Associate Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Design Director

Company: Advent LLC

Location: Nashville, Tennessee, United States

Job Type: Full-time

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

Date Posted: April 22, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on establishing and championing the strategic and creative vision for experiential design projects, bridging dynamic spaces and evocative storytelling.

• The Associate Design Director will lead and collaborate on concept ideation, 2D and 3D design execution, and client presentations, ensuring high-quality creative output.

• Key responsibilities include managing multiple overlapping projects, advocating for creative quality while balancing client, schedule, and budgetary needs.

• The position requires strong collaboration and design management skills to lead interdisciplinary teams, with a split focus on directing and designing (approximately 60-40).

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a creative firm focused on experiential design, emphasizing the blend of spatial design, storytelling, and client-facing leadership. The "Associate" title suggests a senior individual contributor role with significant leadership responsibilities, acting as a bridge between strategic vision and hands-on design execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Story Team during discovery phases, including leading client interviews and conducting relevant research to inform conceptual design.

• Establish and champion the strategic and creative vision for projects, translating client and audience needs into compelling visual directions and audience journeys.

• Lead and collaborate on the design and development of new concepts that solve client problems through graphics, form, material, and space, realizing the overarching creative vision.

• Partner with Experience Designers to create audience journey maps, inspiration/mood boards, and story maps that effectively articulate the creative vision.

• Lead and collaborate on the execution of design output, including Photoshop renders, photo-realism renders, hand sketches, and digital sketches, to visualize creative intent.

• Lead client presentations, including the creation of presentation decks and co-presenting with Experience Designers where appropriate.

• Lead and collaborate on the refinement of concepts and further executions based on client feedback, working alongside Experience Designers and the Delivery Team.

• Collaborate with architecture and interiors partners on space planning, schematic design, FFE, and lighting to define and uphold creative intent.

• Coordinate with internal and external construction partners and subcontractors to integrate blocking, power, data, and other requirements, ensuring the creative intent is maintained.

• Lead and manage the art direction of production designers and collaborate with the Delivery Team to ensure project implementation quality aligns with approved concepts and creative intent.

• Work with Project Managers to define clear schedules for creative deliverables, advocating for creative needs while respecting client objectives and deadlines.

• Foster strong client and partner relationships by managing client expectations in collaboration with Project Managers.

• Creatively solve for budgetary, schedule, install, or other constraints with the Delivery Team while upholding the quality of the creative intent.

• Attend and contribute to Live Creative Sessions with clients, actively ideating, sketching, asking insightful questions, and problem-solving.

• Provide constructive creative feedback, direction, and support to Experience Designers to foster a strong creative and collaborative environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on strategic vision casting and hands-on design execution, with a strong emphasis on collaboration across multiple internal teams (Story, Experience Design, Delivery) and external partners (architecture, construction). The role requires significant client-facing interaction and presentation skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A bachelor's or equivalent degree in Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Environmental/Spatial Design, Interior Design, Architecture, or other relevant design fields is required.

Experience: 5-10 years of relevant professional design experience is required.

Required Skills:

• Creative Vision & Direction: Ability to establish, develop, refine, and champion strategic and creative visions for projects.

• 2D & 3D Design Execution: Strong technical ability in creating visual mood boards, sketches, renders (Photoshop, photo-realism), and 3D models.

• Concept Ideation: Proven skill in generating divergent conceptual ideas that solve client problems and tell compelling stories.

• Design Management & Collaboration: Aptitude for leading and collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary teams, including directing designers and working with project managers.

• Client Communication & Presentation: Excellent ability to articulate creative intent persuasively to internal teams, clients, and partners.

• Storytelling & Experiential Design: Understanding of how to create meaningful connections through dynamic spaces and evocative narratives.

• Project Balancing & Prioritization: Demonstrated ability to manage 5-10 overlapping projects of medium scope and complexity, balancing creative quality with client, schedule, and budgetary needs.

