Design Director of Special Projects, Workplace & Wellness

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director of Special Projects, Workplace & Wellness

Company: ALO

Location: Beverly Hills, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Workplace Design & Strategy / Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-07

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic design and operational execution of all corporate office and wellness spaces for ALO, ensuring alignment with brand identity and values.

• Oversee the end-to-end project lifecycle for 4-8 concurrent projects annually, from concept development through construction completion, with a focus on global execution.

• Drive the development and implementation of architectural and interior design standards, space guidelines, and prototype concepts to ensure brand consistency across all physical environments.

• Manage significant capital expenditure budgets and financial planning for real estate development projects, identifying cost-saving opportunities while maintaining design integrity.

• Foster cross-functional collaboration, leading internal and external teams to deliver high-quality, functional, and aesthetically aligned workplace and wellness environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is framed as "Design Director of Special Projects, Workplace & Wellness" but its core responsibilities heavily lean into operations, specifically project management, budget oversight, vendor management, and strategic execution of physical spaces. For operations professionals, this translates to a strategic project management role with a strong design and brand stewardship component, rather than a pure design role. The "Special Projects" designation suggests a focus on new initiatives and potentially high-impact, high-visibility developments.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Drive the comprehensive design development and management of an annual portfolio of 4-8 diverse projects, spanning corporate offices and wellness ventures across various global locations.

• Define, champion, and meticulously steward the architectural and interior design language, ensuring authentic brand representation and consistent aesthetic across all corporate and wellness properties.

• Conduct thorough due diligence and feasibility studies for prospective project sites and ventures, providing critical insights for strategic decision-making.

• Lead and assemble high-performing internal and external teams, including architects, interior designers, and creative firms, to execute all project phases from concept design to construction administration.

• Develop, document, and maintain robust brand design standards, comprehensive space guidelines, and scalable prototype concepts to ensure uniformity and quality.

• Collaborate closely with executive stakeholders and cross-functional teams (e.g., brand, operations, HR) to ensure physical environments strategically align with broader business objectives and functional needs.

• Oversee all critical phases of construction, from pre-construction planning and contractor procurement through final punch list and occupancy, ensuring adherence to project scope, budget, and schedule.

• Manage and optimize project budgets, schedules, and quality benchmarks across a concurrent portfolio of projects, implementing rigorous financial controls and reporting.

• Establish and cultivate strategic partnerships with consultants, vendors, fabricators, and General Contractors (GCs) in both new and existing markets to ensure efficient project execution.

• Evaluate, select, onboard, and effectively manage general contractors, specialty subcontractors, and construction management firms as required for project success.

• Translate complex wellness programming and evolving brand initiatives into tangible physical environments that enhance user experience and support brand goals.

• Partner with wellness operators and brand teams to co-create environments that seamlessly integrate brand guidelines, programmatic needs, and operational requirements.

• Stay abreast of emerging wellness design trends, biophilic principles, and evidence-based design practices to inform innovative and impactful spatial solutions.

• Build, manage, and forecast annual capital expenditure (CapEx) plans, ensuring strategic allocation of resources for real estate development and renovation projects.

• Proactively identify and implement cost-saving opportunities throughout the project lifecycle without compromising design integrity or brand standards.

• Present detailed project updates, seek necessary approvals, and deliver comprehensive post-occupancy reports to senior leadership, demonstrating project performance and ROI.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design leadership, rigorous project and construction management, and financial oversight. For operations professionals, this is a high-impact role requiring the ability to translate abstract brand concepts into concrete, efficiently executed physical spaces, managing complex multi-stakeholder environments and significant financial commitments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive, relevant experience in architecture and construction management.

• At least 4 years of this experience must be in a dedicated leadership role, demonstrating the ability to manage teams and drive strategic initiatives.

Required Skills:

• Design Leadership & Strategy: Ability to define and steward a global architectural and interior design language, develop brand design standards, and translate strategic goals into spatial solutions.

• Construction Management: Comprehensive understanding of all construction phases, from pre-construction and procurement to administration and closeout, including budget and schedule control.

• Project Lifecycle Management: Expertise in managing the full project lifecycle for multiple concurrent projects, ensuring efficient execution from concept through completion.

