Brand Activation & Event Designer
Cornerstone Technologies, American Fork, Utah, United States, 84003
Brand Activation & Event Designer
About the Role
As a Brand Activation & Event Designer, you will bring brands to life through compelling physical environments including retail pop-ups, brand activations, and events. You'll translate brand strategies into immersive three-dimensional spaces that create memorable consumer connections and drive business results. This role requires someone with a strong understanding of environmental design, retail strategy, and consumer engagement who can balance creative vision with practical execution across temporary and semi-permanent installations.
Your Responsibilities
Design & Creative Development
Translate creative briefs and brand guidelines into impactful environmental design solutions for activations, pop-ups, and events Create comprehensive design packages including sketches, renderings, floor plans, elevations, 2D and 3D visualizations, and presentation decks Design thoughtful and engaging guest journeys that maximize brand impact and consumer flow Develop multiple design concepts and solutions that align with brand identity while pushing creative boundaries Understand how brands translate into physical retail and event spaces, from architecture to finishing details Create mood boards, material palettes, and styling concepts that bring brand stories to life Spatial & Environmental Design
Design functional layouts considering traffic flow, space allocation, sightlines, and consumer behavior Specify materials, textures, finishes, lighting, furniture, fixtures, graphics, props, and decor elements Understand fabrication methods, rental options, and construction techniques to ensure designs are buildable Create detailed specifications and documentation for production teams to execute designs Balance aesthetic vision with structural requirements, safety regulations, and building codes Production & Execution Collaboration
Work directly with production, fabrication, and graphics teams to vet ideas and understand what's feasible within budgets Collaborate with vendors, fabricators, and installers to ensure design intent is maintained through execution Solve design and budgetary challenges while maintaining brand integrity and design excellence Understand project timelines and installation logistics for temporary activations Review shop drawings, material samples, and mockups to ensure quality standards Client & Stakeholder Management
Participate in planning and strategy sessions, contributing insights on spatial design and consumer engagement Present design concepts with confidence and enthusiasm to internal teams and clients Develop and maintain strong client relationships through clear communication and creative excellence Manage client expectations while advocating for design excellence Identify opportunities for additional projects and scope expansion with existing clients Project Collaboration
Collaborate seamlessly with creative directors, account teams, strategists, and production staff Work on multiple projects simultaneously, managing time effectively and meeting deadlines Communicate concerns early with a solutions-oriented approach when challenges arise Participate in new business development efforts including pitch presentations Mentor junior designers and provide constructive creative direction Your Skills & Competencies
Technical Proficiency
Mastery of relevant creative tools Ability to effectively and artistically convey and present ideas in 3D (modeling and rendering software or sketches and material boards) Proficiency in Figma for presentation decks and collaborative design work Experience creating technical drawings, floor plans, and elevations Passion for learning emerging design tools and AI-based software Design Excellence
Expert understanding of environmental and experiential design principles Deep knowledge of retail design, consumer behavior, and merchandising strategies Comprehensive understanding of materials, finishes, lighting design, and spatial composition Strong graphic design skills and understanding of brand identity systems Excellent aesthetic, eye for detail, color, typography, and styling Ability to design across various brand aesthetics and adapt to client-specific styles Retail & Activation Expertise
Understanding of retail environments, pop-up strategy, and temporary installations Knowledge of consumer engagement tactics and activation best practices Experience with event design across various scales and formats Understanding of how physical spaces drive brand awareness and business outcomes Familiarity with POS materials, signage systems, and wayfinding design Budget & Production Knowledge
Clear understanding of project budgets and ability to design within financial constraints Knowledge of fabrication costs, rental vs. custom build decisions, and value engineering Understanding of installation logistics, timelines, and on-site coordination Solid comprehension of graphic production processes and file preparation Ability to balance design ambition with practical execution realities Professional Competencies
Creative Innovation - Constantly push boundaries while staying strategically grounded; bring fresh thinking to brand challenges and develop solutions that are both beautiful and effective Communication - Articulate design concepts clearly and persuasively; present work with confidence; express ideas through compelling visuals and narratives Urgency - Thrive under tight deadlines; make quick decisions without sacrificing quality; eliminate unnecessary steps while maintaining design excellence Flexibility - Adapt easily to changing priorities, client feedback, and evolving project requirements; maintain composure when challenges arise Prioritization/Organization - Manage multiple projects effectively; allocate time and resources wisely; track hours and budgets accurately Mindset & Approach
Solutions-oriented mindset, approaching obstacles as creative challenges to solve Knows how to ideate within strategic and budgetary guardrails Pushes for innovative ideas while understanding when to move forward with agreed direction Maintains professionalism and positivity under pressure Works collaboratively while also excelling independently Committed to creating inclusive, energetic work environments Understands when to escalate issues to creative leadership Your Experience
Required
4-7 years of experience in environmental design, retail design, event design, or experiential design Degree or advanced training in Interior Design, Environmental Design, Architecture, Industrial Design, or related field Portfolio demonstrating strong work in brand activations, retail spaces, pop-ups, or event environments Proven experience bringing projects from concept through installation Experience working with fabricators, production teams, and vendors Strong presentation skills and experience presenting to clients Understanding of the experiential marketing industry and agency ecosystem Preferred
Experience with luxury brands, consumer products, or lifestyle brands Knowledge of sustainable design practices and materials Experience with trade shows, festivals, or large-scale events Understanding of digital integration in physical spaces (screens, interactive elements, lighting control) Experience managing or mentoring junior designers Ability to travel to site visits and installations (approximately 10-15% of time) Familiarity with project management tools and processes
About the Role
As a Brand Activation & Event Designer, you will bring brands to life through compelling physical environments including retail pop-ups, brand activations, and events. You'll translate brand strategies into immersive three-dimensional spaces that create memorable consumer connections and drive business results. This role requires someone with a strong understanding of environmental design, retail strategy, and consumer engagement who can balance creative vision with practical execution across temporary and semi-permanent installations.
