Sr. 3D Experiential Designer

Location: NYC, NY or Los Angeles, CA (REMOTE / HYBRID)Reports to: Assoc. Creative Director / Creative DirectorAbout the AgencyAs an immersive design studio, Pinch activates big ideas, bold thinking, and beautiful design for culture-driven brands. Emphasizing tactility, materiality, and the five senses, Pinch creates experiences and environments that engage on multi-sensory and emotional levels. Co-founded by friends and industry veterans, Pinch acts as the creative counterpart to LA-based production house Salt. From the outside, we’re a creative powerhouse, pairing strategic design with production expertise to flawlessly execute next level experiences. Inside, we’re a radically compassionate company, burning down traditional agency norms by centering people and giving creativity the space and support to thrive.We spark curiosity, foster community, and inspire action with the potency of a Pinch. Position OverviewThe Senior 3D Experiential Designer is a creative leader responsible for shaping the spatial vision of immersive brand experiences from concept through execution. This role goes beyond design execution - you will help define creative direction, elevate the quality of work across projects, and act as a trusted partner to Creative Directors, Producers, and clients.You bring a strong point of view, deep experiential knowledge, and the ability to translate strategy into compelling, buildable environments. You are equally comfortable leading concept development, refining details with fabricators, and guiding teams onsite to ensure creative integrity.This role is ideal for a designer who thrives in ownership - someone who can lead workstreams, mentor others, and raise the bar creatively while staying grounded in real-world production realities.Skills & ExpertiseCreative Leadership & VisionLead spatial concept development for experiential projects, setting a clear creative vision from early ideation through executionPartner closely with Creative Directors to define and evolve the experiential design language for each projectBring a strong, informed point of view to creative conversations while remaining collaborative and openPush concepts beyond the obvious, ensuring work is culturally relevant, emotionally resonant, and brand-forwardConcept Development & Design ExcellenceDesign immersive environments across events, pop-ups, retail, trade shows, and large-scale installationsDevelop high-quality 3D models, renderings, animations, and walkthroughs that clearly communicate intent to internal teams and clientsTranslate brand strategy and narrative into spatial storytelling, guest journeys, and layered physical experiencesIntegrate architecture, graphics, lighting, technology, furniture, and décor into cohesive systemsBalance ambitious creative thinking with production feasibility, budgets, and timelinesCollaboration & Client EngagementPresent design concepts with confidence and clarity to clients and internal stakeholdersAct as a key creative partner to producers, fabricators, and vendors to maintain design integrity throughout productionParticipate in client walkthroughs, site visits, and reviews — proactively solving problems and guiding decisionsSupport and help shape new business pitches with elevated design thinking and compelling visualsTeam Leadership & MentorshipMentor and support mid-level and junior designers, providing guidance, feedback, and creative directionLead portions of projects independently, managing scope, priorities, and design qualityHelp establish best practices for 3D workflow, design documentation, and presentation standardsContribute to a culture of craft, curiosity, and accountability across the creative teamCore CompetenciesAdvanced expertise in 3DS Max, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and Google SuiteStrong technical proficiency in renderings, elevations, plans, and production-ready 3D models (Enscape & D5 preferred)Deep understanding of experiential fabrication, materials, lighting, scenic construction, and installation processesExceptional spatial design sensibility with a strong eye for detail and compositionHighly organized, adaptable, and comfortable managing multiple projects under tight deadlinesClear, confident communicator - visually, verbally, and in written formFamiliarity with emerging tools and technologies (AI, AR/VR, parametric design) a plusOnsite ResponsibilitiesTake creative ownership onsite, ensuring the design vision is realized with precision and careCollaborate with production leads to resolve real-time challenges while protecting creative intentOversee installation of scenic builds, fabrication, furniture, graphics, and décorReview and adapt floorplans, layouts, and details as needed to address onsite conditionsLead by example — remaining hands-on, solutions-oriented, and calm under pressureSupport styling, detailing, and final creative touches to bring environments fully to lifeQualifications7–10+ years of experience in Experiential, Environmental, Retail, or Architectural Design (agency experience strongly preferred)Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Environmental Design, Graphic Design, or related field (or equivalent experience)Proven ability to lead experiential projects from concept through executionStrong portfolio showcasing immersive, brand-driven environments with high-quality 3D work and documentationTravel & MobilityAbility to travel up to 25%Willingness to work nights, weekends, and irregular hours as required by project needsPINCH’S CORE VALUES + YOU: Joy Begets Creativity: In the heat of the project, can we find moments of fun and levity? When stressed, anxious about succeeding, or frustrated with process, good ideas are hard to come by. Great ones, nearly impossible. You help contribute to a creative and positive work environment by being collaborative, open to ideas, and treating team members with respect.Go Beyond the Ask: At face value, many projects seem destined to produce uninspiring results. We ask ourselves, can the core goals be hijacked –hopefully with a core client as an accomplice– to ensure we can create stories that are interesting, cool, or even fun. Let’s give clients what they need, but are unable to articulate and opening them up to possibilities that they may not have imagined. You help facilitate this discovery process by pushing the work by being inquisitive, keeping yourself up-to-date with cultural trends, and expressing your point of view. Never Arrive: Stagnation kills creative (and companies). Brands need to grow and evolve, teams need to grow and evolve, companies need to grow and evolve. Can we push ourselves and our clients to stay ahead of the current, to realize that success always needs to evolve beyond what we know or feel comfortable with. You contribute to the growth and success of the team by holding yourself to a high standard of excellence and taking risks. Human Beings Feelings: “Feel Something.” A fundamental need for human beings is to connect with something that feels magical and special. This comes through moments which move us emotionally, and separate us from daily concerns. You keep Pinch accountable to its values by keeping our “why” at the forefront of your work.