Retail Store Design Lead

Key Responsibilities/What You Will Do

1. New Store Design & Development

• Create initial concept layouts for new store locations based on site recci, brand guidelines, and business needs.
• Share first-cut designs with the Creative Head, iterate quickly, and finalise the approved layout.
• Prepare full GFC drawings (Civil, MEP, HVAC) and BOQs for smooth handover to the Projects team.
• Work closely with contractors and vendors during execution to ensure accuracy, quality, and on-brand finish.

2. Experience-Led Store Design

• Design for both pets and parents creating spaces that feel comfortable, warm, and intuitive for everyone who walks in.
• Build sensorial experiences through smart use of materials, lighting, circulation, and touchpoints.
• Develop storytelling zones, merchandising flow, and display strategies that elevate brand moments and overall store delight.
• Balance beauty with practicality ensuring durability, pet-friendly materials, and effortless maintenance.

3. Design Optimisation & Retail Performance

• Conduct regular design audits of existing stores across India.
• Recommend layout enhancements focused on increasing revenue per sq ft, improving customer flow, and elevating visual appeal.
• Ensure cost-efficiency without compromising creativity or brand experience.
• Stay updated on retail design trends and benchmark HUFT stores against the best in India and globally.

4. Systems, Scale & Replicability

• Build scalable, replicable design systems that support faster and more consistent store rollouts.
• Standardise fixtures, materials, lighting schemes, and templates to maintain brand consistency.
• Work with cross-functional teams to create a kit-of-parts that can adapt to different store sizes, cities, and formats.
• Maintain and update store design archives, guidelines, and documentation for long-term scalability.

5. Coordination & Documentation

• Collaborate closely with Business Development, Creative, Ops, and Projects teams to stay aligned on timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Ensure all technical drawings meet local codes, compliance standards, and HUFTs internal quality benchmarks.
• Support feasibility checks, site recce reports, and design-related documentation as needed.

Qualifications & Skills/What You Need

• Bachelors degree in Architecture (mandatory).

• 5–8 years of experience in retail design, store rollouts, or branded environments.

• Strong proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, and relevant design tools.

• Solid understanding of MEP, HVAC, Civil coordination, and BOQ preparation.

• Excellent eye for detail, space utilisation, customer flow, and finish quality.

• Ability to manage multiple projects at pace, without losing sensitivity to detail.