Associate 3D Design Director, Experience Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate 3D Design Director, Experience Design

Company: Circa - IPG DXTRA

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Experience Design / Brand Experience Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-22

Experience Level: 7-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the conceptualization and execution of innovative brand experiences from initial concept through to final implementation, leveraging a deep understanding of 3D design principles and consumer behavior.

• Apply an analytical and strategy-focused lens to all projects, ensuring a holistic journey from start to finish that aligns with client objectives and market trends.

• Develop and articulate a comprehensive understanding of client brands, their competitive landscapes, and emerging industry trends to inform strategic design decisions.

• Masterfully integrate diverse Experience Design pillars, including architecture, environmental, interior, retail, graphic, and motion design, to create impactful and memorable brand interactions.

• Manage a portfolio of multiple projects concurrently, excelling in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while maintaining high standards of creative output and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Design Director," has strong operational undertones due to the emphasis on process, client management, and strategic execution within the "Experience Design" framework. The "Associate" level suggests a senior individual contributor or a lead role with potential for future management. The emphasis on "operations" here refers to the systematic and strategic approach to delivering complex design projects rather than traditional back-office operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate creative concepts into detailed design development, overseeing the entire process from ideation through to final execution, with a focus on 3D and experiential elements.

• Employ a strategic and analytical approach to dissect client briefs, market dynamics, and consumer insights to shape compelling and effective brand experiences.

• Conduct thorough competitive analysis and market research to inform design strategies and identify opportunities for differentiation and innovation.

• Demonstrate advanced proficiency across all Experience Design disciplines, including but not limited to architectural concepts, environmental installations, interior aesthetics, retail environments, graphic applications, and motion graphics.

• Proactively research and integrate emerging industry trends, technologies, and best practices in design and experiential marketing to maintain a cutting-edge approach.

• Effectively manage project timelines, resources, and stakeholder expectations across multiple concurrent projects in a demanding, deadline-driven environment.

• Present design concepts and strategies clearly and persuasively to internal teams and external clients, articulating the rationale and expected impact.

• Mentor and guide junior design team members, fostering their professional development and ensuring adherence to design standards and client objectives.

• Champion and embody the company's core values, contributing to a collaborative and high-performing team culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative leadership and project management, crucial for roles within a GTM (Go-To-Market) or brand experience operations context. The emphasis on "analytical and strategy-focused lens" and "understanding of clients brand as well as their competitors" points to a need for operations-level thinking in design execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Architecture, or a closely related field is preferred.

Experience: 7-10 years of progressive experience in experience design, 3D design, environmental design, or a related creative field, with a proven track record of delivering impactful brand experiences.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in 3D design principles and their application in experiential contexts.

• Expert-level command of the Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Dimension, Substance 3D).

• Strong foundational skills in layouts, typography, color theory, sketching, visualization, and composition.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and articulate spatial diagrams, user journeys, and graphic design fundamentals.

• Proven experience in moodboard creation, material application selection, and conceptual visualization.

• Exceptional visual and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences.

• Natural communicator with strong interpersonal skills, capable of building rapport and trust with clients and team members.

• Adaptability and resilience, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and often ambiguous environment.

• A "hustler" mentality, characterized by proactivity, resourcefulness, and a drive to overcome challenges. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with 3D modeling and rendering software beyond Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Cinema 4D, Blender, Maya, SketchUp).

• Familiarity with environmental design, architectural principles, and interior design concepts.

• Experience in retail design, exhibit design, or event production.

• Knowledge of motion design principles and animation for experiential applications.

• Understanding of user experience (UX) principles as they apply to physical and digital brand touchpoints.

• Experience in client-facing roles with a focus on strategic design consultation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "hustler" mentality and adaptability are key operational traits for roles requiring quick pivots and problem-solving in client-facing or project-driven environments. The broad range of design skills required necessitates a strong operational capacity to synthesize and manage diverse creative inputs.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a minimum of 7-10 years of impactful design work, with a strong emphasis on experiential and 3D design projects.

• Clear demonstration of the design process, from initial concept ideation and research to final execution and implementation.

• Case studies that highlight the strategic thinking behind design decisions, linking them to client objectives and measurable outcomes.

