Associate 3D Designer
About The Position
The Bernard Group is seeking an experienced Associate 3D Designer to join their team in Chanhassen, MN. This role is a key supporting position in creating compelling spatial concepts for branded retail and experiential environments. The designer will collaborate with senior and junior designers, Creative Directors, and Principal Designers, contributing to creative development through ideation, hand sketching, and 3D visualization to bring style-forward concepts to life. The company emphasizes its employee-owned structure and commitment to wowing customers with high-quality products and services, using sustainable materials and supporting social change.
Requirements
- A Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Interior Design, Environmental Design, or a related field.
- 3+ years of professional experience in 3D or spatial design, ideally in retail, exhibit, or branded environments.
- A strong portfolio showcasing conceptual sketches, environmental ideation, and basic 3D modeling.
- Proficiency in freehand and digital sketching for quick idea generation and style exploration.
- Software proficiency with 3ds Max (with V-Ray and/or Corona) and Adobe Creative Suite.
- Effective time management skills to balance assigned tasks across multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
- Clear vision to view detailed designs on screen, evaluate color, shading, and textures, and use design equipment/tablets effectively.
- Ability to articulate design ideas clearly to team members and respond constructively to feedback.
- Able to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing.
- Willing to admit when you make a mistake.
- Fiercely loyal to both customers and team.
- Trustworthy, reliable, and easy to get along with.
- Enthusiastic and eager to take on new challenges.
- Adaptable, curious, and willing to wear whatever hat gets the job done.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with SketchUp or Cinema 4D is a plus.
- Experience in retail, exhibit, or branded environments.
Responsibilities
- Contribute to original design ideas, producing quick concept sketches and visual ideas to explore form, spatial flow, and branded storytelling.
- Build foundational 3D models and environmental elements using 3ds Max, SketchUp, or similar platforms.
- Assist in preparing presentation-ready visuals (renderings, diagrams, mood boards) and assemble design decks for internal and client reviews.
- Gather visual/material references and actively explore new design trends to inform early-stage concept work.
- Keep visual files, 3D models, and references organized for efficient team collaboration.
Benefits
- Generous paid time off that increases with tenure.
- Healthcare, dental, life insurance, disability.
- Paid parental leave.
- Retirement Savings programs: Employee Stock Ownership Plan-100% Employee-Owned.
- 401k with a company match.
- Career Development Opportunities.
- Flexible Work Hours.
- Tuition Reimbursement.
- Employee Referral Program.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
