Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director

Company: MillerKnoll (Design Within Reach)

Location: Stamford, CT, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design Leadership / Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-07-29

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Leads the DWR Studio to define and execute the creative vision for Design Within Reach's original product portfolio, focusing on authentic modern design and impeccable craftsmanship.

• Drives product strategy by translating consumer insights, market intelligence, and cultural trends into a differentiated product vision that balances creative ambition with commercial performance.

• Manages and mentors a multidisciplinary industrial design team, fostering a culture of design excellence, innovation, and collaboration.

• Oversees the end-to-end product development process, from concept to production, ensuring design intent is maintained and sustainability principles are embedded.

• Cultivates external partnerships with designers and manufacturers to expand the brand's design perspective and market relevance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership position within the design function, specifically focused on original product development for a premium modern furnishings brand. The emphasis on "design for the good of humankind" and "redefining modern for the 21st century" indicates a strong brand ethos that candidates should align with. The responsibilities suggest a blend of strategic creative direction, team management, and operational oversight of the product lifecycle within a GTM context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Partner with the SVP, Creative Director to define and execute the long-term creative vision for DWR Studio, ensuring alignment with brand strategy and business objectives.

• Serve as the primary design leader for DWR Studio, translating brand strategy into a cohesive product vision and portfolio direction across furniture, lighting, accessories, and textiles.

• Create and steward comprehensive design briefs for all original product collections, outlining objectives, target customer, and aesthetic requirements.

• Lead conceptual development of new collections, fostering innovation and ensuring products reflect Design Within Reach’s commitment to modern design, craftsmanship, and commercial success.

• Provide clear recommendations on product direction, design tradeoffs, and collection priorities to support portfolio growth and enhance long-term brand equity.

• Ensure a consistently high standard of design quality, craftsmanship, usability, and aesthetic rigor across the entire product portfolio.

• Foster a culture of design excellence through thoughtful critique, experimentation, and innovation within the industrial design team.

• Translate consumer insights, market intelligence, and cultural trends into a differentiated and forward-thinking product strategy.

• Partner with Merchandising to define category opportunities, product roadmaps, and long-term portfolio evolution, balancing creative ambition with commercial performance.

• Inform and influence investment decisions related to new product development, assortment planning, and portfolio management to drive both brand equity and business growth.

• Evaluate assortment performance in collaboration with Merchandising and Product Development, identifying lifecycle opportunities and supporting category growth strategies.

• Lead, mentor, and develop the industrial design team, creating an environment that attracts and retains exceptional creative talent by establishing clear goals, performance expectations, and development plans.

• Build strong cross-functional partnerships with Merchandising, Product Development, Sourcing, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to enable efficient product development and successful commercialization.

• Establish best practices for design processes, creative reviews, and product storytelling, ensuring design intent is maintained from concept through production.

• Embed sustainability, durability, repairability, and responsible material choices into design briefs and product development decisions, aligning with broader company values.

• Develop and maintain relationships with independent designers, design studios, manufacturers, and strategic partners, cultivating external collaborations that expand DWR's design perspective and market relevance.

• Represent Design Within Reach within the global design community and at key industry events, enhancing brand visibility and thought leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a senior leadership role focused on the strategic direction and execution of product design. The emphasis on cross-functional partnerships and influencing investment decisions highlights the critical GTM integration required, moving beyond pure design execution to strategic business impact. The inclusion of sustainability and responsible material choices points towards a modern approach to product development that aligns with current industry trends and corporate social responsibility.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design from an accredited university is required.

• A Master’s degree in Industrial Design or a related discipline is preferred, indicating a strong foundation in design theory and practice. Experience:

• Minimum of 12 years of progressive industrial design experience, demonstrating a deep understanding of the design lifecycle from concept to market.

• At least five years of experience specifically leading and managing design teams, showcasing leadership capabilities and the ability to mentor and develop talent.

• Demonstrated success in designing and bringing premium furniture or consumer products to market, with a portfolio that highlights commercial viability and design excellence.

• Deep knowledge of furniture manufacturing processes, materials science, construction techniques, ergonomics, and product engineering, essential for translating design concepts into manufacturable products.

