Design Director, Workplace

https://millerknoll.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/MillerKnoll/job/Design-Director--Workplace_JR107897-1

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Design Director, Workplace leads the strategic evolution of MillerKnoll’s global workplace environments—spaces that bring culture to life and fuel innovation. This role is responsible for shaping the future of work through design, guiding multidisciplinary teams to create spaces that foster creativity, collaboration, and connection. Partnering with key stakeholders, this leader will form part of the Design leadership team in defining and delivering workplace experiences that reflect MillerKnoll’s values and support the diverse needs of its global workforce. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in workplace design, a passion for human-centered environments, and the ability to translate vision into scalable, impactful solutions. This position will be a global design leader, partnering with executive leadership, Real Estate, Architecture, Brand, Marketing, IT, and People teams to create high-performing, inspiring, and human-centered workplaces. The Design Director, Workplace will define and advance workplace design principles that reflect MillerKnoll’s values and serve as exemplars of design leadership across industries. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead the design and development of MillerKnoll’s workplace environments across global locations, aligning spatial strategy with brand, culture, and employee experience.
• Define and communicate workplace design principles, narratives, and guidelines that support innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.
• Guide multidisciplinary teams through all phases of design—from visioning and concept development to execution and evaluation.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure seamless integration of architecture, interiors, technology, and user experience.   
• Translate strategic insights and workplace research into spatial solutions that support evolving workstyles and team dynamics.    
• Exhibit outstanding strategic thinking and methodical problem-solving skills.   
• Synthesize data, insights, objectives, and requirements into clear, actionable design strategies and plans.    
• Envision future states beyond the status quo.    
• Present design strategies and outcomes to executive leadership, adapting communication styles to diverse audiences.   
• Oversee design documentation including drawings, renderings, and material palettes for internal and external presentations.    
• Ensure design excellence across all touchpoints, from placemaking and infrastructure to lighting, branding, and styling.   
• Lead the development of design principles and palettes, including foundational narrative, atmospheric/spatial intention, design language, material, color, texture, lighting, journey flow, etc.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration with HR, IT, and Product teams to deliver holistic workplace experiences.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and excellence among team members.    
• Mentor and develop design talent, cultivating a culture of creativity, curiosity, and continuous learning.
• Actively contribute to strategic planning and executive decision-making, representing workplace design at the enterprise level.

QUALIFICATIONS

Successful candidates should be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience   

• Bachelor’s degree in design, architecture, industrial design, social science, or equivalent practical experience.  Master’s degree preferred.  
• 15 years of experience in workplace design, architecture, or related disciplines.
• Experience in a leadership role within a global, complex corporate real estate organization.    
• Proven ability to lead design strategy and execution across large-scale, multidisciplinary projects.    
• Experience integrating data analysis into design decision-making.    

Skills and Abilities

• Deep understanding of workplace strategy, spatial planning, and experience design.  
• Exceptional leadership and team-building skills with a collaborative, inclusive approach.    
• Strong communication and presentation skills with executive-level fluency.    
• Ability to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling design narratives.   
• Strategic thinker with a bias toward action and innovation.    
• Proficiency in design tools and platforms including AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, and visualization software.    
• Knowledge of sustainable design principles, universal design, and applicable building codes.    
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, delivering high-quality outcomes on time and within budget.    
• Passion for shaping environments that support human potential and organizational performance.