Your Responsibilities
Design & Creative Development
Translate creative briefs and brand guidelines into impactful environmental design solutions for activations, pop-ups, and events Create comprehensive design packages including sketches, renderings, floor plans, elevations, 2D and 3D visualizations, and presentation decks Design thoughtful and engaging guest journeys that maximize brand impact and consumer flow Develop multiple design concepts and solutions that align with brand identity while pushing creative boundaries Understand how brands translate into physical retail and event spaces, from architecture to finishing details Create mood boards, material palettes, and styling concepts that bring brand stories to life Spatial & Environmental Design
Design functional layouts considering traffic flow, space allocation, sightlines, and consumer behavior Specify materials, textures, finishes, lighting, furniture, fixtures, graphics, props, and decor elements Understand fabrication methods, rental options, and construction techniques to ensure designs are buildable Create detailed specifications and documentation for production teams to execute designs Balance aesthetic vision with structural requirements, safety regulations, and building codes Production & Execution Collaboration
Work directly with production, fabrication, and graphics teams to vet ideas and understand what's feasible within budgets Collaborate with vendors, fabricators, and installers to ensure design intent is maintained through execution Solve design and budgetary challenges while maintaining brand integrity and design excellence Understand project timelines and installation logistics for temporary activations Review shop drawings, material samples, and mockups to ensure quality standards Client & Stakeholder Management
Participate in planning and strategy sessions, contributing insights on spatial design and consumer engagement Present design concepts with confidence and enthusiasm to internal teams and clients Develop and maintain strong client relationships through clear communication and creative excellence Manage client expectations while advocating for design excellence Identify opportunities for additional projects and scope expansion with existing clients Project Collaboration
Collaborate seamlessly with creative directors, account teams, strategists, and production staff Work on multiple projects simultaneously, managing time effectively and meeting deadlines Communicate concerns early with a solutions-oriented approach when challenges arise Participate in new business development efforts including pitch presentations Mentor junior designers and provide constructive creative direction Your Skills & Competencies
Technical Proficiency
Mastery of relevant creative tools Ability to effectively and artistically convey and present ideas in 3D (modeling and rendering software or sketches and material boards) Proficiency in Figma for presentation decks and collaborative design work Experience creating technical drawings, floor plans, and elevations Passion for learning emerging design tools and AI-based software Design Excellence
Expert understanding of environmental and experiential design principles Deep knowledge of retail design, consumer behavior, and merchandising strategies Comprehensive understanding of materials, finishes, lighting design, and spatial composition Strong graphic design skills and understanding of brand identity systems Excellent aesthetic, eye for detail, color, typography, and styling Ability to design across various brand aesthetics and adapt to client-specific styles Retail & Activation Expertise
Understanding of retail environments, pop-up strategy, and temporary installations Knowledge of consumer engagement tactics and activation best practices Experience with event design across various scales and formats Understanding of how physical spaces drive brand awareness and business outcomes Familiarity with POS materials, signage systems, and wayfinding design Budget & Production Knowledge
Clear understanding of project budgets and ability to design within financial constraints Knowledge of fabrication costs, rental vs. custom build decisions, and value engineering Understanding of installation logistics, timelines, and on-site coordination Solid comprehension of graphic production processes and file preparation Ability to balance design ambition with practical execution realities Professional Competencies
Creative Innovation - Constantly push boundaries while staying strategically grounded; bring fresh thinking to brand challenges and develop solutions that are both beautiful and effective Communication - Articulate design concepts clearly and persuasively; present work with confidence; express ideas through compelling visuals and narratives Urgency - Thrive under tight deadlines; make quick decisions without sacrificing quality; eliminate unnecessary steps while maintaining design excellence Flexibility - Adapt easily to changing priorities, client feedback, and evolving project requirements; maintain composure when challenges arise Prioritization/Organization - Manage multiple projects effectively; allocate time and resources wisely; track hours and budgets accurately Mindset & Approach
Solutions-oriented mindset, approaching obstacles as creative challenges to solve Knows how to ideate within strategic and budgetary guardrails Pushes for innovative ideas while understanding when to move forward with agreed direction Maintains professionalism and positivity under pressure Works collaboratively while also excelling independently Committed to creating inclusive, energetic work environments Understands when to escalate issues to creative leadership Your Experience
Required
4-7 years of experience in environmental design, retail design, event design, or experiential design Degree or advanced training in Interior Design, Environmental Design, Architecture, Industrial Design, or related field Portfolio demonstrating strong work in brand activations, retail spaces, pop-ups, or event environments Proven experience bringing projects from concept through installation Experience working with fabricators, production teams, and vendors Strong presentation skills and experience presenting to clients Understanding of the experiential marketing industry and agency ecosystem Preferred
Experience with luxury brands, consumer products, or lifestyle brands Knowledge of sustainable design practices and materials Experience with trade shows, festivals, or large-scale events Understanding of digital integration in physical spaces (screens, interactive elements, lighting control) Experience managing or mentoring junior designers Ability to travel to site visits and installations (approximately 10-15% of time) Familiarity with project management tools and processes