Custom Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Custom Design Director

Company: Laminating Services Inc (Versa Designed Surfaces)

Location: New Albany, Indiana, United States

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Creative & Design / Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-11

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the vision, creation, and delivery of distinctive custom wallcovering designs for commercial and high-end residential markets, acting as a key liaison between client concepts and production realities.

• Manage and mentor a team of digital designers and project managers, establishing creative and operational standards for the custom design studio to ensure high-quality output and efficient workflow.

• Oversee all aspects of digital production, including file preparation, color management, and technical specifications, to guarantee accuracy and adherence to printing standards across various substrates.

• Serve as the primary creative partner to distribution partners, collaborating directly with clients and interior designers to translate their visions into exceptional, large-format wallcovering products.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Custom Design Director," the responsibilities strongly indicate a blend of creative leadership and operational management within a manufacturing context. This role requires not only artistic vision but also a deep understanding of production processes, project timelines, and team management, aligning it with GTM and operations functions that bridge creative output with scalable delivery.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead concept development, art direction, and final design execution for custom murals and wallcovering designs, translating client briefs and mood boards into original, scalable digital artwork that meets aesthetic and functional objectives.

• Establish and evolve the studio's creative point of view on custom digital design, murals, and large-format print, balancing artistic integrity with producibility and market trends.

• Oversee digital file preparation, color separation, and image scaling for wide-format gravure and digital printing, ensuring rigorous color management and proofing standards from screen to final output.

• Manage layout, repeat, and match points for large-scale murals to ensure seamless installation, collaborating with production teams to specify appropriate substrates, inks, and finishing methods.

• Build, lead, and mentor a team of project managers and product designers, setting creative standards, providing feedback, and fostering professional development within the studio.

• Establish studio workflows, project timelines, and quality-control processes for custom work, managing multiple projects concurrently and ensuring timely delivery of installation-ready files.

• Partner directly with distribution partners, interior designers, and clients to scope custom projects, present concepts, manage revisions, and ensure client satisfaction throughout the design and approval process.

• Support project scoping and cost estimation for custom design initiatives in collaboration with production and sales leadership, ensuring financial feasibility and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on creative direction and operational oversight. The "Custom Design Director" role is expected to manage the entire lifecycle of custom wallcovering projects, from initial client engagement and concept ideation through to final production file delivery. This involves strategic planning for workflow efficiency and team resource allocation, characteristic of operations management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Graphic Design, Digital Art, or a related creative field is preferred, though extensive relevant experience may be considered.

Experience: 5+ years of experience in surface design, digital art direction, or a related design discipline, with a minimum of 3 years in a leadership or director-level role managing creative projects and teams.

Required Skills:

• Deep expertise in digital design and imaging software, specifically Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator).

• Proven experience managing repeats, layouts, and scale for large-format or mural-scale artwork intended for wall-to-wall installation.

• Strong working knowledge of wide-format digital and gravure printing processes, including substrates, inks, and finishing methods.

• Demonstrated understanding of color management and proofing workflows to ensure accuracy from digital screen to printed product.

• Experience leading, mentoring, and developing a creative team, fostering collaboration and high performance.

• Excellent communication and client relationship management skills, with a proven ability to present concepts and navigate revisions effectively.

• Portfolio showcasing a strong track record of large-scale, custom, or mural-based work across commercial and/or high-end residential applications. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with print RIP software for wide-format printing.

• Familiarity with sustainable design practices and materials in the wallcovering industry.

• Understanding of project management methodologies and tools for tracking complex design projects.

• Ability to collaborate with sales and production teams on project scoping, estimation, and feasibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite, color management, and wide-format printing suggests a need for technical proficiency beyond pure artistic talent. The requirement for leadership experience and client interaction points to a role that operates at a strategic level, managing both creative output and the operational aspects of custom design delivery.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a clear progression from initial client brief or concept to final, production-ready artwork for large-scale wallcoverings or murals.

• Showcase a range of custom design projects, highlighting adaptability to different client styles, commercial needs, and residential aesthetics.

