Intern, 3D Designer (MN)

The Bernard Group, Inc.; Chanhassen (MN); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee-owned

Job summary

The Bernard Group, Inc. in Chanhassen, MN offers a 2027 Summer Internship focused on 3D design and retail fixture development. Interns contribute to high‑quality models, renders, and client presentations while learning our fast-paced design process.

Onsite, Monday–Friday 8:30 am–5:00 pm, interns collaborate with Principal and Senior Designers, gaining mentorship and hands-on experience in a dynamic team environment.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Industrial Design, Interior Design, Environmental Design, or related spatial design disciplines.
• Strong interest in 3D retail fixture and spatial experience design.
• Ability to sketch, visualize, and contribute to design concepts with guidance from senior designers.

Responsibilities

• assist in concepting and design of retail fixturing & displays using 3D/2D modeling software (3Ds Max, Cinema 4D, SolidWorks, SketchUp) as required
• research and recommend trends and materials for retail design to stay current with display windows and fixtures
• maintain organized workload and communicate status to team
• support Design team in developing concepts including product/trend research, color boards, and initial product designs
• produce illustrations and 3D renderings for client presentations
• complete miscellaneous projects as assigned by management

Skills

Organizational ability

3D & 2D foundations

Communication & collaboration

Adaptability & initiative

Education

Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Industrial Design / related spatial design

Tools

3ds Max

Cinema 4D

SolidWorks

SketchUp

Rhino

Blender

Job description

Do you want to work for a company where your co-workers are co-owners? We are 100% employee owned! Our internship program provides you with the opportunity to be at the forefront of Innovation. Your contributions will be key in delivering world-class products, inspiration and solutions for some of the most prestigious brands in the market. This paid internship will begin with an interactive on-boarding program where you'll learn more about The Bernard Group, our state-of-the-art technology, processes and culture. Interns are integrated into our teams, giving you the opportunity to learn how to provide clients with the highest quality product, service and speed that the retail industry requires, while experiencing a culture of teamwork and ownership. We invite you to consider joining us as we consistently work to go above and beyond, and WOW those we serve!

The 3D Design Intern is a learning-focused role designed to introduce emerging designers to 3D retail fixture and spatial experience design. Contributing to the creation and execution of high-quality 3D models and renders that bring The Bernard Group’s point-of-sale fixtures to life, this position partners with Principal and Senior Designers to help develop and refine innovative design solutions that align with our customers' brand visions. Working under close guidance and mentorship, the Intern assists with gathering project inputs, collecting visual references, creating preliminary sketches, and building foundational 3D models. This role requires proficiency/foundational experience in 2D drawing and 3D modeling software, along with strong collaboration skills leveraged across Design, Product Development, Engineering, and Sales teams. An intern will support project organization by understanding the timeline & expected deliverables giving special attention to detail within a fast-paced retail design environment.

Shift available:Monday through Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (This internship requires onsite presence at our Chanhassen, Minnesota location. Relocation assistance, housing, and transportation are not provided. Candidates must reside in or be able to commute locally to the Chanhassen area for the duration of the internship.)

Compensation:$21.00 Hourly

A variety of these traits will help land you this job if you:

• are working towards a Bachelor’s or Associate's degree in Industrial Design, Interior Design, Environmental Design, or a related spatial design discipline
• have at least 1 year of experience in Industrial Engineering or similar discipline
• have more than 1 year of 3D software experience using 3ds Max,Cinema 4D,SolidWorks,SketchUp,Rhino,or Blender on a PC platform
• demonstrate an interest in,visual literacy for,and willingness to learn the fundamentals,intricacies,materials,and trends of retail design
• hold experience and knowledge of production processes and working within a team of cross-functional professionals
• showcase a strong portfolio demonstrating an elevated sense of spatial visualization, sketching ability, design aesthetics, 3D and 2D layout required

On top of that you must:

• possess strong Organizational Ability & File Management skills, with high attention to detail and an eagerness to keep digital files, project notes, and assets well-organized.
• have solid 3D & 2D Software Foundations,being proficient in or possessing foundational experience in 3D programs (3ds Max,Cinema 4D,SolidWorks,SketchUp,Rhino,Blender) with an eagerness to learn 3ds Max on the job,as well as proficiency in 2D layout and design programs from Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop,Illustrator).
• demonstrate Basic Sketching & Visual Literacy through an aptitude for freehand or digital sketching to quickly express design ideas, along with an eye for gathering relevant visual references, materials, and trends that support creative concepts.
• show Construction & Material Curiosity,including comprehension and basic understanding of fixture construction,shop drawings,fixture manufacturing,and construction methods for standard materials like wood,acrylic,metal,plastics,and paper.
• bring strong Communication & Collaboration habits, including a positive attitude, solid listening skills, the ability to present ideas concisely and effectively (both verbally and in writing), and a desire to actively participate in team discussions.
• exhibit Adaptability & Initiative by remaining open to receiving constructive feedback, eager to learn new techniques, adaptable, and willing to wear whatever hat gets the job done across various projects.

In this position, you will:

• assist in concepting and design of retail fixturing & displays through sketching and/or 2D/3D modeling software such as 3Ds Max, Cinema 4d, Solidworks or SketchUp as required
• research and recommend new trends and materials to stay current with design for retail including; display windows, semi-permanent and permanent displays & fixturing, and visual merchandising
• maintain a diligent, self-directed approach to workload while providing accurate and timely communication to coworkers and management
• support the Design team in developing design concepts which include; product/trend research, color, presentation boards/materials and initial product designs
• produce and implement illustrations and 3D renderings into client presentations
• complete miscellaneous projects as assigned by management

To get hired at The Bernard Group, you MUST be:

• able to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing. Strong interpersonal skills including, demonstrated listening skills and the ability to present ideas and thoughts concisely and effectively both internally and outside the organization
• willing to admit when you make a mistake (it happens to the best of us)
• fiercely loyal to both our customers and team
• trustworthy, reliable, and easy to get along with
• enthusiastic and eager to take on new challenges
• adaptable and willing to wear whatever hat gets the job done

TBG Overview:

• We're a 1,000-person visual merchandising company
• We are 100% employee-owned
• This is a 2027 Summer Internship in Chanhassen, MN beginning either May 24th or June 7th

The Art of Teams at TBG:

We believe teams of top talent with clear objectives will consistently outperform centralized control. We put a great amount of energy into building skilled and diverse teams to handle our most challenging pursuits. It’s the difference between average and being a world-class service provider.