VP/Global Workplace Design & Space Planning

About the Role

We are seeking a Nashville, TN-based VP/Global Workplace Design & Space Planning to join our Real Estate Services team. This team is accountable for the firm’s comprehensive real estate strategy, execution, and operating standards across AB’s global real estate portfolio, spanning 53 locations in 27 countries. The team delivers integrated real estate services, including strategic planning, transactions, lease administration, capital planning, workplace design and construction, and critical systems management, ensuring alignment with the firm’s business objectives and culture.

This role partners closely with senior leadership, Legal, Finance, Technology, and local management teams worldwide. The core mandate is to deliver employee-centric, high-quality, resilient, and efficient workplaces that embody the firm’s culture and values, support business growth, and effectively manage risk and cost over the long term.

Responsibilities

The VP/Global Workplace Design & Space Planning is a key role providing office design-related services—development and execution of workplace design strategy across AB’s global real estate portfolio. Working closely with internal stakeholders and external consultants, this role is responsible for creating innovative, high-quality, functional, and efficient workplace environments that reflect AB’s brand, culture, and business objectives while enhancing the employee experience and delivering long-term value.

• Define and implement global workplace design strategy, standards, and design principles.
• Manage the procurement and oversight of architectural, interior design, branding, and signage consultants.
• Lead and mentor the internal design and space planning staff.
• Support the space programming process by partnering with business unit leadership, Technology, and Workplace Services to develop comprehensive project briefs.
• In collaboration with Design & Construction/Project Management, lead the design process—from test fit plans through project completion—working with the project management team and external consultants, including architects, interior designers, MEP engineers, lighting, acoustical, food service, and branding/signage vendors.
• Support the Real Estate Leasing team by producing test-fit studies and conceptual layouts for prospective locations and renovation projects worldwide.
• Conduct space utilization analyses and develop recommendations to optimize workplace efficiency.
• Review contract documents and, when required, shop drawings to ensure compliance with the approved design intent.
• Ensure workplace designs promote collaboration, focus, flexibility, and productivity while complying with applicable building codes, regulations, and sustainability standards.
• Balance global design consistency with the architectural character, culture, and historical context of each location.
• Partner with the Assets team (Furniture, Art, and Planting) to prepare design presentations for client review and approval.
• Collaborate with the Marketing team to develop signage and branding concepts, supported by design studies and presentation materials.
• Maintain an accurate global database of office layouts and space plans in partnership with the Workplace Services team.
• Stay current with emerging workplace design trends, technologies, and best practices.

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Collaborate with top talent: hire the best in the field and work with skilled and innovative professionals in an environment that fosters creativity and excellence.
• Engage in projects across different geographies and countries, offering a rich variety of experiences, challenges, and opportunities—from climate considerations to local building regulations and cultural differences.
• Achieve professional growth while working with and learning from leading architects, interior designers, and engineers in the industry.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Interior Design required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of workplace strategy development and implementation, interior design, and space planning experience within an architectural/interior design firm or global corporate office environment.
• Demonstrated success managing large-scale, multi-location design projects.
• Strong leadership, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate across diverse teams while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with sustainable design practices and certifications such as LEED, WELL, and Fitwel is a plus.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), and project management software; knowledge of Revit is a plus.
• Excellent design presentation abilities; freehand sketching is a plus.
• Strong aesthetic sense and attention to detail.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment where priorities can shift rapidly.
• Willingness to adapt to ever-changing project requirements.
• A sense of humor and a positive attitude to contribute to a vibrant, collaborative, and enjoyable work environment.
• Open-mindedness and receptiveness to feedback and new ideas.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Ability to provide a digital portfolio showcasing recent workplace design projects.

About the Company

We are a leading global investment management firm offering high-quality research and diversified investment services to institutional clients, retail investors, and private-wealth clients in major markets around the globe. With over 4,000 employees across 57 locations operating in 26 countries and jurisdictions, our ambition is simple: to be the most trusted investment firm in the world.

We realize that it's our people who give us a competitive advantage and drive success in the market, and our goal is to create an inclusive culture that rewards hard work. Our culture of intellectual curiosity and collaboration creates an environment where you can thrive and do your best work. Whether you're producing thought-provoking research, identifying compelling investment opportunities, infusing new technologies into our business, or providing thoughtful advice to our clients, we are fully invested in you.