Design Director, Windows & Environments

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director, Windows & Environments

Company: PVH Corp.

Location: New York, NY Calvin Klein Office, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

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

Date Posted: 2026-05-01

Experience Level: 9+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the conceptualization and execution of innovative retail design strategies for windows and environments, translating brand aesthetic into impactful consumer experiences.

• Drive creative vision through advanced 3D modeling and rendering, ensuring compelling visual storytelling across global retail spaces.

• Manage and mentor a team of designers and freelancers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing creative environment.

• Oversee production feasibility, timelines, and budgets, ensuring consistent global execution while adhering to regional needs and brand integrity.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with VM and marketing teams to align design initiatives with seasonal strategies and brand objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is not directly in Revenue or Sales Operations, its focus on creating impactful retail environments that drive consumer engagement and brand perception has a significant indirect impact on sales performance and revenue generation. The emphasis on translating brand aesthetic into physical space and managing global execution requires robust project management and process adherence, akin to operations functions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and research conceptual retail design market trends, proposing innovative themes and ideas for strategic development.

• Create realistic and compelling 3D renderings that merge strong visual storytelling with engaging consumer experiences, effectively translating brand aesthetics into physical spaces.

• Design window displays with a deep understanding of retail dynamics and nuanced regional requirements.

• Manage and mentor a team of renderers and freelancers, efficiently distributing workloads and prioritizing tasks to meet project demands.

• Delegate design solutions across various implementation levels, from flagship icon stores to premium and core store environments.

• Collaborate closely with the production lead to develop feasible creative installations, ensuring detailed drawings and floor plans maintain consistent global execution and brand creative integrity.

• Work with regional teams to ensure adherence to production timelines, budgets, and scalability across diverse locations.

• Maintain a deep awareness and interest in contemporary design, art, and culture to inform creative direction and innovation.

• Interpret architectural drawings and understand materials and construction methods to ensure practical and effective design implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong need for process-oriented thinking in managing design projects from concept to execution, including budget adherence, timeline management, and global standardization, which are critical operational considerations in a large retail organization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Industrial Design, Architecture, Graphic Design, Retail Design, or Experiential Design.

Experience: 9+ years of creative 3D design experience, with a proven ability to understand spatial dynamics and construction.

Required Skills:

• High-level proficiency in 3D modeling and rendering software (Sketchup, 3D Max, Rhino, or comparable applications).

• Expertise in rendering engines such as V-ray or Corona.

• Strong command of Adobe Creative Suite.

• Excellent aesthetic taste level and a keen eye for design detail.

• Ability to direct, manage, edit, and guide the design work of others.

• Extensive knowledge of retail environments and an understanding of nuanced regional needs.

• Deep awareness and interest in ongoing contemporary design, art, and culture.

• Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings, understanding materials and construction methods.

• Strong time management skills with experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with AI tools for design conceptualization.

• Experience with Keynote or PowerPoint for presentations.

• A portfolio demonstrating successful translation of brand aesthetics into physical retail spaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on proficiency with specific 3D software (Sketchup, 3D Max, Rhino, V-ray, Corona) and the Adobe Creative Suite indicates a need for candidates who can efficiently manage digital asset creation and workflow, a key aspect of operational efficiency in creative departments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong creative and conceptual background in 3D design, with a focus on retail environments and window displays.

• Demonstrations of realistic 3D renderings that effectively combine visual storytelling with impactful consumer experiences.

• Case studies illustrating the ability to translate brand aesthetics into physical spaces and adapt to regional needs.

• Examples of managing design projects from concept through to feasible production, highlighting problem-solving and scalable execution.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow design for managing multiple design projects simultaneously, including prioritization and delegation strategies.

• Documentation of collaboration processes with production, VM, and marketing teams to ensure cohesive project execution.

• Case studies that detail how designs were adapted for scalability across different locations while maintaining brand integrity and adhering to budgets and timelines.

• Evidence of how design solutions were articulated and communicated across various implementation levels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements emphasize the need for candidates to demonstrate not just creative output but also the process and project management skills necessary for operationalizing design concepts in a large-scale retail setting.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $147,500 - $199,200 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Pay & Insurance: Competitive pay, bonus programs, best-in-class medical insurance, vision insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance.

• 401(k): An above-market 401(k) contribution to help eligible associates save for retirement.

• Flexible Workplace: Generous company-paid holidays, paid time off, hybrid working arrangements, seasonal hours, and flexible work schedules.

• Wellbeing Support: Tools and programs including Headspace membership, reimbursement for fitness memberships and/or digital meditation subscriptions, and rewards for healthy activities.

• Care.com Services: Access to services for childcare, elder care, adoption preparation, pet care, and reimbursement for backup care.

• Education Assistance: Tuition reimbursement for continued education.

