progressive experience in retail architecture, store design, or retail concept development.
• Demonstrated experience leading original store concepts for premium, fashion, beauty, luxury, or other brand-driven retail environments.
• Strong portfolio showcasing flagship retail projects, concept development, and architectural design innovation.
• Experience creating, managing, or evolving retail design standards and scalable store design guidelines.
• Deep understanding of spatial planning, customer journey, fixtures, materials, lighting, and retail environments.
• Strong conceptual thinking and the ability to translate brand strategy into impactful physical experiences.
• Exceptional visual storytelling, design presentation, and stakeholder communication skills.
• Experience leading creative teams and collaborating with architects, consultants, and cross-functional partners.
• Proficiency with architectural design and presentation tools such as AutoCAD, Vectorworks, Revit, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Ability to balance creative ambition with practical considerations, including budgets, procurement, operational needs, and buildability.
• Availability to work onsite three days per week.

• Registered Architect.
• Experience developing concepts across multiple consumer brands.
• Background in global retail design, beauty, cosmetics, or premium specialty retail.
• Experience with temporary retail formats, pop-ups, and experiential environments.
• Advanced experience directing 3D visualization and rendering.
• Previous experience stepping into interim senior design leadership assignments.

• Shape iconic retail experiences: Influence the physical expression of three recognizable fashion and beauty brands.
• Own the creative direction: Help define new retail concepts, flagship experiences, and evolving architectural standards.
• Work at a strategic level: Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional partners on high-visibility retail initiatives.
• Balance creativity and impact: Turn innovative design ideas into scalable environments experienced by customers across multiple markets.