Design Director – Brand (m/f/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director – Brand (m/f/d)

Company: Battle Royal Studios

Location: Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Permanent employee

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Management & Leadership

Date Posted: September 01, 2026

Experience Level: 8+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creative vision and execution of immersive brand experiences in physical spaces, including retail, exhibitions, and events.

• Drive concept development from initial spatial narratives to final design direction, ensuring creative ambition and feasibility.

• Uphold design excellence, brand consistency, and innovation across all project touchpoints and client engagements.

• Act as a bridge between creative conceptualization and spatial design execution, fostering collaboration and clear communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on spatial brand experiences and is not a management or production lead position, emphasizing the candidate's role as a creative visionary and design strategist.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and drive the spatial brand vision for diverse environments such as retail spaces, exhibitions, events, pop-ups, and brand activations.

• Lead the conceptualization phase, transforming initial ideas and spatial narratives into compelling design directions.

• Ensure the highest standards of design excellence, maintaining brand consistency and fostering innovation in every project.

• Develop and refine clear spatial concepts, guiding the visual direction and storytelling through renders and visualizations.

• Mentor and coordinate the design team, providing clear creative direction, structured feedback, and conducting thorough design reviews.

• Translate abstract ideas and client objectives into tangible spatial design solutions that resonate with target audiences.

• Collaborate closely with architects, creatives, and project managers to ensure design feasibility, scalability, and alignment with real-world constraints.

• Present design concepts and visualizations confidently to internal teams and external clients, articulating the vision and strategic intent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core of this role involves translating brand strategy into physical experiences, requiring a strong understanding of spatial composition, environmental storytelling, and user experience within design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While specific educational requirements are not detailed, a background in Design, Architecture, Spatial Design, or a related creative field is strongly implied by the role's nature and responsibilities.

Experience:

• Mandatory 8+ years of experience in brand experience, spatial design, events, retail design, or experiential design.

• Proven track record of leading design teams and successfully managing complex spatial projects from concept to completion.

• Demonstrated experience in developing and communicating compelling spatial concepts through visual direction and storytelling. Required Skills:

• Spatial Design & Visualization:

  • Proficiency in 3D spatial design and visualization workflows.
  • Strong ability to develop and communicate compelling spatial concepts visually.
  • Experience using visualization and rendering software to convey design intent, atmosphere, and materiality.
  • Skill in translating abstract ideas into clear visual outputs for team and client alignment.
  • Deep understanding of spatial composition, environmental storytelling, human scale, flow, and user experience.
  • Knowledge of materials, finishes, visual detailing, lighting, and mood creation.
  • Familiarity with contemporary spatial and experiential design trends.

• Leadership & Collaboration:

  • Ability to establish a strong visual and conceptual direction for design projects.
  • Skilled at mentoring and directing designers, providing clear creative guidance and feedback.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and storytelling skills, essential for client interactions.
  • Ability to present design concepts and visualizations confidently to diverse stakeholders.
  • Experience in translating client objectives into effective spatial design solutions.
  • Strong eye for presentation quality and cohesive design narrative.

• Technical Proficiency:

  • Proficiency in 3D spatial design software.

  • Experience with tools such as Rhino is highly valued for spatial and architectural development.

  • Experience with visualization and rendering software (e.g., Enscape, or similar real-time rendering platforms) is highly valued. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in spatial or retail activation projects.

• Familiarity with project management principles and practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Rhino and Enscape suggests a need for candidates proficient in 3D modeling and real-time rendering for rapid concept visualization and client presentations. The role explicitly states it's not for technical build drawing or production management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong track record in brand experience, spatial design, and/or retail environments.

• Demonstrations of 3D spatial design and visualization capabilities, including concept development and final renders.

• Case studies illustrating the ability to translate brand strategy into immersive spatial experiences.

• Examples of environmental storytelling and user experience design within physical spaces.

• Visuals that highlight an understanding of materiality, lighting, atmosphere, and human scale. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of leading design concept development from early stages to final direction.

• Examples of how design vision was communicated and maintained across project touchpoints.

• Documentation or case studies showing collaboration with design teams and stakeholders.

• Portfolios should ideally demonstrate the ability to balance creative ambition with design feasibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to walk through their portfolio, explaining their creative process, how they approached concept development, their role in guiding the design team, and how they ensured the final design met client objectives and feasibility requirements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the role (Design Director), experience level (8+ years), and location (Berlin, Germany), a competitive salary range for a Design Director in a creative agency in Berlin would typically fall between €70,000 and €95,000 annually. This estimate considers the specialized nature of spatial brand experience design and the agency context.

