Environmental Design Associate

Job Overview & Purpose

The Environmental Design Associate is responsible for designing and managing exhibit projects for trade shows and events, blending creative expertise with technical precision. This role involves developing immersive branded environments, overseeing projects from concept through execution, and ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.

Key responsibilities include quality control, adherence to design standards, and the preparation of detailed technical documentation, including 3D concepts and floor plans. Additionally, the position requires a commitment to customer service and collaboration, fostering positive relationships with clients and team members while maintaining compliance with industry best practices and company standards.

Reports to: Environmental Design Manager

Key Responsibilities & Duties

Primary Responsibilities

• Exhibit & Environmental Design – Design and detail association and exhibit projects for trade shows and events, creating branded environments and immersive experiences.
• Project Management & Execution – Manage projects from initiation to completion, ensuring they remain within budget, meet deadlines, and align with client expectations.
• Technical Documentation & Compliance – Prepare accurate preliminary, construction, and schematic drawings from 3D concepts, including floor plans compliant with client specifications and company standards.
• Collaboration & Communication – Work closely with project staff, clients, and internal teams, actively participating in meetings to provide updates, address challenges, and align with team goals.
• Quality Control & Design Standards – Ensure all designs meet company and client expectations through rigorous quality control and compliance with established processes.
• Industry Awareness & Innovation – Stay current with design trends, technologies, and industry best practices to deliver innovative and cutting-edge solutions.

Additional Responsibilities

• Follow standard procedures for file formatting, design development, and document organization to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Uphold the Heritage Way by treating internal and external customers with courtesy and respect, fostering positive relationships and prioritizing customer service.
• Work closely with team members to foster a positive and productive work environment, while managing multiple projects in a fast-paced setting.
• Adjust designs based on feedback from internal and external clients to meet specifications and ensure project success.
• Become familiar with company standards in both the Modular Systems Shop and Print Shop through hands-on continuous training.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This position is full-time and in-person, requiring occasional on-site support at trade show events and across Heritage facilities, including occasional overnight travel and extended work hours based on project needs.

Frequent sitting, standing, walking, typing, grasping, and repetitive hand motion. Occasional bending, reaching, twisting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and lifting of up to 25 lbs.

Heritage Exposition Services is a DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE and requires pre-employment drug and background screenings.

Requirements

Required Skills & Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum 3 years of experience with 2D technical drawing and/or 3D Design (employment or education).
• Ability to understand space planning and visualize/design creative concepts both written and verbally.
• Ability to learn and integrate modular building systems into designs.
• Proficiency in:
• Autodesk AutoCAD (required)
• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop & Illustrator required, InDesign preferred)
• Strong ability to multitask and work well in group settings.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently to meet deadlines.
• Ability to adjust designs based on feedback from clients and internal teams.

Preferred:

• Experience with Autodesk 3DS-Max.
• Experience with CNC router usage.
• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Exhibit Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, or a related field.

At Heritage Exposition Services, we require all team members to uphold our H-Hour Service commitment, ensuring that every client receives the highest quality experience—no exceptions. Our team is dedicated to excellence, responsiveness, and professionalism in every interaction, maintaining the standards that set us apart in the industry.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401(k)) with employer match when applicable
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – eligible employees participate in the company’s long-term growth and success
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Paid Holidays)
• Training & Professional Development
• Career growth opportunities within a nationwide, employee-owned organization

Heritage Exposition Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable laws. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.