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 Freelance Design Lead to support one of the most globally recognized consumer brands in the world, a company with an enormous and deeply loyal customer base whose digital products and services touch millions of people 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 remote freelance role from ASAP through December 23, 2026.
LOCATION & COMMITMENT
Remote (United States only); Seattle-based candidates are especially welcome; there will be regularly scheduled onsite client visits and meetings
ASAP through December 23, 2026
40 hours/week
Expected weekly compensation: 3,6000 to 4,000 USD
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, loyal 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
6+ 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
We believe great work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach including required in-office days. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.
AKQA is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.
About WPP
WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit .
AKQA is a digital design and strategy agency that is part of WPP, a global communications company. The agency specializes in the imaginative application of art and science to create digital products, services, and experiences that deliver impressive returns for clients. AKQA designs adaptive digital services and applications across platforms, working with globally recognized consumer brands to create cohesive, high-quality digital experiences. The company combines entrepreneurial and collaborative approaches to solve complex digital challenges through creative excellence and strategic thinking.
