Nordstrom · 2 weeks ago
Creative Designer Principal (Hybrid - Seattle, WA)
Seattle, WA
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$92K/yr - $155K/yr
7+ years expNordstrom is a leading fashion retailer seeking a Principal Designer to shape the vision and execution of their physical brand expression. The role involves leading large-scale design initiatives, providing strategic guidance on environmental and experiential design, and mentoring junior designers.
E-CommerceFashionRetail
Responsibilities
Lead the design, development, and execution of environmental, experiential, 3D, display, and window concepts that support merchandising strategies, brand collaborations, events, and Creative Marketing initiatives
Serve as the functional SME for environmental, 3D, display, and window design, providing strategic and technical guidance to cross-functional leaders and partners
Drive high-impact, large-scale projects with autonomy, establishing creative direction that aligns with business goals, brand standards, and evolving retail trends
Influence, refine, and elevate environmental, VM, and experiential design standards to ensure consistency, innovation, and scalability across the organization
Apply advanced aesthetic judgment, trend awareness, and high taste level to shape compelling physical storytelling and visual experiences
Present complex concepts confidently to all levels of leadership, articulating creative intent, strategic rationale, and business impact with clarity and authority
Mentor and coach junior designers and cross-functional partners, strengthening environmental and VM design capabilities across the function
Collaborate deeply with Creative Marketing Leadership, VM, NMG, and Brand partners to identify opportunities for impactful physical experiences and display moments
Develop original design frameworks and new creative approaches using analytical and evaluative thinking to solve complex environmental and operational challenges
Produce detailed drawings, renderings, 3D models, and documentation to support planning, prototyping, and execution of environmental and window concepts
Create proposal decks that visually and strategically communicate design direction, enabling alignment across partners and leadership
Oversee vendor proposals, specifications, production files, and material guidelines to ensure design intent is preserved through fabrication and installation
Evaluate and approve prototypes, ensuring accuracy, quality, and alignment with project goals, timelines, and brand standards
Manage multiple concurrent projects with independence, ensuring timely delivery and exceptional creative outcomes
Guide and oversee external design, fabrication, or production partners as needed, providing expert review and final approvals
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Environmental Design, Visual Merchandising, Industrial Design, Architecture, or related field
7–9+ years of progressively responsible experience in environmental, experiential, retail, display, or 3D design, including window design
Demonstrated expertise in developing innovative, large-scale experiential, environmental, and display concepts
Strong aesthetic sensibility, trend fluency, and high taste level, with the ability to define and uphold elevated physical brand expression
Advanced proficiency in Illustrator, InDesign, SketchUp, CAD applications, and other relevant 3D and design software
Deep knowledge of VM principles, NDC specifications, materials, fabrication methods, and production processes for 3D and environmental projects
Proven ability to manage budgets, timelines, and complex multi-phase projects
Exceptional communication, presentation, and storytelling skills with the ability to articulate complex creative intent to diverse audiences
Strong strategic planning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills
Benefits
Medical/Vision, Dental, Retirement and Paid Time Away
Life Insurance and Disability
Merchandise Discount and EAP Resources
401k
Medical/vision/dental/life/disability insurance options
PTO accruals
Holidays
Company
Nordstrom
Nordstrom is an online fashion retailer that specializes in fashion, footwear, accessories, and beauty.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Nordstrom has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (188)
2024 (231)
2023 (190)
2022 (311)
2021 (280)
2020 (208)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$969.45MKey Investors
Ryan CohenEl Puerto de Liverpool
2024-12-23Acquired
2023-02-03Post Ipo Equity
2022-09-16Post Ipo Equity· $294.45M
Leadership Team
Erik Nordstrom
Chief Executive Officer
Alexis DePree
Chief Operating Officer
Recent News
2026-01-23
2026-01-23
2026-01-22
Company data provided by crunchbase