• Proven ability to build, mentor, and inspire high-performing creative teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.

• Strong understanding of premium consumer brands and modern design history, enabling the creation of products that resonate with a discerning audience.

• Experience collaborating with internationally recognized designers or design consultancies is preferred, indicating an ability to manage external creative relationships.

• Global manufacturing experience across North America, Europe, and Asia is preferred, suggesting an understanding of diverse production environments and supply chains.

• Knowledge of sustainable materials, circular design principles, and responsible manufacturing practices is preferred, aligning with modern product development ethics. Required Skills:

• World-class Industrial Design expertise with a strong portfolio showcasing innovation and aesthetic rigor.

• Exceptional Creative Leadership and vision for defining and executing design strategies.

• Strategic Product Strategy development, translating market insights into actionable product plans.

• Deep understanding of Furniture Design principles, materials, and construction.

• Proven Product Development lifecycle management from concept to production.

• Strategic Planning and ability to align design initiatives with business objectives.

• Team Mentorship and development of industrial design talent.

• Cross-functional Collaboration with Merchandising, Product Development, Engineering, and Sourcing.

• Ability to create and manage clear and concise Design Briefs.

• In-depth knowledge of Manufacturing Processes and their impact on design.

• Expertise in Material Science and application in product design.

• Project Management skills to oversee multiple product initiatives simultaneously.

• Market Intelligence analysis to inform product strategy and identify opportunities.

• Portfolio Management and curation of a cohesive and commercially viable product offering.

• Design Innovation and a passion for pushing creative boundaries. Preferred Skills:

• Experience within premium or luxury furniture, interiors, or consumer lifestyle brands.

• Experience collaborating with internationally recognized designers or design consultancies.

• Global manufacturing experience across North America, Europe, and Asia.

• Knowledge of sustainable materials, circular design principles, and responsible manufacturing.

• Strong understanding of ergonomics and user-centered design principles.

• Proficiency in relevant design software (e.g., CAD, rendering tools).

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of deep design expertise, proven leadership experience, and a strategic business acumen. The requirement for a strong portfolio is critical, as it serves as tangible evidence of design capability and market success. The preference for global experience and knowledge of sustainable practices indicates the company's forward-thinking approach to product development and supply chain management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is essential, showcasing world-class industrial design, product thinking, and creative leadership across multiple projects.

• Projects should demonstrate a clear understanding of the product lifecycle, from initial concept and user research through detailed design, prototyping, and final production.

• The portfolio must highlight commercial success and market relevance, ideally with examples of premium furniture or consumer products brought to market.

• Evidence of strategic thinking, including how design decisions were informed by market intelligence, consumer insights, and business objectives, should be clearly articulated.

• Projects demonstrating collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., engineering, manufacturing, merchandising) and external partners are highly valued. Process Documentation:

• The portfolio should include case studies that detail the design process for key projects, explaining the problem statement, design exploration, user feedback integration, and problem-solving approaches.

• Documentation of how design briefs were developed and utilized to guide the product creation process should be evident.

• Examples of how sustainability, durability, repairability, and responsible material choices were embedded into the design brief and product development decisions should be presented.

• The process for collaborating with manufacturing partners to achieve design intent and optimize production methods should be illustrated.

• Evidence of establishing and implementing best practices for design process, creative reviews, and product storytelling should be demonstrated.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Director role, the portfolio is not just a collection of work but a demonstration of strategic thinking, process rigor, and leadership impact. Candidates should curate their portfolio to explicitly showcase how they translate brand vision into market-ready products, manage design teams, and collaborate effectively across departments to achieve both creative and commercial goals.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Director role with 10+ years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Stamford, CT, the estimated salary range is approximately $170,000 - $250,000 annually. This range accounts for the senior leadership level, specialized skills in industrial design and furniture manufacturing, and the significant responsibilities of leading a design studio and product strategy. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Covering medical, optical, and dental needs for employees and their families.

• Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401k): With potential company match to support long-term financial planning.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays, allowing for work-life balance.

