Spring 2027 Design Co-op

Kolar Design; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Kolar Design in Cincinnati, OH, is seeking a Design Co-Op to contribute to brand experiences within the built environment, collaborating with senior designers and project leads to develop visual concepts and support the project lifecycle.

You will apply classroom skills, learn ADA and zoning considerations, assist in production tasks, and participate in internal meetings, with a focus on growth, collaboration, and delivering quality design work.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, environmental design, architecture, or related field.
• Portfolio showing coursework or personal projects in environmental graphic design.

Responsibilities

• Conduct entry-level research on client brands and design trends under supervision.
• Develop initial design elements like color palettes and sketches.
• Learn ADA and zoning considerations for environmental graphic design.
• Prepare and organize design files for review and project phases.
• Assist in production tasks, such as image sourcing and layout adjustments.
• Participate in internal meetings to observe client communication practices.

Skills

Design principles

Typography

Color theory

Layout

Education

Bachelor's degree in graphic design or related field

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe InDesign

Job description

As a Design Co-Op, you will engage in a hands-on learning experience, contributing to projects that shape impactful brand experiences within the built environment. Working closely with senior designers and project leads, you will assist in developing and executing visual concepts, providing critical support throughout the project lifecycle. This role is ideal for someone eager to learn, collaborate, and apply classroom skills to real-world applications.

In this role, you are expected to embody our core values

• Be Transformative. We are innovators driving meaningful change in the way people build relationships with space and with one another. We lead with an open mind.
• Make Quality Personal. We are humans who create beautiful experiences for other humans. We engage with empathy.
• Be Curious and Dig Deeper. We are opportunity finders, bringing diverse perspectives to the table to learn together. We stay curious.
• Succeed as a Team. We are collectively inspired and individually motivated to bring results to life. We deliver on our commitments.

Make a Positive Impact. We are connectors of ideas, influencers of our industry and contributors to our community. We drive positive change .

Objective & Responsibilities of the Role:

Design Development:

• Conduct entry-level research on client brands and design trends, applying basic design principles under supervision.
• Develop initial design elements like color palettes and graphic sketches, showcasing an understanding of project objectives and strategy.
• Learn and demonstrate awareness of ADA and zoning regulations as they relate to environmental graphic design.

Implementation:

• Prepare and organize design files for review, ensuring all elements are accurately documented and ready for project phases.
• Assist in production tasks, such as image sourcing, layout adjustments, and file management, under the guidance of team members.

Client Services:

• Participate in internal meetings, gaining exposure to client communication practices and learning how to articulate design concepts effectively.
• Accurately track and document hours and tasks to ensure accountability and transparency in project processes.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with foundational skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Basic knowledge of design principles, including typography, color theory, and layout.
• Organizational skills with a keen attention to detail, able to prioritize tasks and follow instructions.
• Strong communication skills, with a desire to learn and grow within a collaborative team environment.

Education and Experience:

• Working toward a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, environmental design, architecture, or a related field.
• Portfolio demonstrating coursework or personal projects that highlight an interest in environmental graphic design.