• Technical Software Proficiency: Daily use of Keynote, Sketchup, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

• Architectural Awareness: Understanding of architectural and construction principles to effectively lead complex, architecturally integrated projects.

• Problem-Solving: Strong creative problem-solving skills applied to design challenges and project constraints.

• Time Management: Ability to meet deadlines consistently and manage creative deliverables effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in Procreate or other digital sketching software.

• Experience with InDesign and Google Suite.

• Familiarity with architectural collaboration tools like Bim360 or BlueBeam.

• Experience with rendering software such as Enscape, 3D Max, Lumion, or Vray.

• Exposure to animation/motion media software like AfterEffects.

• Experience with schematic design, FFE, and lighting design collaboration.

• Art direction of production designers.

• Experience in construction coordination and integration requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of creative talent, strategic thinking, technical proficiency, and strong interpersonal and project management capabilities, reflecting the hybrid nature of directing and designing. Preferred skills point towards a broader understanding of the design and construction ecosystem.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate expertise in graphic design, industrial design, environmental/spatial design, exhibit design, interior design, architecture, and/or other relevant design fields.

• Showcase the ability to establish, develop, and execute a strategic and creative vision throughout a project's lifecycle.

• Include examples of concept ideation, divergent thinking, and the execution of 2D and 3D design output (renders, sketches).

• Present case studies that highlight creative problem-solving in balancing client needs, schedules, and budgets.

• Feature examples of effective collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and art direction of other designers.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you've documented the creative process, from initial discovery and research to concept development and final execution.

• Showcase workflows for collaborating with Experience Designers on audience journey maps, mood boards, and story maps.

• Include documentation of how you've managed client feedback and iterated on designs to achieve client and project objectives.

• Demonstrate how you've collaborated with architectural and construction partners, illustrating integration of design intent with technical requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role, serving as the primary evidence of design capability, strategic thinking, and execution. It should clearly articulate the candidate's process and ability to manage complex, integrated projects from concept to completion, showcasing both creative vision and practical application.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for an Associate Design Director with 5-10 years of experience in a major creative hub like Nashville, TN, the estimated salary range is $85,000 - $115,000 annually.

• Methodology: This estimate is derived from analyzing compensation data for similar roles (e.g., Senior Designer, Design Lead, Art Director) in the experiential design, architecture, and advertising industries within the Nashville metropolitan area. Factors considered include the required experience level (5-10 years), the blend of creative direction and hands-on design, client-facing responsibilities, and the nature of the company (experiential creative firm). Adjustments are made for the "Associate Director" title, indicating a senior but not executive-level position.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, workshops, and attending industry events.

• Creative Environment: Access to a dynamic and collaborative workspace with cutting-edge tools.

• Project Variety: Exposure to diverse and high-profile client projects.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. However, due to the nature of creative projects and client demands, flexibility may be required, including occasional work outside standard business hours to meet project deadlines or attend client meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's specific experience, portfolio strength, and negotiation. The benefits are typical for a full-time design role at a creative firm, with an emphasis on professional growth and exposure to exciting projects.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Experiential Creative Firm / Design Services / Advertising & Marketing. Advent LLC operates at the intersection of dynamic spaces and evocative storytelling, specializing in creating experiences that move people. The company works with recognizable brands, implying a high standard of quality and client expectation.

Company Size: The job description implies a team structure where an Associate Design Director might direct 1-2 designers, suggesting a medium-sized firm rather than a large corporation. This size fosters a collaborative, fast-paced environment where individual contributions are highly visible.

Founded: While the founding date isn't specified, the company's focus on experiential design suggests a relatively modern approach to creative services. The emphasis on "meaningful connections," "quirky," and "fiercely creative problem solvers" indicates a culture that values innovation, collaboration, and a unique approach to design challenges.

Team Structure:

• Project-Based Teams: The work is organized around projects, with interdisciplinary teams formed for each client engagement.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected between the Story Team, Experience Designers, Delivery Team (Project Managers, Engineers, Technical Designers, Installers), and external partners (architecture, construction).