• Include examples of technical execution, such as seamless repeats, accurate scale adjustments, and consideration for installation challenges in large formats.

• Present case studies that detail the collaborative process with clients or distribution partners, including how feedback was incorporated and revisions were managed.

• Quantify achievements where possible, such as improving turnaround times for custom projects, enhancing color accuracy rates, or successful adoption of new design technologies. Process Documentation:

• Detail workflows for concept development, from initial client consultation and mood board creation to preliminary design sketches and client presentations.

• Illustrate processes for digital file preparation, including color separation, image scaling, and ensuring artwork is optimized for specific printing technologies (digital, gravure) and substrates.

• Outline quality control procedures for color proofing, pattern matching, and final artwork review before submission to production.

• Describe methods for managing project timelines, tracking revisions, and communicating progress to clients and internal stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, not just for showcasing design talent but also for demonstrating an understanding of the end-to-end design-to-production process. Candidates should be prepared to articulate how they have managed projects, collaborated with teams, and ensured the technical viability of their designs for manufacturing.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Custom Design Director with 5-10 years of experience in a metropolitan area like Louisville/New Albany, IN, the estimated annual salary range is $95,000 - $130,000. This estimate accounts for the leadership responsibilities, specialized design and technical skills, and the management of custom projects within a manufacturing environment.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off to support work-life balance.

• Paid Holidays: 10 paid holidays throughout the year.

• Medical Plans: Multiple medical plan options to suit individual and family needs.

• Dental Insurance: Comprehensive dental coverage.

• Vision Insurance: Vision care benefits.

• 401k Matching: Employer matching contributions to retirement savings.

• Short-Term Disability: Income protection during short periods of disability.

• Group Accident and Cancer Insurance: Additional financial support for specific health events.

• Company Paid Life Insurance: Basic life insurance coverage provided by the company.

• Long-Term Disability: Income protection for extended periods of disability.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for occasional overtime during peak periods or to meet critical project deadlines. The role requires on-site presence during business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for similar roles in the US, considering location, experience level, and the specialized nature of the position. The benefits package is comprehensive and typical for a full-time position in a manufacturing company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Wallcovering Manufacturing & Design. Versa Designed Surfaces operates in the innovative and sustainable wallcoverings sector, focusing on transforming spaces through design and technology. This industry requires a blend of artistic creativity, manufacturing precision, and an understanding of market trends in commercial and residential interiors.

Company Size: Laminating Services Inc (Versa Designed Surfaces) is likely a mid-sized to large manufacturing entity, given the comprehensive benefits package and the scope of operations implied by a "Global Wallcovering manufacturer" designation. This size often means established processes but also opportunities for significant impact.

Founded: The company's founding date is not explicitly stated, but its focus on innovation, sustainability, and advanced technologies suggests a company that has evolved with modern design and manufacturing capabilities.

Team Structure:

• The Custom Design Director will lead a dedicated Custom Design Studio team, which includes project managers and digital designers specializing in large-format and custom artwork.

• The reporting structure likely places the Director under a Head of Design, VP of Operations, or a similar senior leadership role within the manufacturing or product development division.

• This role requires extensive cross-functional collaboration with Sales, Production, Manufacturing, and potentially Marketing teams to ensure cohesive product development and client satisfaction. Methodology:

• Data Analysis: While not a traditional "operations" role, data analysis will be crucial for understanding client preferences, design trends, production efficiency metrics, and project profitability.

• Workflow Planning: Strategic planning and optimization of the custom design studio's workflows from client engagement to final file delivery are core to the role's operational success.

• Automation & Efficiency: Evaluating and implementing new technologies and processes to streamline design creation, file preparation, and team management will be key to enhancing efficiency.

Company Website: versadesignedsurfaces.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and transforming spaces suggests a culture that values creativity, forward-thinking, and environmental responsibility. For operations professionals, this implies a focus on process improvement and quality that aligns with these core values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position represents a senior-level role within the creative and operational management spectrum of the design and manufacturing industry. It's a leadership position focused on managing a specialized team and critical design processes that directly impact product offerings and client relationships.