• Financial Acumen & Budget Management: Strong capability in building and managing capital expenditure plans, controlling project budgets, and identifying cost-saving opportunities.

• Stakeholder Management & Communication: Exceptional ability to collaborate with and influence executive stakeholders, internal teams, and external partners (architects, contractors, vendors).

• Technical Proficiency: Strong technical knowledge of real estate development, design principles, and construction practices.

• Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical and creative problem-solving skills, with a capacity for out-of-the-box thinking.

• Autocad Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to utilize AutoCAD for design and documentation purposes.

• 3D Modeling Software: Proficiency in SketchUp or other relevant 3D modeling software for visualization and design development.

• Project Management Platforms: Experience with project management platforms such as Microsoft Project, Bluebeam, or similar tools for tracking and managing project deliverables.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience specifically within the retail, hospitality, or wellness sectors, bringing industry-specific insights.

• Familiarity with GenAI platforms for design or project management applications.

• Knowledge of biophilic principles and evidence-based design practices in wellness environments.

• Experience managing international projects and navigating global construction regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of design sensibility and strong operational execution. For operations candidates, highlighting experience in managing large-scale projects, complex budgets, and cross-functional teams will be crucial. The emphasis on "out-of-the-box thinking" suggests a need for innovative problem-solving within established brand guidelines.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 4-8 complex projects (retail, hospitality, wellness, or corporate office) managed from inception to completion, demonstrating end-to-end project lifecycle oversight.

• Include examples of developed or implemented architectural and interior design standards, space guidelines, or prototype concepts, illustrating brand stewardship.

• Present case studies detailing rigorous budget and schedule management, highlighting successful cost-saving initiatives or value engineering efforts.

• Demonstrate experience in leading and managing external teams (architects, designers, GCs) and internal cross-functional stakeholders, showcasing collaboration and leadership.

Process Documentation:

• Outline the methodology used for defining and implementing brand design standards and space guidelines to ensure consistency across diverse projects.

• Detail the process for managing construction phases, including contractor procurement, bid evaluation, contract negotiation, and site oversight.

• Illustrate the workflow for translating programmatic requirements (e.g., wellness programming) into tangible physical space design and execution strategies.

• Showcase how project performance is tracked, reported, and analyzed, including budget adherence, schedule milestones, and quality benchmarks.

📝 Enhancement Note: A portfolio for this role should not just showcase design aesthetics, but critically, the operational rigor behind bringing those designs to life. Candidates should be prepared to detail their project management methodologies, financial control processes, and team leadership strategies. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating how they managed complexity, risk, and diverse stakeholder needs to achieve successful project outcomes within defined brand parameters.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $180,000 - $190,000 per year.

• This range represents the current base salary for this exempt position.

• Actual salaries will vary based on factors such as location, experience, and individual performance.

Benefits:

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for bonuses based on individual and company performance, aligning rewards with business success.

• Long Term Incentives: Opportunities for long-term incentives, suggesting a focus on sustained contribution and company growth.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): A comprehensive PTO policy, providing work-life balance and time for rest and rejuvenation.

• Progressive Benefits: A suite of other progressive benefits, indicative of a supportive and comprehensive employee benefits package.

Working Hours:

• This is an exempt position, typically implying a minimum of 40 hours per week, with the expectation of working the hours necessary to fulfill job responsibilities, which may exceed standard hours during peak project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to California, reflecting the company's acknowledgment of regional cost of living and market rates for senior roles. The inclusion of performance bonuses and long-term incentives suggests a performance-driven culture and a focus on rewarding significant contributions. The mention of "progressive benefits" indicates that candidates should inquire about the full scope of offerings during the interview process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Apparel & Athletic Wear, with significant expansion into Wellness and Retail experiences. ALO is a prominent brand known for its yoga apparel, studios, and wellness content, emphasizing mindful living and a holistic lifestyle.

Company Size: The company size is not explicitly stated but is likely mid-to-large given its global presence and multiple facets (apparel, studios, digital content). This scale suggests established operational processes but also potential for agility in specialized project roles.