Benefits:

• Hybrid flexibility, allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work.

• Creative ownership, providing significant autonomy and influence over design projects.

• Collaborative, professional, and ego-free team culture, fostering a positive work environment.

• Direct impact on physical, consumer-facing brand experiences, offering tangible results.

• Opportunity to work on high-visibility brand and retail environments for international clients.

Working Hours: Full-time, with an estimated 40 hours per week. The hybrid work arrangement offers some flexibility in scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on industry benchmarks for senior design roles in major European creative hubs like Berlin. Benefits are derived directly from the job description's "What We Offer" section.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Boutique creative agency specializing in innovative and immersive brand experiences worldwide. Operates at the intersection of strategy, creativity, and spatial execution for consumer-facing experiences.

Company Size: Boutique agency, suggesting a close-knit, agile team environment where individual contributions are highly visible.

Founded: While the founding date is not specified, the company is established enough to be renowned for delivering innovative brand experiences globally.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director will work within a creative team, acting as a bridge between conceptual creatives and spatial designers.

• This is not a management role in terms of overseeing a large team or production, but rather a leadership role focused on creative direction and mentorship.

• Collaboration is expected with architects, other creatives, and project managers. Methodology:

• Focus on merging brand storytelling with physical space and experiential design.

• Emphasis on innovative and immersive experiences.

• Creative ownership and a structured approach to design execution.

• A collaborative, professional, and ego-free team culture.

Company Website: www.br-studios.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The "boutique" nature implies a dynamic, possibly fast-paced environment where adaptability and strong interpersonal skills are key. The "ego-free" culture suggests a focus on collaboration and mutual respect.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, specifically a Design Director, focusing on creative leadership and strategic design vision within the brand experience sector. It requires significant expertise and a proven ability to guide complex projects and teams.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will likely report to a Creative Director or a senior leadership figure within the agency, overseeing the creative output for spatial brand projects. They will, in turn, lead and mentor spatial designers and collaborate with other creative disciplines.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on the client's brand perception and consumer engagement. By shaping immersive physical experiences, the Design Director influences how brands are perceived and experienced by their target audiences, contributing directly to brand success and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of spatial or experiential design, becoming a recognized authority in niche markets or client sectors.

• Creative Leadership: Progress to higher creative leadership roles, such as Creative Director, overseeing broader creative strategies and teams.

• Client Relationship Management: Develop stronger client-facing skills and potentially take on more strategic client advisory roles.

• Innovation: Contribute to the agency's innovation pipeline, developing new methodologies or technologies for creating brand experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a traditional "operations" role in the sense of revenue or sales operations, the "impact" is measured by the success of brand experiences and client retention, aligning with GTM objectives. Growth is tied to creative influence and strategic leadership within the agency.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Berlin, Germany, with a hybrid work arrangement. This suggests a modern office environment designed for collaboration and creative work, likely situated at Reichenberger Str. 36, 10999 Berlin.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Berlin, Germany, with a preference for candidates who can work hybrid within the CET time zone.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for a balance between in-office collaboration and focused individual work at home.

• The office environment is described as collaborative and professional, fostering teamwork among designers and creatives.

• Access to design tools and technology necessary for 3D visualization and concept development is implied.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with a strong Berlin-based design team.

Work Schedule: Full-time employment, approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in Berlin suggests a European work culture that values work-life balance while maintaining strong team cohesion and creative output.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Creative Assessment: A potential portfolio review session where candidates present their work, discuss their design process, and articulate their creative vision. This may involve a case study or a design challenge.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion with team members and leadership to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and fit with the agency's "ego-free" culture.

• Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, leadership approach, and overall fit for the Design Director role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to highlight relevant spatial brand experience projects, showcasing your ability to lead concepts from ideation to visualization.

• Prepare to present 2-3 key projects in detail, explaining your creative process, design rationale, and how you guided the design team.

• Clearly articulate your understanding of brand storytelling, environmental design, and user experience within the context of your projects.

• Be ready to discuss your proficiency with relevant software (Rhino, Enscape, etc.) and how you use them to achieve specific design outcomes.

• Showcase examples of how you've ensured design feasibility and translated client objectives into successful spatial solutions.

• Emphasize your leadership and mentorship skills through examples of directing design teams. Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge or a deep dive into a specific project from your portfolio.

• Practice articulating your design thinking and strategic approach concisely and persuasively.

