Associate Director

About the Company

CompanyY6 is a distinguished interior architecture and design firm acclaimed for creating upscale, experience-focused environments across hospitality, hotel, commercial, workplace, and luxury residential sectors. The practice emphasizes storytelling, bespoke design approaches, and outstanding user experiences, delivering meticulously crafted interiors that blend creativity with technical precision. The team is recognized for producing exceptional, high-end projects locally within New Zealand and internationally, providing an engaging, collaborative design studio atmosphere.

Role Overview

As Associate Director, you will provide strategic and visionary leadership over design projects to ensure they meet client goals and company standards. You will oversee daily studio operations and manage the design team personnel. Financial oversight of multiple design projects is key, ensuring timely and budget-conscious delivery. The role involves leading local business development efforts, retaining client relationships, managing pitch presentations, contracts, and documentation such as RFPs and EOIs. You will mitigate commercial risks, resolve client disputes, and ensure strict regulatory compliance. Coordination and optimization of design team resources across projects is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic vision and direction for design endeavors aligned with client and company objectives
• Supervise daily studio functions and personnel management within the design team
• Manage financial performance and ensure projects meet scheduled timelines and budgets
• Drive business development initiatives and maintain client engagement
• Conduct pitch presentations and negotiate terms and fee agreements
• Prepare formal documentation including RFPs, EOIs, and pitch materials
• Handle client disputes, reduce commercial risks, and maintain compliance with regulations
• Coordinate internal design teams to optimize resource allocation and workflow across projects

Essential Requirements

• Proven leadership managing complex design projects end-to-end
• Experience within the hotel and hospitality design sectors
• Strong commercial insight with ambition towards Executive Director or partnership roles
• Over 10 years of relevant design experience with leadership responsibilities
• Degree qualification in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or Architecture
• Successful business development track record and established professional networks
• Expertise in preparing fee proposals, contract negotiations, and managing project scope changes
• In-depth knowledge of New Zealand Building Code, NZS/AS standards, and BRANZ guidelines
• Excellent skills in design leadership, presentations, and stakeholder management
• Robust understanding of project profitability, resource management, and fee oversight

Benefits

• Competitive market salary with flexible working arrangements and a supportive culture
• Opportunity to work on premier projects across New Zealand
• An inspiring, design-driven work environment
• A friendly, encouraging team atmosphere
• Diverse, impactful projects shaping the built landscape

Contact

If you fulfill these criteria and wish to discuss the opportunity confidentially, please contact Casey Donnithorne at Redpath Partners via phone or email.