Design Lead

AKQA•Atlanta, GA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

At AKQA (part of WPP) we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create beautiful ideas, products and services. With an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, we design adaptive digital services and applications that capture the imagination, delivering impressive returns for our clients. Design Leads at AKQA bring artistry, craft, and creative vision to complex digital challenges. They inspire and guide designers, champion design systems, and ensure creative excellence across all deliverables. Hands-on and deeply thoughtful, they shape the look, feel, and coherence of digital experiences from early concept through final delivery, elevating both the work and the people around them. We are seeking an experienced Design Lead to support one of the world's most recognized travel brands, a globally admired company whose digital products and services reach millions of customers every day. In this role you will guide and inspire designers, lead the evolution of complex design systems, and ensure creative excellence across a flagship digital product experience. This is a high-visibility engagement where strong design leadership and systems-level thinking have a direct and meaningful impact on the people using these products every time they travel.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in UI design, art direction, or a related field, with a strong portfolio showcasing digital platforms and products
Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, with a track record of mentoring and elevating designers
Deep expertise in creating and evolving design systems, with a focus on scalability, consistency, and innovation
Strong working knowledge of user interface, application, mobile, and responsive design principles
Expert proficiency in Figma, including advanced component and library management
Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to present and defend creative work to clients and stakeholders
Experience collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams, including UX and development, to deliver integrated solutions
A proactive mindset and the ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of technology and design
A strong point of view and the ability to promote and encourage conceptual thinking across the team

Responsibilities

Provide hands-on leadership and creative direction, guiding a team of designers to produce world-class digital product experiences
Oversee the creation, maintenance, and evolution of complex design systems, ensuring scalability, consistency, and craft at every level
Shape the creative vision for digital platforms and products, aligning with client goals and the needs of a diverse, global user base
Collaborate closely with UX, strategy, and development teams to deliver cohesive, high-quality solutions
Present creative concepts and design solutions to clients with clarity, confidence, and strategic insight
Actively mentor and support junior and mid-level designers, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth
Contribute to a culture of creative excellence, pushing for the most distinctive and effective solutions at every stage of the work