Design Observer is hiring: Design Director in San Francisco

About Us

Applied Information Group is an award‑winning, multi‑disciplinary design consultancy. We help businesses and public agencies improve the experience and understanding of spaces for their customers and citizens.

We work internationally for blue‑chip clients, providing a unique set of skills specializing in planning and designing information systems for navigating and enjoying buildings, campuses, transit networks and cities. From our offices in London, San Francisco, Vancouver, and Seoul, we design signs, maps, screens and digital applications and produce everything needed from brand guidelines to industrial design specifications, governance strategies to smartphone apps.

About The Role

As part of our successful growth in the United States and Canada, we are seeking a Design Director to assume a pivotal role in the end‑to‑end execution of wayfinding and information design projects, for both interior and exterior environments, overseeing the full project lifecycle from concept to delivery.

Based in San Francisco, the Design Director will coordinate and advise on complex projects, ensuring high‑quality deliverables while balancing quality, efficiency, and budget constraints. The role will involve opportunities for travel to projects and inter‑company events.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Project Lead and discipline lead on projects.
• When appropriate, act as Creative Director depending on team structure.
• Oversee project delivery from conception to production with minimal supervision.
• Delegate tasks to the team, providing oversight and support.
• Coordinate with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Lead internal and external workshops with project teams and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the Account Manager / Project Manager on client communications and liaison.
• Develop positive relationships with existing clients and identify growth opportunities.
• Work with Account/Project Managers to set full project plans, including objectives, milestones, priorities, team, calendar, and deliverables.
• Monitor scope creep and negotiate cost and schedule changes with clients.
• Prioritize tasks by assessing risk, importance, urgency, and other linkages.
• Present project work to clients and stakeholders.
• Ensure deliverables align with the client’s business needs.
• Line‑manage less‑experienced staff and teams.

What we offer

• Excellent medical and dental benefits for employees and family.
• 401(k) plan.
• Micro kitchen access.
• Paid vacation: 17 days + public holidays + up to 3 additional days for each completed year of service.
• Paid sick days with accrual method.
• Training and development budget.
• One paid day per year to volunteer for a charity of choice.
• Opportunities to travel globally for projects.
• Hybrid working flexibility.

How we hire

We are fully committed to advancing individual, social and environmental equality. All qualified applicants will be considered based solely on merit, including relevant experience, skills, and interest in the role.

Selected applicants will be contacted for an initial screening followed by an online interview with Applied team members. During the interview, the project will be discussed under a non‑disclosure agreement. Unsuccessful applicants will be informed promptly after the successful applicant is hired.

Seniority Level

Director

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology

Industries

Online Audio and Video Media

Location and Salary

San Francisco, CA – $72,000.00–$92,000.00