• Reporting: The Associate Design Director likely reports to a Design Director or Creative Director, and in turn, leads and directs Experience Designers and Production Designers on specific projects.

Methodology:

• Vision-Driven Design: Emphasis on establishing a clear strategic and creative vision upfront and championing it throughout the project lifecycle.

• Iterative Concept Development: A process that encourages divergent thinking, exploring multiple ideas early on, and refining concepts based on feedback.

• Storytelling Integration: Deep focus on empathizing with clients, their audiences, and their stories to create impactful narratives within physical spaces.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: A culture that embraces "Live Creative Sessions" and encourages proactive problem-solving as a team.

• Data-Informed Creativity: While not explicitly stated as "data-driven," the emphasis on understanding client needs, audience journeys, and project constraints suggests a pragmatic, informed approach to creative output.

Company Website: www.adventmovespeople.com/projects/

📝 Enhancement Note: Advent LLC appears to be a dynamic, creative agency with a strong emphasis on narrative-driven experiential design. The culture likely values independent thinkers who can collaborate effectively, drive projects forward, and deliver high-impact visual and spatial experiences for well-known brands.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a senior individual contributor level, with significant leadership responsibilities. It's an "Associate Director" position, indicating a path towards more senior leadership roles (e.g., Design Director) or specialized expertise. The role requires a strong blend of creative execution and directorial oversight.

Reporting Structure: The Associate Design Director likely reports to a Design Director or a higher-level Creative Lead. They will, in turn, direct and mentor 1-2 Experience Designers and potentially Production Designers on a project-by-project basis. Collaboration is key, with extensive interaction across multiple internal departments and external partners.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, directly influencing the creative quality and strategic effectiveness of experiential design projects for high-profile clients. Success in this role contributes to client satisfaction, brand storytelling, and the overall reputation of Advent LLC in delivering "experiences that move people." The role bridges the gap between client objectives and tangible, impactful design solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Clear pathway to a Design Director role, overseeing larger projects and teams, and taking on more strategic client responsibilities.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of experiential design, such as interactive installations, retail environments, or museum exhibits, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning of new design software, emerging technologies in experiential design, and advanced storytelling techniques.

• Client Relationship Management: Developing stronger client-facing skills and potentially taking on principal roles in client management for key accounts.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers, developing leadership and coaching abilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a compelling growth trajectory for experienced designers who are ready to take on more leadership and strategic responsibilities. Advent LLC appears to provide an environment for continuous learning and development within the specialized field of experiential design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily office-based work, with the expectation of on-site presence for collaboration, client meetings, and access to necessary resources. The description mentions "Primarily office-based work" and "not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions" within the office.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Nashville, TN, at 3011 Armory Drive, Nashville, TN 37204. This location serves as the primary hub for the company's operations and creative activities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is designed to foster collaboration, likely featuring open work areas, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated creative studios or ideation spaces.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Keynote, Sketchup, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.) and potentially advanced visualization or rendering tools.

• Team Interaction: Daily interaction with a diverse team of designers, storytellers, project managers, and engineers, encouraging a dynamic and engaged work atmosphere.

• Client Engagement: Opportunities to host or participate in client meetings and "Live Creative Sessions" within the office space.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. However, Advent LLC operates in a fast-paced, high-volume environment with "Quick Tempo." This means candidates should expect the need for flexibility, with potential for work outside standard hours to meet project deadlines and client demands, particularly around project milestones or client presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is geared towards a creative, fast-paced agency setting in Nashville. While the core work is office-based, the emphasis on project deadlines and client engagement suggests a dynamic schedule that may require adaptability and a willingness to go the extra mile when needed.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

2. Hiring Manager/Team Interview: A discussion focused on your experience, design philosophy, approach to creative problem-solving, and understanding of experiential design. This may involve a preliminary portfolio walkthrough.

