Spatial Creative Director - Recess Studios (Portland, OR)
Recess Studios is a leading multidisciplinary creative agency with offices in Portland, OR, New York City, and Los Angeles, CA. We specialize in designing and constructing immersive experiences, enhancing global brands through innovative content and digital solutions, and engaging audiences with comprehensive 360-degree marketing strategies. Our team thrives in a collaborative environment that challenges the conventional, pushing creative boundaries to exceed client expectations.
Position Summary:
The Creative Director of Spatial Design at Recess is a visionary leader in environmental and experiential design, seamlessly integrating strategic thinking with creative innovation to craft impactful spatial experiences for diverse industries. This role calls for a bold, inspiring leader who can reimagine physical environments and elevate them into unforgettable narratives. You will set the creative direction for our spatial projects, leading a talented team to design and execute immersive spaces that captivate audiences, meet client goals, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in spatial design.
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Key Responsibilities:
Develop and articulate the creative vision for spatial design projects, ensuring alignment with brand and business goals.
Oversee the conceptualization, design, and execution of physical spaces, including retail environments, event installations, experiential spaces, and more.
Lead, inspire, and mentor a multidisciplinary team of designers, architects, and visual storytellers.
Partner with clients, stakeholders, and internal teams to translate complex concepts into innovative spatial solutions.
Ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and exceed creative expectations.
Foster cross-team collaboration to deeply understand client needs, ensuring creative solutions are aligned with strategic objectives and exceed client expectations.
Lead and develop team members, nurturing their growth as creatives and empowering them to achieve their full potential within the agency.
Facilitate creative brainstorming sessions to extract unique insights from strategists, fostering original and client-aligned ideation processes.
Manage and mentor a dynamic team of creatives, emphasizing continuous growth and professional development through regular feedback, coaching, and skills enhancement initiatives.
Partner closely with Client Services and Strategy teams to translate client briefs into actionable creative solutions that are both compelling and feasible for execution.
Oversee day-to-day team management, including resource allocation, project prioritization, and workflow optimization to ensure efficiency and quality output.
Demonstrate strong business acumen in decision-making processes, leveraging insights and industry trends to inform strategic creative direction and maximize project outcomes.
Establish a culture of respect, collaboration, and excellence within the creative team, fostering an environment where creativity thrives and team members feel empowered to innovate.
Stay ahead of industry trends, technologies, and materials to bring cutting-edge ideas to life.
Champion the use of industry-standard design tools, such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, and Adobe Creative Suite, and explore innovative platforms like Revit, Unity, or Twinmotion to enhance team efficiency and creativity.
Qualifications:
8+ years of experience in spatial design, architecture, or related fields, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
Proven track record of delivering high-impact spatial design projects across diverse industries.
Expertise in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite); experience with rendering tools like V-Ray or Enscape is a plus.
Strong portfolio showcasing creative and technical excellence in spatial design.
Exceptional communication, presentation, and client relationship management skills.
A strategic thinker with an eye for detail and a passion for storytelling through space.
Bachelor’s degree in Design, Fine Arts, Marketing, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
Benefits
Salary: $140,000 - $170,000
Medical, dental & vision insurance
Life Insurance
Competitive company Holidays
Flexible PTO
WFH Flexibility
401K w/ Company match