Founded: The founding date of ALO is not provided in the raw data, but its established brand presence suggests a history of growth and evolution, likely founded sometime in the late 2000s or early 2010s to align with the boom in yoga and wellness culture.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The role reports into a leadership position overseeing "Special Projects, Workplace & Wellness," indicating a dedicated function for managing the company's physical infrastructure and strategic ventures beyond core product lines.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role will liaise extensively with Executive leadership, Brand teams, Wellness operators, and potentially HR and Finance departments to ensure environments align with strategic, functional, and brand goals.

• External Partnerships: The structure relies heavily on managing and integrating external design firms, architects, consultants, vendors, fabricators, and General Contractors (GCs) to execute projects globally.

Methodology:

• Brand-Centric Design: A core methodology involves translating brand identity and values into physical spaces, ensuring an authentic and consistent experience across all touchpoints.

• Project Management Excellence: Rigorous application of project lifecycle management principles, budget control, schedule adherence, and quality assurance is paramount.

• Data-Informed Decisions: While design-led, the role requires strategic and financial planning, suggesting a data-informed approach to feasibility studies, budget allocation, and performance reporting.

• Wellness Integration: A key methodology is integrating wellness programming and principles into spatial design, focusing on user well-being and supporting brand initiatives.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: ALO's brand is deeply rooted in mindfulness, movement, and a holistic lifestyle. The workplace and wellness environments are expected to embody these values. For operations professionals, understanding and contributing to this brand ethos through physical space design and execution is critical. The company's growth implies a need for scalable and adaptable operational frameworks for its physical footprint.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior leadership level, equivalent to a Director or Senior Manager within a corporate operations, real estate, or facilities management function. It requires strategic decision-making, significant budget responsibility, and the management of complex, high-visibility projects. The scope includes global project leadership and the development of strategic brand environments.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a higher-level executive responsible for "Special Projects, Workplace & Wellness." This suggests direct access to senior leadership and significant influence on the company's physical expansion and brand representation. The team managed will likely consist of internal project coordinators and heavily rely on external consultants and contractors.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's work directly impacts ALO's brand perception, employee experience, and customer engagement through physical spaces. Successful execution of corporate offices enhances employee productivity and brand loyalty, while well-designed wellness ventures drive customer acquisition and retention, directly contributing to revenue and market position. Strategic management of capital expenditures also has a direct financial impact.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Expansion Leadership: Opportunity to lead ALO's expansion into new markets and develop new wellness ventures, taking on increasing project scope and complexity.

• Operational Process Development: Potential to refine and formalize ALO's processes for workplace design, construction management, and brand standard implementation, establishing best practices for future growth.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Develop leadership skills by managing diverse teams, influencing executive decisions, and becoming a key strategic partner across various departments (e.g., Brand, Marketing, Operations, Finance).

• Specialty Expertise: Deepen expertise in wellness design, biophilic principles, and sustainable building practices, becoming a recognized authority within the company and potentially the industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the physical manifestation of a strong lifestyle brand. For operations professionals seeking to move beyond traditional facilities management into strategic brand development and large-scale project execution, this is a significant growth path. The emphasis on "special projects" suggests opportunities to innovate and lead transformative initiatives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: While the role is "On-site," the specific type of office environment will likely be a dynamic mix. It will involve significant time spent in design studios, on project sites (construction sites), and in collaboration with various internal teams. The Beverly Hills location suggests a premium, potentially creative workspace environment typical of high-end brands.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Beverly Hills, California. However, the role's responsibilities explicitly include managing projects globally ("varying locations around the globe"). This necessitates frequent travel to project sites and potentially international locations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hubs: Expect to work in environments designed for collaboration, potentially featuring open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and informal gathering spaces to facilitate interaction with internal teams and external partners.

• Design & Technology Integration: Access to and utilization of advanced design software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, potentially GenAI platforms) and project management tools will be standard. The workspace will support detailed design reviews and project tracking.

• Field Presence: Significant time will be spent on active construction sites, requiring adaptability to various site conditions and a focus on safety and progress monitoring. This involves hands-on oversight and problem-solving in real-time.

