Experiential Designer

Matrix MKTG•Atlanta, GA

3d•$90,000 - $100,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Experiential Designer is a concept-to-fabrication spatial design role responsible for immersive physical brand environments from strategy and creative briefs leading spatial storytelling, consumer journeys, materials, finishes, and buildable design specifications for large-scale festivals, custom activations, pop-ups and touring experiences. The Experiential Designer provides materials and fabrication direction, collaborates closely with Experiential Producers through fabrication and installation, and designs to production budgets. This is not a traditional graphic-design or rendering-only role. Must have a strong understanding of physical space, materials and the realities of experiential production.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent demonstrated professional experience
Environmental/Exhibition Design
Interior Design or Architecture
Industrial or Set Design
Related field
5+ years of experiential, environmental, spatial, exhibition, retail or related design experience.
Portfolio of original, built environments including at least one large-scale festival activation or immersive branded build.
Experience designing branded experiences from concept through fabrication.
Experience designing within real-world budgets and timelines.
Strong understanding of spatial design, scale, traffic flow and consumer behavior within physical environments
Strong knowledge of materials, finishes, scenic construction and fabrication
Ability to develop floor plans and production-ready design documentation
Strong proficiency in relevant 3D modeling, CAD and rendering workflows
Ability to communicate effectively with both creative teams and technical production partners
Strong cultural awareness and understanding of contemporary music, fashion, entertainment, art and lifestyle

Nice To Haves

Experience with large consumer brands and experiential agencies strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Translate strategic and creative briefs into compelling physical brand environments.
Lead spatial design for complex festival footprints, immersive brand worlds, custom scenic installations and modular touring activations; integrate stages, scenic structures, AV/LED, lighting, furniture and interactive elements into a cohesive design.
Develop experiential concepts, mood boards, visual narratives and design directions.
Design consumer journeys from approach and entry through engagement and exit.
Develop floor plans, footprints, spatial layouts and activation zones.
Demonstrate mastery of scale, proportion, sightlines, circulation, audience capacity, accessibility, spatial storytelling and how visitors interact with a physical environment.
Create and/or direct 3D renderings and visualization.
Design environments for festivals, tentpoles, pop-ups, mobile tours, hospitality, retail and branded cultural experiences.
Specify scenic materials, substrates, finishes, textures and construction methods based on visual impact, durability, portability, weather exposure, fabrication feasibility and cost.
Produce floor plans, elevations, dimensional drawings, 3D models, material boards, finish schedules and clear fabrication-ready design packages. Review shop drawings and material samples with technical partners.
Work directly with fabricators and production teams from feasibility and value engineering through shop drawing review, fabrication, onsite installation and design quality control.
Participate in site visits and translate physical limitations into design solutions.
Source materials for set design and builds.
Design against approved budgets and understand the financial implications of materials and design decisions.
Maintain consistency between approved renderings and final physical execution.
Build and maintain relationships with fabricators, scenic shops, furniture resources, specialty vendors and production partners.
Support new-business pitches and client presentations with compelling visual storytelling.
Maintain knowledge of emerging materials, fabrication techniques, experiential technology and spatial design trends.