Design Director, Paris
Global Architecture & Design firm
Paris, France
An international architecture and design studio with a global presence is looking to appoint a Design Director for their Paris studio.
JOB SUMMARY:
An international architecture and design studio with a global presence is looking to appoint a Design Director for their Paris studio. This is a key leadership role with a strong focus on design excellence across a broad range of projects.
The studio works at every scale, from interiors to urban districts, and is known for delivering emotionally resonant, resilient, and high-impact spaces. The Design Director will lead design thinking within the studio, define creative direction, and ensure the quality of output across all phases of projects.
The role will involve client-facing responsibilities, and the ideal candidate will be someone who can inspire exceptional design both internally and externally. The studio is open to candidates from various sectors, although they have a strong focus on commercial workspace design—encompassing both architecture and fit-out. However, they are also open to portfolios that reflect diverse experiences, especially those who are eager to carve out a design-focused role for themselves within the studio.
This is a strategic and hands-on position, ideal for a design leader who thrives in dynamic environments and is passionate about mentoring, collaborating, and driving the creative culture of the studio.
There is a strong emphasis on building long-term client relationships, advocating for sustainable and resilient design, and pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity.
The successful candidate will work closely with the leadership team to shape the studio’s design vision and will play a central role in promoting and elevating the studio’s profile within the design community.
KEY Responsibilities:
Lead the creative direction and design quality of all projects.
Act as a key client interface and maintain strong, accountable relationships.
Advocate for clients, ensuring that project outcomes exceed expectations.
Collaborate across disciplines and foster true design synergy on projects.
Guide teams to develop and deliver strong conceptual narratives.
Promote design resilience and climate-conscious strategies.
Mentor emerging talent and support leadership development.
Champion design culture within the studio through initiatives and discourse.
Represent the studio externally in thought leadership and industry events.
Support sustainable and integrated design approaches.
Skills and Experience:
10+ years of experience in design leadership, preferably in architecture or interior design.
Proven ability to manage and deliver large-scale, high-quality design projects.
Strong understanding of all project phases, from concept through completion.
Experience managing multidisciplinary consultant teams.
Excellent communication and client management skills.
Strong programming and space planning capabilities.
Knowledge of French building regulations.
Proficiency in Revit is desirable.
Fluency in French and English is essential.
This is a rare opportunity for a talented Design Director to shape the future of a global studio’s Paris practice. Ideal for someone looking to make a lasting impact through design leadership, mentoring, and strategic influence across diverse project types.
If you’re passionate about creating meaningful, climate-conscious spaces and leading teams to realise exceptional design, this could be your next step.