Work Schedule: As an exempt, Director-level role with significant project management responsibilities, the work schedule will likely be demanding, requiring flexibility to meet project deadlines, travel demands, and the needs of global project timelines. While a standard 40-hour week is implied, extended hours during critical project phases, site visits, or international coordination will be common.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role demands significant mobility and adaptability. Candidates should be prepared for extensive travel, both domestically and internationally, and comfortable working in diverse settings ranging from corporate offices to active construction sites. The "on-site" designation primarily refers to the need for physical presence at project locations and the corporate headquarters, rather than a static office desk.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the required experience in architecture, construction management, and project leadership.

• Design & Strategy Interview: Discussion focused on your design philosophy, experience in developing brand standards, and approach to translating strategic goals into physical environments. Expect questions on your approach to leadership and team building.

• Project Management & Operations Deep Dive: An interview focusing on your experience managing complex construction programs, including budget control, schedule management, risk mitigation, and vendor procurement. Case studies of past projects will be crucial here.

• Cross-Functional & Executive Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from various departments (e.g., Brand, Finance, Operations) to evaluate collaboration skills and strategic alignment. A final interview with senior leadership will likely assess overall fit, vision, and leadership potential.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present a curated selection of your most relevant projects, detailing your role, the challenges faced, the processes employed, and the outcomes achieved.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Impact: Select 3-5 of your most relevant and impactful projects that showcase your end-to-end project lifecycle management, design leadership, and operational execution capabilities. Prioritize projects similar in scope and industry (retail, wellness, corporate).

• Detail Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific responsibilities and contributions for each project, emphasizing leadership, strategic decision-making, and problem-solving.

• Showcase Process & Metrics: For each project, detail the design processes, construction methodologies, budget management strategies, and schedule controls employed. Quantify achievements with metrics (e.g., budget savings, schedule adherence, ROI on space utilization).

• Brand Alignment Examples: Include examples of how you've successfully integrated brand identity and values into physical spaces, demonstrating an understanding of brand stewardship.

• Visual Presentation: Ensure high-quality visuals (renderings, photos) that effectively communicate the design intent and final execution.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Development: Prepare a detailed case study of a complex project you led, focusing on a significant challenge (e.g., budget overrun, difficult site conditions, stakeholder conflict) and how you strategically managed it to a successful resolution.

• Design Standards Exercise: Be ready to discuss how you would approach developing or refining design standards for a global brand like ALO, considering scalability, consistency, and regional variations.

• Budgeting & Financial Planning: Prepare to discuss your approach to building and managing capital expenditure plans, including forecasting, risk assessment, and reporting mechanisms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize both design vision and operational execution. Candidates must be prepared to present tangible evidence of their ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and teams while upholding a strong brand identity. A compelling portfolio that clearly articulates process, impact, and leadership is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD is a mandatory requirement. Proficiency is expected for design development and documentation.

• 3D Modeling Software: SketchUp or similar (e.g., Rhino, Revit - though Revit is not explicitly mentioned, it's common in architecture) for conceptualization, visualization, and design presentations.

• Project Management Platforms: Microsoft Project, Bluebeam, or similar tools for project scheduling, task management, document control, and collaboration.

• GenAI Platforms: Proficiency or familiarity with Generative AI platforms is listed as a requirement, suggesting potential use in design ideation, content generation, or project analysis.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role's core function, but interaction with internal CRM systems for vendor management or project tracking might occur. Automation tools may be leveraged for workflow optimization within project management processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes core architectural and project management tools. Proficiency in AutoCAD and a 3D modeling software is essential. The inclusion of GenAI platforms suggests ALO is exploring innovative technologies, and candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding or experience with these tools in a design or project management context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Design Excellence: A core value is a commitment to high-quality design and aesthetic standards that authentically reflect the ALO brand.

• Mindful Execution: Reflecting the company's ethos, operations should be conducted with intention, efficiency, and a focus on creating positive environments for both employees and customers.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Strategic and financial decisions regarding capital expenditure and project execution should be informed by thorough analysis and performance metrics.

• Efficiency & Optimization: A drive to identify cost-saving opportunities and streamline processes without compromising design integrity or project quality.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong working relationships internally with stakeholders and externally with design and construction partners.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with diverse internal departments to ensure workplace and wellness environments meet evolving business needs and brand objectives. This involves active listening, clear communication, and consensus-building.