• Parental Leave: Support for new parents during a significant life event.

• Employee Discount: On Design Within Reach and MillerKnoll products, reflecting the brand's quality and appeal.

• Professional Development Opportunities: Including training, workshops, conferences, and potential support for further education to enhance design and leadership skills.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Providing financial security for employees and their beneficiaries.

• Potential for Performance-Based Bonuses: Tied to individual and company success in product innovation and commercial performance. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically around 40 hours per week. Given the leadership nature of the role, some flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and business needs, potentially involving occasional evenings or weekends for critical project phases or events.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on data from industry salary surveys for senior design leadership roles in the Northeast US, considering the company's premium brand positioning and the specialized nature of furniture design. Benefits are standard for senior-level positions in the design and manufacturing industry, with a specific emphasis on employee discounts as a perk for a design-focused company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Manufacturing, Retail, and Interior Design. MillerKnoll is a global leader in modern design, comprising brands like Herman Miller and Design Within Reach, known for their commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability.

Company Size: MillerKnoll is a large, publicly traded company, with Design Within Reach operating as a significant retail and e-commerce arm within the broader organization. This implies a structured corporate environment with dedicated resources and clear GTM processes.

Founded: Design Within Reach was founded in 2001, and MillerKnoll (as a combined entity of Herman Miller and Knoll) has a much longer history, with Herman Miller founded in 1905 and Knoll in 1938. This rich heritage in modern design informs the company's long-term vision and commitment to enduring products.

Team Structure:

• The DWR Studio, led by the Product Design Director, is a multidisciplinary industrial design team responsible for the original product portfolio.

• This team reports to the Senior Vice President, Creative Director, indicating a hierarchical structure within the creative function.

• The role requires extensive collaboration with Merchandising, Product Development, Sourcing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Marketing, and Retail teams, highlighting a matrixed and cross-functional operational environment. Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a data-driven approach to product strategy, leveraging consumer insights, market intelligence, and cultural trends.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, particularly in the product development process, ensuring efficiency from concept to production.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely applied in areas such as design review processes, project management, and communication channels to streamline product launches.

• A strong emphasis is placed on design excellence, craftsmanship, and the translation of brand strategy into tangible product offerings that resonate with the modern design aesthetic.

Company Website: https://www.millerknoll.com/ and https://www.dwr.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding MillerKnoll's multi-brand structure and Design Within Reach's specific market positioning is key. The company's deep roots in modern design history provide a strong foundation for its current creative direction and product development philosophy. The collaborative structure suggests that successful candidates must be adept at navigating complex organizational dynamics and influencing stakeholders across various departments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the design function, equivalent to an executive or director level. It involves strategic oversight, team management, and significant influence on the company's product portfolio and brand direction. The scope extends beyond design execution to encompass product strategy, market relevance, and commercial success.

Reporting Structure: The Product Design Director reports directly to the Senior Vice President, Creative Director. This indicates a clear chain of command within the creative and design leadership, with opportunities for direct mentorship and strategic alignment at a high level.

Operations Impact: The Product Design Director plays a pivotal role in shaping the core offering of Design Within Reach. Their impact is measured by the commercial success of the original product portfolio, the strengthening of brand equity through innovative and well-executed designs, and the ability to attract and retain top design talent. This role directly influences revenue generation through product sales and market positioning.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Expansion: Potential to take on broader creative responsibilities within DWR or MillerKnoll, influencing brand strategy beyond just product design.

• Industry Thought Leadership: Opportunities to represent the company at industry events, contribute to design publications, and become a recognized voice in modern design.

• Mentorship and Team Development: Continued development of leadership skills through mentoring a high-performing design team, potentially leading to opportunities to build and scale design functions.

• Cross-Functional Influence: Deepening expertise in areas like merchandising, product development, and global sourcing through continued collaboration and strategic input.