Reporting Structure: The Custom Design Director will likely report to a higher-level executive within the company's design or operations division, such as a VP of Design, Chief Creative Officer, or VP of Manufacturing/Operations. They will, in turn, manage a team of designers and project managers.

Operations Impact: The Custom Design Director's role has a significant impact on revenue by driving the creation of high-value, customized products for premium markets. Their ability to translate client visions into manufacturable designs directly affects sales conversion rates, client retention, and the company's reputation for innovation and quality in the custom wallcovering space. Efficient studio operations also contribute to cost management and production throughput.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Leadership: Potential to advance into broader leadership roles within the company's design, product development, or operations departments, overseeing larger teams or multiple product lines.

• Strategic Development: Opportunity to shape the future of custom design offerings, influence technology adoption, and contribute to the company's overall product strategy and sustainability initiatives.

• Industry Influence: As a leader in a specialized design field, there's potential for professional development through industry events, speaking engagements, or contributing to design trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a strong path for individuals looking to blend creative direction with operational leadership. The growth potential is tied to successful team management, process innovation, and contributing to the company's strategic goals in design and manufacturing.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in an on-site position within the Louisville, KY Metropolitan area (New Albany, IN). This implies a professional office environment within the company's facilities, likely co-located with design studios, production areas, and administrative offices.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is New Albany, Indiana, which is part of the Louisville, KY metropolitan area. This location offers access to a diverse talent pool and is a hub for manufacturing and design industries in the region.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a collaborative design studio environment, equipped with high-performance workstations, large monitors, and access to specialized design software and potentially physical material samples.

• It will facilitate interaction with the design team, project managers, and potentially with production floor personnel for direct collaboration on technical aspects.

• Access to proofing devices, color calibration tools, and other necessary design production equipment is expected to support the team's output.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, likely Monday through Friday, during regular business hours. Given the leadership and client-facing nature of the role, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, client availability, or urgent production needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the need for direct team collaboration, hands-on oversight of design processes, and close interaction with manufacturing and production teams. This environment is conducive to detailed quality control and rapid problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly creative vision, technical skills, and leadership experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely a senior leader in Design or Operations) to delve into your experience, leadership style, and understanding of custom design processes within a manufacturing context. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interview: An opportunity to meet potential team members (designers, project managers) and colleagues from related departments (e.g., Production, Sales) to assess cultural fit and collaboration potential.

• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: A dedicated session where you will present a selection of your work, elaborating on specific projects, your creative process, problem-solving approaches, and how you managed client expectations and production constraints.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit within the company's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your capabilities in custom mural and wallcovering design for commercial and high-end residential markets.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the client's brief, your creative concept, the design process, technical challenges faced (e.g., scale, color, substrate), how you overcame them, and the final outcome.

• Highlight Leadership: If possible, showcase projects where you led a team or managed client relationships directly, emphasizing your decision-making and problem-solving contributions.

• Demonstrate Technical Acumen: Be ready to discuss the software, printing processes (digital, gravure), color management techniques, and file preparation steps involved in your showcased work.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects – e.g., client satisfaction scores, repeat business, efficiency gains in workflow, or successful integration with production.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical custom design project from initial client contact to final file delivery, including key questions you would ask, potential challenges, and how you would manage timelines and team resources.

• Anticipate questions about managing difficult client feedback, resolving design conflicts with production capabilities, or implementing new design technologies.

• Think about how you would foster a collaborative and innovative environment within your design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both creative vision and operational capability. A strong portfolio presentation is essential, demonstrating not only artistic talent but also the ability to manage complex projects, lead teams, and understand manufacturing realities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator for digital design, manipulation, and file preparation.

• Print RIP Software: Familiarity with raster image processor (RIP) software used in wide-format printing is a plus for optimizing print output.

• Color Management Tools: Experience with color calibration devices and software to ensure consistency across screens and printers.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus, basic familiarity with project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) or CRM reporting might be beneficial for tracking project status and client interactions.

• Ability to analyze design feedback and production data to inform future design decisions and process improvements. CRM & Automation:

• Understanding how custom design projects integrate with CRM systems for sales tracking and client management.

