Executive, Design

About the Role & Team

Walt Disney Imagineering is where imagination meets innovation, bringing Disney stories, characters, and worlds to life. As the creative force behind Disney’s parks, resorts, and immersive experiences, Imagineering integrates master planning, art, design, engineering, project management, and research to craft unforgettable experiences worldwide.

Our team is responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and delivering extraordinary projects that enable families and friends to create lasting memories. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic team supporting the creative development, design, and execution of special projects.

As the Executive, Design, you will play a critical role in shaping the creative vision and design direction for hotels, resorts, and retail, dining, & entertainment (RD&E) districts within Shanghai Disney Resort. Through this portfolio you will ensure the creative vision and give design direction across an interdisciplinary team including architecture, interior design, landscape, graphics, lighting, and show design—to ensure alignment with Disney’s renowned design standards.

This position reports to the global Architecture & Design Studio Executive.

Responsibilities

Creative Leadership & Design Direction

• Collaborate with the US-based Executive Creative Director and portfolio creative leadership to lead the day-to-day design of Shanghai Disney Resort hotel, resort, and RD&E projects.
• Provide comprehensive local design direction, ensuring all projects align with the overall resort-wide development strategy, creative vision, and business goals.
• Oversee the application of approved creative vision and design intent guidelines, ensuring consistency throughout all design phases and into construction.

Design Oversight & Execution

• Direct the design development of creative disciplines’ scopes of work including façade architecture, interior design, show design, graphic design, lighting, show writing, art programs, media, and engineering integration.
• Lead design reviews of samples programs, artistic renderings, art program selections, graphic design, and other creatively focused mockups.
• Provide in-field art direction while updating executive, portfolio leadership as needed to meet project schedules.
• Work closely with project design managers and show producers to align specific design strategies, integrated schedules, and detailed budgets with the creative vision.

Third-Party & Resort Development Oversight:

• Oversee third-party hotel developments, ensuring design reviews maintain alignment with the integrated master plan and creative vision.
• Establish creative parameters, sightline studies, and design direction to help 3rd party developers efficiently understand how to meet Disney’s thematic requirements and placemaking goals.
• Partner with Shanghai Disney Resort Operations to address design concerns across WDI-created and third-party projects relative to the aesthetic design.
• Consistently update Third-Party Development Design Guidelines to ensure thematic, façade, and master planning consistency with business and creative objectives.

Leadership & Collaboration:

• Review all drawing packages (WDI and third-party developed) across all phases—concept design, design development, construction documents, final plans, and revisions—from a design and creative standpoint.
• Lead a collaborative, multidisciplinary team while mentoring talent and strengthening regional consultant relationships.
• Develop project scopes and manage contracts for regional design consultants.
• Contribute to the global Architecture & Design Studio leadership, driving regionalization efforts within the local market.
• Foster a design-driven culture within the WDI Shanghai team.

Qualifications & Skills

Experience & Expertise

• 10+ years of experience working in the architecture or design industry with a focus on conceptual design. 
• Minimum 10 years of experience in hospitality design or related market sectors.
• Minimum 7 years of demonstrated design leadership across interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong conceptual design skills, with a track record of delivering authentic branded experiences in hotels, resorts, or themed environments.
• Deep knowledge of thematic building materials and applications within a hospitality setting.
• Experience in construction phases, including submittal/shop drawing reviews to uphold design integrity.
• Expert artistic and professional judgment in solving complex design challenges.
• A deep appreciation for Disney’s storytelling and built, immersive experiences.
• Passion for continuous learning through Disney educational opportunities and self-directed study.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, Rhino, SketchUp, and other design software.
• Ability to convey design ideas effectively through drawing, modeling, rendering, and presentations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to collaborate with internal teams and external partners.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Design, Interior Design, Environmental Design, or related field.
• Advanced degree in Design, Architecture, or an associated discipline preferred.