• Associate Discount: Discounts on company outlets and e-commerce sites.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through hybrid working arrangements and flexible work schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on the information within the job description. This estimate is informed by industry benchmarks for Design Director roles in New York City with 9+ years of experience, considering the specified software proficiencies and responsibilities. The benefits package is extensive, reflecting PVH's commitment to employee well-being and total rewards.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fashion Retail. PVH Corp. is a global leader in the fashion industry, focusing on building iconic brands like Calvin Klein and TOMMY HILFIGER into desirable lifestyle brands.

Company Size: PVH is a large global organization, indicated by its extensive benefits package and global reach, suggesting a structured environment with established processes.

Founded: PVH has a long history, though the specific founding date isn't detailed, its focus on brand building implies a culture of innovation and long-term strategic vision.

Team Structure:

• The role operates within a creative team, likely reporting to a senior creative director or VP of Design/Visual Merchandising.

• It involves managing a direct team of renderers and freelancers, requiring strong leadership and delegation skills.

• Close collaboration is expected with Visual Merchandising (VM) and Marketing teams to align on seasonal strategies and brand initiatives.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: Researching retail design market trends to inform conceptual development.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: Managing multiple projects, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring efficient distribution of work among team members.

• Automation and Efficiency: Utilizing advanced 3D modeling and rendering software to streamline the creation of visual assets and ensure consistent global execution.

Company Website: https://www.pvh.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "brand builders" and positioning PVH as a "high-performing brand group" suggests a results-oriented culture where creative output directly contributes to commercial success. The emphasis on "fashion forward for good" and "one team with one vision and one plan" indicates a collaborative and purpose-driven environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a senior leadership level within the creative and design function, equivalent to a Director in other operational departments. It involves strategic creative direction, team management, and oversight of significant project execution.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director likely reports to a higher-level executive within the design or visual merchandising hierarchy, such as a Senior Director or Vice President. They, in turn, manage a team of designers and freelancers.

Operations Impact: The role's impact on revenue is significant, albeit indirect. By creating compelling and on-brand retail environments and window displays, the Design Director directly influences consumer perception, store traffic, brand desirability, and ultimately, sales performance. Effective design execution can drive footfall and increase conversion rates.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to move into broader Creative Director roles, overseeing larger creative departments or expanding into global design strategy leadership.

• Industry Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in retail design trends, advanced rendering technologies, and cross-cultural design adaptation.

• Leadership Potential: Develop leadership capabilities through managing larger teams, influencing strategic brand direction, and potentially leading cross-functional project teams on major initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a traditional operations role, the management of complex projects, budgets, timelines, and global execution mirrors many aspects of operational leadership. Growth could involve transitioning to roles with more direct operational oversight within the retail sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is based at the Calvin Klein Office in New York, NY, indicating a professional, corporate office setting. The "Hybrid working arrangements" benefit suggests a blend of in-office and remote work.

Office Location(s): New York, NY, United States. This is a major hub for the fashion industry, offering access to trends, talent, and industry events.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is likely collaborative, requiring close interaction with VM, marketing, and production teams.

• Access to advanced technology and software (3D modeling, rendering, Adobe Suite) is essential and would be provided.

• Opportunities for team interaction will be frequent, particularly during concept development and project reviews.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is specified, with the flexibility of hybrid arrangements and the possibility of flexible work schedules, supporting a balance between project deadlines and personal life.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid arrangement implies a need for strong self-management and communication skills to ensure seamless collaboration and project continuity when working remotely, a critical operational skill in modern workplaces.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess alignment with creative and technical requirements. Candidates should highlight their 3D design experience, software proficiency, and relevant retail design projects.

• Creative/Technical Interview: Discussion focused on design philosophy, approach to conceptualizing retail environments, and problem-solving skills. Expect questions on managing creative workflows and adapting to brand aesthetics.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, showcasing key projects, design process, and ability to translate brand vision into physical spaces. Be prepared to discuss specific projects, challenges faced, and solutions implemented.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential team members (renderers, freelancers) and cross-functional partners (VM, Marketing) to assess collaboration style, leadership potential, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, leadership capabilities, and overall fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase 3D Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio prominently features high-quality 3D renderings and models, demonstrating mastery of software like Sketchup, 3D Max, or Rhino.

• Highlight Retail Impact: Include case studies that clearly articulate how your designs have impacted consumer experience, brand perception, and potentially sales performance in retail settings. Quantify results where possible.

• Demonstrate Process: Detail your design process from concept ideation through to production feasibility. Explain how you addressed regional needs, managed budgets, and collaborated with production teams.

• Brand Adaptation: Include examples where you successfully adapted designs to specific brand aesthetics, such as Calvin Klein's.

• Storytelling: Frame your projects with a narrative that emphasizes problem, solution, and outcome, showcasing your ability to communicate complex design ideas effectively.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: Be prepared for a practical design exercise, potentially involving conceptualizing a window display or a small retail space based on a given brief. Focus on creative concepting, spatial planning, and visual storytelling.

