Freelance Studio Designer Pipeline

SYPartners•New York, NY

23h•Onsite

About The Position

SYPartners is a transformation-focused consulting firm that uses strategy and design to work alongside CEOs, leaders, and executive teams to help design a better future for their organizations. The firm was founded in 1994, is headquartered in New York City, has locations in San Francisco and Abu Dhabi, and is a founding member of kyu, a collective of creative firms. The Studio is a small team of expert craftspeople and makers. The Freelance Studio Designer handles hands-on physical production and live event execution, working regularly at SYPartners’ Manhattan office and traveling to client sites as needed. The role supports in-person experiences through print production, fabrication, technical event support, and delivery of high-quality physical and digital assets. It is suited to someone seeking a mix of studio production work and onsite event work. The designer is expected to bring precision, strong craft, practical problem-solving, and dependable planning and logistics to complex productions. The role involves close collaboration with Program Managers, designers, clients, and vendors, as well as maintaining the Studio and its equipment. The designer should be comfortable generating AI prompts to improve work efficiency while following SYPartners’ evolving AI policies, particularly client requirements. SYPartners is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within its organization and in its work with leaders and clients. The company describes a commitment to designing for people of every race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, physical ability or attribute, religion, national origin, or political belief, and to continual learning, reflection, and imagination.

Requirements

At least 2 years of relevant experience at an agency, in-house, or as a freelancer.
Must be based in or near New York City and able to work regularly at the Manhattan office and travel to client sites and events.
Strong hands-on production skills, including cutting, mounting, installation, prototyping, and use of maker tools such as 3D printers and laser cutters.
Fluency in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, Google Docs, and PowerPoint.
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills under tight deadlines.
Ability to work in both 2D and 3D environments.
Comfort working in a physical studio environment and being on their feet during event setup days.
Able and willing to perform manual tasks and stagecraft required to create immersive experiences.
Comfortable generating AI prompts while following SYPartners’ evolving AI policies and client requirements.

Nice To Haves

Technical audiovisual knowledge and experience running live events, digital meetings, and voting systems are highly desired.

Responsibilities

Execute print and physical production, including small- and large-format printing, trimming, bookbinding, mounting, prototyping, laser cutting, 3D printing, and environmental builds.
Scrub, prepare, and finalize files for print and on-screen presentations.
Support full event execution, including location assessment, setup, technical production, and breakdown for client experiences at the Manhattan office and off-site.
Manage onsite audiovisual and technical elements, including slideshows, audio/video editing and playback, lighting, digital voting and polling systems, and live meeting support.
Coordinate with printing and fabrication vendors as needed.
Partner with Program Managers and designers to plan schedules, logistics, and contingency plans.
Deliver high-quality physical and digital assets for immersive client experiences.
Photograph events before, during, and after, including site visits, audience activity, meeting artifacts, and outcomes.
Organize server and cloud storage and ensure files are accurately stored.
Maintain a pristine, orderly Studio; procure and organize supplies such as paper and ink; and ensure Studio equipment and machines are calibrated and operational, coordinating with the Studio team and repair technicians when needed.