• Research Battle Royal Studios' work and recent projects to understand their aesthetic and client base.

• Consider how you would approach a hypothetical spatial brand experience brief, outlining your conceptual process and key considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "creative ownership" and being a "bridge between creatives and spatial designers" means interviewers will look for strong conceptual thinking, clear communication, and collaborative leadership.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Spatial Design Software: Proficiency is required, with Rhino specifically mentioned as highly valuable for spatial and architectural development.

• Visualization & Rendering Software: Ability to use a range of tools to effectively communicate design intent, atmosphere, and materiality. Experience with Enscape or similar real-time rendering platforms is highly valued.

• Presentation Software: Tools for creating compelling client presentations (e.g., Keynote, PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite).

Analytics & Reporting: While not directly an "operations" role, an understanding of how design impacts user experience and brand perception could involve analyzing engagement metrics or client feedback post-project.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this design-focused role, but familiarity with project management tools might be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements revolve around 3D modeling and rendering for conceptualization and client communication. The focus is on tools that enable strong visual storytelling and concept articulation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to deliver innovative and immersive brand experiences.

• Collaboration: Working effectively as a bridge between different creative disciplines in an "ego-free" environment.

• Excellence: Commitment to design excellence, brand consistency, and high-quality execution.

• Feasibility: Balancing creative ambition with practical, real-world constraints.

• Client-Centricity: Translating client objectives into impactful spatial design solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working closely with internal creatives, spatial designers, architects, and project managers.

• Emphasis on clear communication and structured feedback loops for design reviews.

• A supportive mentorship approach to guiding junior designers.

• Openness to diverse ideas within a professional and ego-free team dynamic.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "ego-free" culture is a significant differentiator, suggesting a team that prioritizes collective success and mutual respect over individual accolades.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Vision and Feasibility: The primary challenge will be to push creative boundaries while ensuring designs are practical, scalable, and within budget constraints.

• Leading Diverse Creatives: Effectively guiding and inspiring a team of designers with potentially varied skill sets and perspectives.

• Translating Abstract Concepts: Clearly communicating complex or abstract brand ideas into tangible spatial designs that resonate with clients and end-users.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Keeping abreast of rapidly evolving trends in spatial design, experiential marketing, and technology.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mastering New Technologies: Opportunity to explore and integrate cutting-edge visualization and design technologies.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gaining deeper insights into brand strategy, architectural considerations, and event production through collaboration.

• Client Strategy: Developing a stronger understanding of client business objectives and how spatial design contributes to their broader marketing and sales goals.

• Creative Leadership: Honing leadership and mentorship skills through direct experience managing and guiding a design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex creative challenges in a dynamic agency setting and expanding expertise in experiential design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a spatial brand concept from a client brief to a fully visualized design."

• "How do you ensure design excellence and brand consistency across various touchpoints in a spatial experience?"

• "Walk us through a project where you had to balance creative ambition with significant feasibility constraints. What was your approach?"

• "How do you mentor and provide constructive feedback to a design team to elevate their work and ensure alignment with your vision?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Battle Royal Studios and our approach to brand experiences?"

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative and 'ego-free' team environment?"

• "What are your thoughts on the current trends in retail and experiential design, and how do you incorporate them into your work?"

• "How do you see this role contributing to the success of our clients' brands?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation logically, starting with an overview of the project's objectives and your role.

• For each key project, clearly articulate the initial challenge, your conceptual approach, the design development process, and the final outcome.

• Use high-quality visuals and renders to illustrate your points effectively.

• Be prepared to discuss your specific contributions and leadership in guiding the design team.

• Highlight your ability to translate brand strategy into compelling spatial experiences and demonstrate your understanding of user experience and materiality.

• Practice articulating your design rationale and decision-making process clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be ready to showcase not just beautiful visuals, but also the strategic thinking and leadership behind them, demonstrating how you translate client needs into impactful spatial brand experiences.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Battle Royal Studios careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature your strongest work in spatial brand experiences, retail design, and immersive environments. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your conceptual leadership, 3D visualization skills, and ability to tell a story through design.

• Resume Optimization: Highlight your 8+ years of relevant experience, leadership roles, and specific achievements in spatial and brand experience design. Quantify successes where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, leadership philosophy, and strategic approach to spatial branding. Prepare to present your portfolio confidently and answer behavioral and situational questions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Battle Royal Studios' past projects, client roster, and company philosophy. Understand their aesthetic and how your skills and vision align with their work.

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

---