• Technical Assessment: You may be asked to demonstrate proficiency in specific software or discuss your approach to creating realistic renderings and textures.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would handle challenging project constraints, manage conflicting feedback from stakeholders, or adapt to urgent design changes. Focus on your ability to pivot and find solvable solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process emphasizes demonstrating not just creative talent but also the practical skills in project management, stakeholder communication, and technical execution that are vital for operational success in a design leadership role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Modeling Software: Sketchup, 3D Max, Rhino (or comparable applications). Proficiency at a high level is essential for creating custom textures and environments.

• Rendering Engines: V-ray or Corona for high-quality visual output.

• Design & Presentation Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) for graphic design and asset manipulation. Keynote and PPT for presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but familiarity with project management tools or systems for tracking design assets and approvals might be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific software requirements are critical. Candidates must highlight their advanced proficiency in these tools, as they are the primary means of executing the core responsibilities and ensuring efficient operational output for design creation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A strong emphasis on developing unique and impactful design concepts that push creative boundaries.

• Brand Integrity: Upholding and translating the Calvin Klein brand aesthetic consistently across all environments.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with VM, marketing, and production teams to achieve shared goals.

• Efficiency & Execution: Delivering feasible, scalable, and high-quality design solutions within project constraints.

• Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to detail in design, rendering, and production specifications.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Proactive engagement with VM and marketing to ensure design strategies are aligned with broader campaign objectives.

• Process-Driven Feedback: Openness to feedback from production and regional teams to ensure designs are practical and scalable, fostering a culture of continuous improvement in the design-to-production pipeline.

• Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: A leadership style that encourages the development of junior team members and promotes the sharing of design expertise and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are deeply intertwined with the operational execution of creative vision. The ability to collaborate effectively and maintain brand integrity while ensuring efficient production is paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Global Consistency with Regional Nuances: Developing designs that resonate globally while accommodating specific regional market needs and cultural sensitivities.

• Managing Tight Production Timelines and Budgets: Ensuring creative vision is realized within strict operational constraints of time and cost.

• Adapting to Evolving Retail Landscapes: Staying ahead of trends and innovating in a constantly changing retail environment to maintain brand relevance and consumer engagement.

• Leading and Mentoring Diverse Creative Talent: Effectively managing and inspiring a team of renderers and freelancers with varying skill sets and perspectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to refine project management, budget oversight, and global execution strategies within a large corporate structure.

• Industry Conference & Certification: Potential to attend design expos, retail trend conferences, and workshops focused on new technologies in 3D rendering and experiential design.

• Leadership Mentorship: Guidance from senior creative leaders within PVH on strategic brand direction, team leadership, and cross-functional collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for strong operational problem-solving skills to navigate the complexities of global retail design execution. Growth opportunities emphasize expanding both creative leadership and operational management capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach conceptualizing a new seasonal window display theme for Calvin Klein, considering current market trends and the brand's aesthetic?" (Prepare to discuss your research methods, creative process, and how you'd translate trends into a narrative.)

• "Describe a time you had to adapt a design concept to meet strict budget or production limitations. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, collaboration with production, and achieving a successful compromise.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Calvin Klein and PVH, and how do you see your design philosophy aligning with our brand values?" (Research PVH's mission, values, and Calvin Klein's current brand positioning.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and innovative environment within a creative team, especially when managing freelancers or remote team members?" (Highlight your leadership and team management approach.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the brief, your creative process, the challenges encountered, the solutions implemented, and the final outcome/impact.

• Emphasize Technical Skills: When showcasing 3D work, be ready to discuss your software choices, rendering techniques, and how you achieved specific visual effects.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, use data or specific examples to demonstrate how your designs contributed to business objectives (e.g., increased footfall, positive customer feedback, successful campaign integration).

• Brand Alignment: Clearly articulate how each project aligns with the specific brand's identity and target audience, especially for Calvin Klein.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Present your work efficiently, focusing on the most relevant and impactful projects for this specific role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative vision, technical proficiency, and strong operational management skills, particularly in project execution and stakeholder communication.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link on the PVH Careers site.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature your most relevant 3D design work for retail environments and window displays. Highlight projects that demonstrate your ability to translate brand aesthetics, manage projects from concept to production, and adapt designs for global execution.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 9+ years of experience in creative 3D design, proficiency in specified software (Sketchup, 3D Max, Rhino, V-ray, Corona, Adobe Suite), and any relevant design degrees. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio and articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and leadership style. Prepare to answer strategy and behavioral questions related to creative direction, team management, and operational execution.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research PVH Corp. and Calvin Klein's current brand positioning, recent campaigns, and stated values. Understand their approach to retail design and customer experience.

⚠️ 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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