3. Creative Challenge/Case Study Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a portfolio piece or a hypothetical case study, demonstrating their strategic vision, design process, execution, and ability to articulate creative intent. This is where you'll showcase your 60-40 directing-designing split.

4. Team & Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues from different departments (e.g., Story Team, Delivery Team) to assess collaboration style, cultural fit, and ability to integrate design vision with broader project execution.

5. Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and final alignment with Advent LLC's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your ability to establish and execute a strategic and creative vision, from concept to final output. Showcase a range of skills (2D, 3D, spatial, storytelling).

• Highlight the Process: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the problem statement, your ideation process (divergent thinking, mood boards), design solutions, and the final outcome. Use visuals effectively.

• Demonstrate Direction: Since this is an Associate Director role, show examples where you've led teams, art-directed others, or managed complex projects with multiple stakeholders. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., client satisfaction, project success).

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Include examples of high-quality renders, sketches, and 3D models. Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with the required software (Keynote, Sketchup, Photoshop, Illustrator).

• Tell a Compelling Story: Frame your portfolio as a narrative of your design journey and capabilities. Be enthusiastic and passionate about your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a specific challenge, thoroughly analyze the client's needs, target audience, and objectives.

• Structure Your Response: Develop a clear presentation structure: problem, strategy, creative concept, execution (showcasing 2D/3D skills), and impact/rationale.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Be ready to discuss how you would collaborate with other teams (Story, Delivery) to bring your concept to life.

• Address Constraints: Be prepared to discuss how you would balance creative vision with budget and schedule limitations, demonstrating pragmatic problem-solving.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it's concise, engaging, and within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a strong portfolio and the ability to articulate a strategic, well-executed design vision. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate leadership potential, collaborative skills, and a deep understanding of the experiential design process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Presentation Software: Keynote (essential for client presentations and internal ideation).

• 3D Modeling: Sketchup (core for spatial design and concept visualization).

• Image Editing & Rendering: Photoshop (critical for concept development, mood boards, and final renders).

• Vector Graphics: Illustrator (used for graphic elements, logos, and detailed design assets).

Analytics & Reporting: (While not explicitly listed as primary "operations" tools, these are relevant for design impact assessment)

• Design Visualization Tools: Rendering software such as Enscape, 3D Max, Lumion, or Vray may be used for creating photo-realistic visualizations.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com might be used internally for task management and team coordination, though specific mention is absent.

CRM & Automation:

• Digital Sketching Software: Procreate or similar for quick ideation and sketching.

• Collaboration & Document Sharing: Google Suite, and potentially Bim360/BlueBeam for architectural collaboration and document management.

• Motion Graphics/Animation: AfterEffects or similar for dynamic visual elements, though listed as occasional.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on design and visualization tools, reflecting the core function of the role. Proficiency in the primary software suite is non-negotiable. Familiarity with architectural collaboration tools and rendering software will be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Curiosity: A drive to learn new skill sets, software, and disciplines, coupled with a proactive approach to asking insightful questions and exploring different paths to success.

• Drive: Inspired by fresh challenges, a tenacious desire to learn, and a commitment to doing better work by seeking the best solution rather than settling.

• Autonomy: A self-starter mentality ("H.Y.S." - Handles Your Stuff) with the ability to work independently and be trusted with important tasks, while still engaging continuously with the team.

• Variety/Quick Tempo: Embracing a high-volume, fast-paced environment with divergent concept iteration, managing multiple overlapping projects and clients.

• Cool Clients: Respect for and ability to work effectively with recognizable brands that have high expectations, demonstrating professionalism and delivering quality.

• The Whole Story: Empathizing with clients, their audiences, and their narratives, engaging with the full project lifecycle from discovery to completion.

Collaboration Style:

• Interdisciplinary: High degree of collaboration across various internal teams (Story, Experience Design, Delivery) and external partners (architecture, construction).

• Direct & Constructive: Providing clear creative feedback, direction, and support to team members, fostering a strong creative and collaborative environment.

