Associate Creative Director

Pinch Creative; New York (NY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative work environment

Opportunities for professional development

Job summary

Pinch Creative, located in New York, is seeking an Associate Creative Director focusing on spatial design to lead immersive brand experiences. You'll bridge concepts with craft, collaborating with teams to transform brand strategies into dynamic physical environments.

The successful candidate will have over 7 years of experience in experiential design and a strong command of 3D design tools like SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite.

This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to mentor junior team members while maintaining the balance between creativity and practicality.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in experiential or spatial design.
• Strong command of 3D design and visualization tools.
• Experience leading creative teams and mentoring talent.

Responsibilities

• Lead creative visioning and design development for immersive environments.
• Collaborate across disciplines to execute large-scale environments.
• Oversee design refinement and integration of technology.

Skills

3D design and visualization tools

Adobe Creative Suite mastery

Strong strategic thinking

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Job description

As an immersive design studio, we’re in the business of storytelling, bringing brands to life through the senses.

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 value emotion over information and people over profits, tenets that permeate every project we unleash on the world.

We spark curiosity, foster community, and inspire action with the potency of a pinch.

Position Overview

We’re seeking an Associate Creative Director with a spatial and 3D focus to lead the creative visioning, storytelling, and design development of immersive brand environments. This role bridges concept and craft — transforming brand strategy into dynamic physical worlds that move people.

You’ll collaborate across disciplines — strategy, production, fabrication, and technology — to lead the creative development of large-scale experiential, retail, and event environments from ideation through installation.

Skills & Expertise

• Partner with Creative Directors to define experiential concepts rooted in brand and cultural insight
• Lead design direction for 3D environments, including spatial planning, scenic and lighting integration, and architectural visualization
• Guide teams of designers, 3D artists, and art directors through iterative creative development
• Elevate creative output by championing craft, innovation, and storytelling

Spatial Concepting & Design Development

• Translate creative strategy into experiential concepts and environmental design narratives
• Lead development of renderings, mood boards, and 3D visualizations that bring ideas to life
• Oversee design refinement — from floorplans and sightline studies to décor and fabrication details
• Integrate lighting, AV, and interactive technology into holistic spatial concepts
• Ensure creative integrity across all phases — from pitch to build
• Serve as a trusted creative lead and point of contact for clients throughout the design process
• Present concepts with clarity and confidence, connecting creative ideas to brand strategy and ROI
• Collaborate closely with Production and Fabrication teams to ensure design feasibility, cost alignment, and material excellence
• Support new business through ideation, storytelling, and pitch presentations

Core Competencies

• Proven track record of leading creative teams and delivering high-impact experiential design solutions
• Strong strategic thinking with deep knowledge of brand strategy, consumer behavior, and cultural/market trends
• Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite and Google Suite; proficiency with 2D/3D design tools and emerging technologies (including AI)
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to inspire teams and clients alike
• Skilled in balancing creativity with feasibility, budget, and timeline constraints
• Exceptional design sensibility and attention to detail, with a passion for guest-centered experiential journeys
• Strong mentorship capabilities, committed to nurturing talent and fostering team growth
• Solutions-oriented, flexible under pressure, and adept at problem-solving in fast-paced environments
• Passionate about pushing creative boundaries and staying ahead of cultural and industry trends

Onsite Responsibilities

• Gain a clear understanding of all team roles and responsibilities prior to and upon arrival onsite
• Oversee the onsite production deck, ensuring accuracy and alignment with installation plans
• Lead the installation of creative elements—including 3D builds, fabrication, furniture, and décor—while fostering strong relationships with vendors
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the full production schedule and how creative deliverables integrate into the larger timeline
• Participate in client walkthroughs, providing informed answers and proactive solutions
• Collaborate with creative and production teams to identify and resolve issues with a solutions-oriented mindset
• Take a hands‑on approach to execution, leading by example and supporting the team as needed
• Supervise and contribute to styling and décor to ensure design excellence
• Adapt and adjust floor plans or footprints as necessary to meet evolving onsite needs
• Partner with IP, LP, and Fabrication teams to implement adjustments while maintaining creative and production integrity

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in experiential, spatial, or environmental design (agency or studio setting preferred)
• Strong command of 3D design and visualization tools (e.g., SketchUp, VRay & Enscape, with willingness to learn D5)
• Familiarity with AutoCAD and ability to review technical documentation (floorplans, elevations)
• Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite; familiarity with CAD workflows a plus
• Experience leading creative teams and mentoring junior talent
• Ability to bridge creativity and practicality — delivering beautiful, buildable design
• Excellent presentation, storytelling, and communication skills
• Deep understanding of materials, fabrication processes, and production realities
• A passion for crafting spaces that evoke emotion and drive engagement

Travel & Mobility

• Ability to travel 25%
• Ability to work irregular hours in addition to normal business hours, to include nights, weekends and holidays as needed

PINCH’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.