Senior Environmental Designer

ABOUT MKG

Founded in 2003, MKG is a women-led creative agency specializing in brand action. Brand actions – including live experiences, digital, virtual, and hybrid events, employee engagements, and social impact actions – humanize brands through creative storytelling and thoughtful, purpose-driven engagement. We’re proud to be long-standing partners to brands like Google, Target, Netflix, Meta, HBO, Delta Air Lines, and Apple TV+ and have offices in NYC and LA.

WORKING AT MKG

MKG, with offices in NYC and LA, is actively looking for a Senior Environmental Designer capable of working independently and collaboratively. In this role, you will take a leading position in 3D design for major projects. Candidates should be within commuting distance of either office and will need to be available for in-person collaboration on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. This position may be Temp to Perm.

As a Senior Environmental Designer, you will operate independently and collaboratively on projects, assuming various capacities such as leading 3D designs independently, collaborating on projects, and supporting others as required. You will take charge of 3D design on some of the agency’s most substantial and complex projects, especially those demanding creative exploration, art direction, and original development. The role involves overseeing other Creative team members, offering mentorship, and enhancing leadership skills while developing cross-disciplinary expertise.

This position will begin with a four month short term position before converting to full time.

Salary Range: $95K-$125K
***This is the minimum + maximum base salary that we, in good faith, are willing to pay at the time of the posting. Salary commensurate with experience.

WHAT YOU WILL DO IN THIS ROLE

• Collaborate within a Creative team, working with 2D and other 3D Designers, Creative Strategists, and a broader team of Producers and Account Managers.
• Lead the 3D segment of projects independently or with a team.
• Ensure flawless execution of 3D design elements across projects, including floor plans, mock-ups, renderings, and sourcing.
• Develop overall art direction and create mood boards.
• Lead 3D portions of venue site visits and surveys.
• Present and sell work directly to clients.
• Manage fabrication vendor communications, create and maintain build lists, retrieve samples, and conduct in-person build quality checks.
• Lead in sourcing furniture, decor, and miscellaneous elements, managing and maintaining sourcing lists.
• Ensure presented work is feasible within budget and timeline, managing design budgets.
• Create final files and specifications for fabrication.
• Review and approve fabrication drawings or files.
• Support 2D teammates with light graphic needs.
• Tackle print mechanicals as needed.
• Oversee on-site installation, manage fabrication vendors, and lead on-site styling and propping.
• Oversee, manage, and mentor Junior and Mid-level teammates.
• Potentially manage an intern and oversee freelancers on projects.
• Actively contribute to the full Creative process, including brainstorms and ideation phases.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THIS ROLE

• Degree in Industrial Design, Environmental/Exhibition Design, Architecture, Interior Design, or related field, OR demonstrated experience.
• 5-10 years of creative execution experience, with 2+ years of People Management Experience.
• Expertise in design programs: Sketchup, Rendering Software (VRay, Enscape, etc), Adobe Creative Suite, Google Workspace.
• Keen design eye and strong design sensibility.
• Expert knowledge and application of foundational design principles.
• Stay updated on design and cultural trends, applying them to design concepts and executions.
• Ability to fully develop and own environmental art direction.
• Excellent comprehension and attention to client briefs and marketing objectives.
• Strong internal and client-facing communication skills.
• Excellent writing skills for effective captioning and providing rationale for creative concepts.
• Actively listens and brings a strong creative voice to projects.
• Diligent in following brand guidelines but confident in pushing them when appropriate.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work efficiently, multitask, and manage various tasks/projects with deadlines.
• Initiative-taking and proactive planning ability.
• Problem-solving and quick pivot capability with proven success.
• Delegation, mentorship, and management skills.
• Exceptional leadership, stress management, and ability to stay calm under pressure.
• Familiarity with standard operating procedures and willingness to contribute to process improvement.