• Solution-Oriented: Working together to creatively solve for constraints (budgetary, schedule, install) while upholding the quality of the creative intent.

• Client-Centric: Engaging clients directly through interviews, presentations, and "Live Creative Sessions," building relationships and managing expectations.

• Shared Vision: A collective effort to establish and champion a unified strategic and creative vision for each project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Advent LLC's culture values proactive, curious, and driven individuals who can thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment. The emphasis on "The Whole Story" suggests a deep dive into client narratives and audience empathy as a core part of their design ethos.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Constraints: Consistently advocating for high-quality creative output while navigating client budgets, tight schedules, and technical limitations.

• Managing Multiple Overlapping Projects: Effectively juggling the demands of 5-10 projects simultaneously, each with unique client needs and deadlines.

• Art Directing & Leading Others: Guiding and inspiring junior designers while also collaborating with peers and senior stakeholders.

• Adapting to Client Expectations: Working with "very recognizable brands with high expectations" requires delivering consistently excellent and innovative work.

• Fast-Paced Environment: The "Quick Tempo" and "Variety" can be demanding, requiring resilience and efficient time management.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software & Technology: Mastering new design visualization tools, rendering engines, and potentially AR/VR applications in experiential design.

• Strategic Design Thinking: Developing deeper expertise in translating business objectives and audience insights into compelling design strategies.

• Client Relationship Management: Gaining experience in leading client interactions and managing key accounts.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Growing directorial skills through leading project teams and mentoring junior designers.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of emerging trends in experiential design, immersive technology, and spatial storytelling through workshops, conferences, and internal knowledge sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant challenges that are directly tied to professional growth. Overcoming these challenges will equip the Associate Design Director with advanced skills in project management, creative leadership, and strategic execution within the experiential design field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you established and championed a creative vision for a complex project. How did you ensure it was executed effectively, especially when facing constraints?" (Focus on vision casting, process, and overcoming challenges).

• "How do you approach collaborating with diverse teams (e.g., storytellers, engineers, architects) to ensure a cohesive experiential design outcome?" (Highlight your collaboration style and cross-functional integration).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Advent LLC's approach to experiential design and storytelling?" (Research Advent's projects and articulate your genuine interest).

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative and curious team environment, especially in a fast-paced setting?" (Share examples of your proactivity and teamwork).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell the Story: For each project, clearly define the client's challenge, your role, the strategic approach, the creative concept, the execution details (showcasing 2D/3D work), and the final impact.

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize instances where you directed teams, art-directed others, or managed project phases. Quantify contributions if possible.

• Showcase the Process: Detail your ideation methods, mood boards, sketches, and rendering techniques. Be ready to discuss software choices.

• Be Concise & Engaging: Practice your presentation to fit within the allotted time, maintaining enthusiasm and clarity. Use visuals effectively to support your narrative.

• Anticipate Questions: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your design choices, technical execution, and collaboration experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on showcasing a blend of strategic thinking, creative execution, leadership potential, and cultural fit. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their ability to not only design but also to direct, collaborate, and articulate the value of their creative vision.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Associate Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Paylocity recruiting portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in experiential design, strategic vision, creative direction, 2D/3D execution, client presentations, and team leadership. Use keywords from the job description, such as "experiential creative firm," "storytelling," "strategic vision," and "design management."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest projects that demonstrate the required skills and experience. Ensure your portfolio clearly shows your process, creative output, and any leadership or directorial contributions. Be ready to present a specific project in detail.

• Prepare for Case Studies: Anticipate presenting a project or a hypothetical scenario that showcases your ability to solve client problems creatively while balancing constraints. Practice articulating your strategy and execution.

• Research Advent LLC: Understand the company's mission, values, and recent projects (especially those on www.adventmovespeople.com/projects/). Be prepared to discuss why you are a good fit for their culture and how your work aligns with their focus on "experiences that move people."

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