• Innovation and Future-Forward Design: Leading initiatives focused on emerging materials, sustainable practices, and new design methodologies to keep the brand at the forefront of the industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant career advancement opportunity for experienced industrial designers. The growth potential lies not only in expanding design responsibilities but also in developing broader strategic leadership capabilities within a well-established and respected design organization. Success here can lead to executive-level roles within the design or broader GTM functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the "Stamford Star Point" location, which is described as an on-site position. This suggests a professional office environment designed to foster collaboration and creative work.

Office Location(s): Stamford, CT, United States. This location is likely a hub for Design Within Reach's creative and potentially some operational functions, offering access to a vibrant business community.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, encouraging interaction among the industrial design team and with cross-functional partners.

• Access to necessary design tools, prototyping facilities (potentially), and a supportive technological infrastructure will be crucial for effective design execution.

• Opportunities for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and informal interactions will be integral to fostering a creative and productive atmosphere.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, but the dynamic nature of product development and creative leadership may require flexibility to meet project deadlines, attend industry events, or collaborate with global partners across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in Stamford, CT, suggests a professional office setting conducive to collaborative design work. Candidates should expect an environment that values in-person interaction and teamwork, essential for a creative leadership role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by a recruiter or hiring manager to assess alignment with the core requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Candidates will likely present their portfolio to a panel of stakeholders, including the SVP, Creative Director, and potentially members of the product development and merchandising teams. This stage focuses on design rationale, process, leadership examples, and commercial impact.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key cross-functional partners (e.g., heads of Product Development, Merchandising, Sourcing) to evaluate collaboration style, strategic thinking, and understanding of the broader GTM process.

• Leadership & Culture Fit Interview: A final interview, potentially with senior leadership, to assess leadership competencies, cultural alignment with Design Within Reach and MillerKnoll values, and strategic vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your experience in premium furniture/consumer product design, team leadership, and strategic product vision. Highlight your role and impact clearly.

• Showcase Process: Detail your design process, from research and concept generation to development and production. Explain your problem-solving approach and how you navigated challenges.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the commercial success of your designs (e.g., sales performance, market share growth, ROI).

• Highlight Leadership: Include examples of how you have mentored teams, influenced stakeholders, and driven strategic initiatives.

• Tailor to DWR: Research Design Within Reach's aesthetic, brand values, and current product offerings. Showcase projects that align with their modern design ethos and commitment to craftsmanship.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to developing product strategy, leading design briefs, and managing cross-functional relationships.

• Anticipate questions about how you foster innovation, embed sustainability, and balance creative ambition with commercial realities.

• Practice articulating your design philosophy and how it aligns with Design Within Reach's mission.

• Consider how you would approach a hypothetical product development challenge relevant to the DWR portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical component of the application process for this role. Candidates should prepare a compelling narrative that supports their visual work, demonstrating not just design talent but also strategic thinking and leadership capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard 3D modeling and design software such as SolidWorks, Rhino, Fusion 360, or similar, for detailed product design and development.

• Rendering Software: Expertise in rendering tools like Keyshot, V-Ray, or Adobe Substance 3D to create high-fidelity product visualizations for reviews and marketing.

• Prototyping Tools: Familiarity with rapid prototyping techniques and equipment (e.g., 3D printers, CNC machines) for creating physical models and validating designs.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, or Monday.com for managing design projects, tasks, and team workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct operational role, an understanding of how design impacts sales and market performance is crucial. Familiarity with product performance analytics and market intelligence reporting tools would be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but an understanding of how design integrates with CRM and marketing automation for product launches and customer engagement could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is heavily focused on design and product development tools. While direct operational tools might not be listed, an appreciation for how design integrates into broader GTM systems and performance metrics is beneficial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Design Excellence: A relentless pursuit of high-quality, authentic modern design, impeccable craftsmanship, and aesthetic rigor.

• Innovation: A commitment to exploring new ideas, materials, and production methods to push the boundaries of modern design.

• Customer Focus: Designing products that are desirable, functional, and enduring for customers, informed by insights and trends.

• Sustainability & Responsibility: Embedding ethical considerations, sustainable materials, and responsible manufacturing practices into the core of the design process.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional partnerships are key to success.

