Full-time salaried

AIGA; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society uses horticulture to advance the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia region.

The Design Associate will translate design concepts into on-site reality for the Philadelphia Flower Show, collaborating across teams from concept to final implementation, and supporting drafting, 3D modeling, and visual storytelling.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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: Collaborate with the Director of Planning & Design on small-scale design projects and tasks for Shows & Events, from concept through implementation.

Skills

3D modeling

Excel proficiency

Spreadsheet skills

Design software familiarity

Tools

SketchUp

Layout

Excel

Google Sheets

Drafting software

Job description

Benefits Include: We offer several medical plan options that include prescription drug coverage, vision coverage, preventive care services, and healthy lifestyle programs. PHS currently pays most of the monthly medical plan premiums.

Our benefits program also includes these valuable benefits:

• Access to dental benefits and flexible spending accounts
• Company-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability benefits
• Access to supplemental life, critical illness, and accident insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Automatic company contributions to a 403(b) plan after one year of service
• Identity theft protection
• Immediate access to participate on a pre-tax and/or after-tax basis in a 403(b) plan

WHY JOIN US?
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.

Position Overview:

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society uses horticulture to advance the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia region.

Responsibilities:

1) 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:
• Collaborate with the Director of Planning & Design on small-scale design projects and tasks for Shows & Events, from concept through implementation.

2) 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.

3) 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.

4) ON-SITE LOGISTICS & 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.

Qualification:

TECHNICAL:

• 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.
• 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

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