• Potential for using automation tools in file preparation or workflow management to increase efficiency, though this may be more on the production side.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of Adobe Creative Suite. Any additional experience with print-specific software or project management tools will be advantageous, highlighting a proactive approach to operational efficiency in the design process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to push design boundaries while staying grounded in practical application and market relevance.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Emphasis on working seamlessly with internal teams (Sales, Production) and external partners (Distributors, Clients) to achieve shared goals.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Commitment to delivering exceptional design quality, color accuracy, and technically sound artwork that meets the highest standards of the wallcovering industry.

• Efficiency & Execution: A focus on streamlined processes, effective project management, and timely delivery of high-quality custom designs.

• Sustainability: A dedication to environmentally conscious design and manufacturing practices, aligning with Versa Designed Surfaces' mission.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with Sales to understand client needs and market opportunities, and with Production to ensure designs are manufacturable and meet technical specifications.

• Feedback Culture: An environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized to refine designs, improve processes, and foster team growth.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share best practices, technical insights, and creative inspiration to elevate the collective skill set of the design studio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value a blend of artistic excellence and operational rigor. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to collaborate effectively across departments and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and shared success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Artistry with Production: Effectively translating creative visions into designs that are technically feasible, cost-effective, and scalable for manufacturing.

• Managing Client Expectations: Navigating diverse client needs, artistic preferences, and revision rounds while maintaining project timelines and budget.

• Leading a Creative Team: Motivating and guiding a team of designers and project managers, fostering their individual growth while ensuring collective output meets company standards.

• Keeping Pace with Trends & Technology: Staying abreast of evolving design trends, digital tools, and printing technologies to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design & Production Techniques: Opportunities to explore new software, printing technologies, and material innovations relevant to wallcovering design.

• Leadership Development: Formal or informal training in team management, strategic planning, and cross-functional leadership.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend design trade shows, conferences, and workshops to gain insights into market trends and network with industry professionals.

• Cross-Departmental Understanding: Gaining a deeper understanding of manufacturing processes, sales strategies, and business operations within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities for both creative and operational advancement. The challenges are inherent to managing creative projects within a manufacturing context, offering significant learning potential for ambitious professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating a client's abstract concept or mood board into a concrete, scalable wallcovering design. What are the key questions you ask, and how do you ensure technical feasibility?"

• "Walk us through a challenging custom design project where you had to balance artistic vision with production constraints or tight deadlines. How did you manage the process and what was the outcome?"

• "How do you approach leading and mentoring a team of designers and project managers? What strategies do you employ to foster creativity and ensure operational efficiency?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Versa Designed Surfaces, and how do you see your design philosophy aligning with our focus on innovation and sustainability?"

• "How would you contribute to a collaborative environment between the design studio and our production and sales teams?"

• "Describe a time you had to advocate for a design decision that was met with resistance. How did you communicate its value and achieve buy-in?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, starting with an overview of your role and capabilities, then presenting 3-5 key projects with detailed case studies.

• Narrative: For each project, tell a compelling story that highlights the problem, your solution, the process, your role, and the impact. Use visuals effectively.

• Technical Detail: Be prepared to discuss the software, color management, and printing considerations for each project. Demonstrate your understanding of how design translates to physical product.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, project management approach, and leadership style. Be concise and confident in your answers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative leadership, technical proficiency in design software and production processes, and strong project/team management skills. Your portfolio is your primary tool; use it to showcase your end-to-end capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Custom Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP link.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight leadership experience, expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, experience with wide-format/gravure printing, color management, and project management. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a digital portfolio showcasing your best work in custom murals and wallcoverings for commercial and residential markets. Ensure it demonstrates technical execution, creative vision, and client collaboration. Be ready to walk through specific projects.

• Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Versa Designed Surfaces' mission, values, and product offerings at versadesignedsurfaces.com. Understand their commitment to innovation and sustainability.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers for common interview questions, focusing on your leadership style, problem-solving abilities, and experience in design production and team management.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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