• Passion for Modern Design: A deep appreciation for the principles of modernism and its relevance in contemporary living.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, requiring strong partnerships with Merchandising, Product Development, Engineering, Sourcing, and Manufacturing.

• Open to thoughtful critique and constructive feedback to refine designs and ensure optimal execution.

• Emphasis on clear communication and cross-functional alignment to drive product vision from concept to market.

• A culture that encourages experimentation and learning from both successes and failures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values are deeply rooted in its design heritage and mission. Candidates should demonstrate a personal alignment with these values, particularly in their approach to design, innovation, and collaboration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Commercial Demands: Ensuring innovative and design-led products are also commercially viable and meet market expectations for a premium brand.

• Managing Global Supply Chains: Navigating the complexities of international manufacturing, sourcing, and quality control to maintain design integrity and production efficiency.

• Embedding Sustainability at Scale: Integrating sustainable materials and circular design principles across a broad product portfolio within a large organization.

• Leading a Diverse Creative Team: Mentoring and inspiring a team of designers with varying skill sets and perspectives, fostering a cohesive and high-performing unit.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously identifying and integrating emerging cultural, technological, and aesthetic trends into product development strategies for a forward-thinking brand.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Design Leadership: Opportunities to refine strategic planning, business acumen, and executive-level communication skills.

• Industry Exposure: Engaging with global design communities, attending key industry events, and potentially leading brand representation.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Deepening understanding of business operations, supply chain management, and retail strategies through close collaboration.

• Sustainability & Innovation: Leading initiatives focused on cutting-edge materials, circular economy principles, and advanced manufacturing techniques.

• Mentorship and Talent Development: Honing leadership and coaching skills by developing the next generation of industrial designers and design leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents complex challenges inherent in leading product design for a global premium brand. However, these challenges are also fertile ground for significant professional growth and development, particularly in strategic leadership and innovation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a design brief for a new furniture collection. How do you ensure it aligns with brand strategy and commercial objectives?"

• "How do you balance creative ambition with the practical constraints of manufacturing, cost, and material availability when developing new products?"

• "Walk us through a time you had to influence stakeholders with differing opinions on a product design. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?"

• "How do you approach integrating sustainability and responsible material choices into the product development lifecycle?"

• "What is your vision for the future of modern furniture design, and how would you translate that into a product strategy for Design Within Reach?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Design Within Reach and MillerKnoll specifically, beyond the role itself?"

• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and design excellence within a creative team?"

• "Describe your leadership style and how you mentor and develop designers."

• "How do you ensure your design decisions align with the company's mission of 'design for the good of humankind'?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating your strategic approach. Start with an overview of your philosophy and then dive into 2-3 key projects.

• Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the design process, key challenges and solutions, cross-functional collaboration, and the ultimate outcome (especially commercial success and user impact).

• Visuals: Use high-quality images, renderings, and prototypes. Consider including sketches and process work to show your thinking.

• Metrics: Be prepared to discuss any quantifiable results your designs have achieved.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it’s engaging and within the allotted timeframe.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss case studies of successful product launches you've led.

• Prepare to articulate how you would approach developing a new product category or refreshing an existing one for DWR.

• Think about how you would measure the success of design initiatives beyond just sales figures.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership capability, and a deep understanding of Design Within Reach's brand and market. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase both design talent and business acumen.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the official MillerKnoll careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your design portfolio to prominently feature projects in premium furniture or consumer goods that demonstrate commercial success, strong design leadership, and a strategic approach. Ensure it clearly highlights your role in bringing products to market.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 12+ years of progressive industrial design experience, including at least five years in team leadership. Use keywords from the job description such as "Industrial Design," "Creative Leadership," "Product Strategy," "Furniture Design," and "Team Mentorship."

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on articulating your design process, strategic thinking, leadership impact, and how your work aligns with Design Within Reach's modern design ethos and brand values. Prepare to discuss your experience with global manufacturing and sustainability.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Design Within Reach and MillerKnoll, understanding their brand positioning, design philosophy, mission, and market presence. Be prepared to discuss how your vision and experience align with their strategic goals.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details, especially regarding salary ranges and specific interview processes, should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.