Design Associate, Shows

Position Summary:

This is an opportunity to help bring the Philadelphia Flower Show to life, playing a hands-on role in translating design concepts into on-site reality at one of the country's largest and most celebrated events. It's well suited to someone who is equal parts design-minded and logistically sharp, energized by creative problem-solving and seeing an idea carried through to physical form.

Reporting to the Flower Show Director of Planning & Design, the Design Associate is responsible for the conception and execution of exhibition design projects for the Philadelphia Flower Show. The Design Associate collaborates with the Director of Planning & Design on projects from initial concept to final implementation. This role is highly collaborative, working across teams to help bring ideas to fruition.

Essential Functions: Design, Development, and Execution:

• Collaborate with the Director of Planning & Design on small-scale design projects and tasks for Shows & Events, from concept through implementation.
• Develop design drafts, layouts, and 3D models, using SketchUp, Layout, and other design software.
• Research and integrate trending elements, materials, and experiences into designs.
• Develop and iterate design ideas based on feedback from the Creative Director, Director of Planning & Design, and other stakeholders.
• Track project timelines, budgets, and progress; provide updates to the Director of Planning & Design.
• Participate in the physical setup, staging, and teardown of projects.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders, contractors, and team members.

Additional Tasks and Responsibilities:

Technical Production

• Develop control drawings and detailed construction drawings with specifications.
• Compile project-specific detail sheets and visual resources.
• Develop operational diagrams and scaled maps to support logistics.
• Process and interpret data in Excel and translate information into design outputs (such as diagrams and detail drawings).
• Space planning: ability to iterate through design ideas with real-world constraints in mind.
• Excellent at working with and contributing to creative team standards and practices.
• Use and maintain design templates to ensure consistency and quality across drawings and documents.

Visual & Stakeholder Communication

• Visual Communication: Create design narrative elements such as decks and storyboards, and write copy for various project needs.
• Stakeholder Communication: Communicate effectively with stakeholders, including sponsors, contractors, fabricators, and team members — translating design, build, and production information for each audience.
• Communicate regular updates to the Director of Planning & Design on project timelines, budgets, and progress, and manage supporting documentation.

On-Site Logistics and Coordination

• Participate in the physical setup, staging, and teardown of projects.
• Serve as liaison between specialized teams, aiding in logistical needs.
• Contribute to event-specific design and logistics needs as they arise.
• Serve as point person for creation, use, and distribution of install and drawing sets on site.

Skills Required:

Technical

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.).
• Excellent 3D modeling skills in SketchUp and Layout.
• Excellent with spreadsheets (Excel and Google Sheets).
• Comfortable with drafting software for generating construction documents and detailed designs.
• Comfortable learning new software and methods as they arise.

Working Style

• Positive energy and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• Process- and results-oriented.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Physically able to handle demanding work and long hours; available and willing to work nontraditional hours during events.
• Strong contributor to creative team standards and practices.
• General familiarity with client management, including communications, timelines, and budgets.

Physical Demands:

This is largely a sedentary role that requires looking at a computer screen for extended periods of time; however, some physical demands are required.

Standard Hours (including travel, evening, and weekend hours): PHS’s standard office hours are 9 AM to 5 PM at team member’s designated workspace. Some teams and positions work alternate hours because of the nature of their role at PHS. Your Business Unit’s Working Norms document will identify alternative hours, if applicable.

Flower Show Requirements: Hours preparing for the show and the duration of the show may not follow your regular work schedule. Your Flower Show schedule will depend upon your regular position or your temporary position supporting the Flower Show. You may be required to stand for long periods of time, do extensive walking, and lift up to 25 pounds.

EEO NOTICE:

At PHS, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.