• Feedback Culture: An environment where constructive feedback on designs, processes, and project execution is welcomed and utilized for continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, lessons learned from projects, and insights into new design or construction trends across teams and partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: ALO's culture is deeply intertwined with wellness, mindfulness, and high-quality lifestyle experiences. Operations professionals in this role are expected to embody these values, contributing to a positive and inspiring work environment that translates brand ethos into tangible spaces. Collaboration is key, requiring strong interpersonal skills to navigate diverse stakeholder needs.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Global Project Complexity: Managing diverse projects across various international locations presents challenges related to differing regulations, cultural nuances, supply chain logistics, and time zone coordination.

• Balancing Brand & Functionality: Effectively translating ALO's strong lifestyle brand identity into functional, efficient, and cost-effective corporate and wellness spaces requires careful balancing.

• Budget & Schedule Pressures: Delivering high-quality projects within tight budgets and demanding timelines, especially in a dynamic global market, will be a constant challenge.

• Evolving Wellness Trends: Staying current with rapidly evolving wellness design trends and integrating them meaningfully into physical spaces while maintaining brand consistency.

• Managing External Teams: Effectively leading and coordinating multiple external design firms, consultants, and contractors to ensure alignment and performance.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Leadership: Gaining experience in leading large-scale, complex, international real estate development projects, enhancing strategic and operational leadership capabilities.

• Wellness Design Specialization: Deepening expertise in biophilic design, sustainable construction, and evidence-based wellness principles through project application and potential industry engagement.

• Cross-Cultural Project Management: Developing skills in managing projects and teams across different cultural contexts and regulatory environments.

• Executive Presentation & Strategy: Honing skills in presenting complex project proposals, financial plans, and performance reports to senior executive leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant challenges that are directly linked to substantial growth opportunities. Overcoming the complexities of global project execution and aligning brand vision with operational realities will build invaluable experience for senior operations and real estate development professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing and implementing global design standards for a lifestyle brand like ALO. How would you ensure consistency while allowing for regional adaptations?" (Focus on process documentation, stakeholder alignment, and scalability.)

• "Walk us through a time you managed a significant budget overrun or schedule delay on a complex construction project. What was your strategy for recovery, and what lessons did you learn?" (Highlight problem-solving, financial management, and accountability.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about ALO's brand and its approach to workplace and wellness environments?" (Demonstrate research into ALO's values, mission, and existing physical spaces.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment among diverse teams, including internal stakeholders, architects, and construction managers, to achieve a unified project vision?" (Emphasize communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation around a clear narrative for each project: the challenge, your strategic approach (design, operations, financial), the execution process, and the successful outcome with quantifiable results.

• Process Visualization: Use flowcharts or diagrams to illustrate your project management methodologies, design development process, or construction oversight procedures.

• Highlight Leadership: Clearly articulate your leadership role, decision-making authority, and how you motivated and guided teams (both internal and external) to achieve project goals.

• Brand Connection: For each project, explain how your work directly supported or enhanced the brand identity and its core values.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to articulate your strategic thinking, operational rigor, and leadership capabilities. Your responses should be grounded in specific examples from your experience, demonstrating your ability to manage complex projects from conception to completion while upholding brand integrity and delivering significant business value.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on greenhouse.io.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature 3-5 complex projects (retail, hospitality, wellness, corporate) that clearly demonstrate your end-to-end project lifecycle management, design leadership, and operational execution. Ensure visuals are high-quality and your specific role and contributions are explicitly detailed.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords such as "Construction Management," "Design Leadership," "Project Lifecycle Management," "Capital Expenditure Planning," "Stakeholder Management," and specific software proficiencies (AutoCAD, SketchUp, MS Project). Quantify achievements with metrics whenever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your strategic approach to design and operations challenges, focusing on your ability to manage budgets, schedules, and diverse teams. Prepare detailed case studies for your portfolio presentation, emphasizing problem-solving and successful outcomes.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research ALO's brand, mission, values, and any publicly available information on their existing physical spaces (studios, offices). Understand their commitment to wellness and mindful movement to effectively align your responses with the company culture.

⚠️ 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.