• Examples of how user insights, consumer behaviors, and market trends were incorporated into the design solutions.

• Visual representation of diverse design applications, including environmental installations, retail spaces, digital interfaces, and graphic elements, demonstrating breadth of expertise.

• Evidence of ability to translate abstract concepts into tangible, engaging experiences. Process Documentation:

• Showcase a structured approach to project execution, from client brief analysis and concept development to detailed design and production oversight.

• Illustrate experience in managing project workflows, including timeline management, resource allocation, and cross-functional team coordination.

• Provide examples of how design challenges were overcome through innovative problem-solving and iterative design processes.

• Demonstrate proficiency in documenting design decisions, material specifications, and technical requirements for production and implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an "Experience Design" role with operational responsibilities, the portfolio is critical. It serves as a tangible representation of the candidate's ability to execute complex processes, manage projects, and deliver measurable results, mirroring the requirements of a strong operations professional.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $125,000 - $140,000 USD annually. This range is determined by several factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's actual experience, qualifications, and the specific market conditions of the employment location. The company also considers internal equity and budgetary considerations.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Work Model: Offers flexibility with a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work.

• No Meeting Fridays: Dedicated time for focused work, planning, and uninterrupted deep thinking.

• Generous Vacation Time ("Time Well Taken"): Encourages employees to take sufficient time off for rest and rejuvenation.

• Comprehensive Education Programs: Opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement.

• Tuition Reimbursement: Financial support for continued learning and formal education.

• 401K Matching: Employer contribution to retirement savings, enhancing financial wellbeing.

• Other potential benefits may include health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, and other standard employee benefits.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid work model and "No Meeting Fridays" initiative, allowing for efficient workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a senior-level design role in New York City. The benefits package emphasizes work-life balance and professional development, which are attractive to operations professionals seeking a supportive and growth-oriented environment. The "No Meeting Fridays" is a specific operational benefit that promotes focused productivity.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advertising & Marketing Services / Experiential Marketing / Brand Experience Design. This industry demands creativity, innovation, and a deep understanding of consumer engagement to create memorable brand interactions.

Company Size: Circa (part of IPG DXTRA) is a significant entity within the Interpublic Group of Companies (IPG), a global leader in marketing solutions. This implies a large, established organizational structure with access to extensive resources and a broad network, while potentially offering the agility of specialized agencies like Circa/Momentum.

Founded: Momentum Worldwide, the agency where this role resides within IPG DXTRA, was founded with a mission to create disruptive, entertaining, and unforgettable brand experiences. This history suggests a culture built on innovation, pushing creative boundaries, and a focus on delivering exceptional client value.

Team Structure:

• The "Associate 3D Design Director" would likely be part of a larger Experience Design or Creative team within Momentum Worldwide.

• This team is expected to be collaborative, drawing on expertise from strategy, analytics, consulting, and production to deliver "Total Brand Experiences."

• Reporting structure is likely to a Creative Director or a Head of Experience Design, with direct mentorship responsibilities for junior designers.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, working closely with strategy teams to understand insights, analytics teams to measure impact, and production teams to bring designs to life. Methodology:

• Data-driven insights and consumer behavior analysis are fundamental to shaping brand experiences.

• Workflow optimization is key, managing complex projects from concept to execution efficiently.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed in design tools and project management to streamline processes and enhance output.

• A strong emphasis on strategic thinking, ensuring all design choices serve clear business objectives.

Company Website: https://www.ipgdxtra.com/ (for IPG DXTRA), and likely Momentum Worldwide has its own site as well.

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of IPG DXTRA and Momentum Worldwide suggests a company that values innovation, client-centricity, and a holistic approach to brand building. For an operations professional, understanding this culture is key to aligning with the company's strategic goals and operational methodologies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior individual contributor level ("Associate Director"), indicating a significant depth of expertise and responsibility. It requires not only design mastery but also the ability to strategize, manage projects, and mentor others. This level often serves as a bridge to more senior leadership roles.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Creative Director or Head of Experience Design, providing direct creative and strategic guidance. The individual will also be responsible for mentoring junior designers, indicating a leadership component within the role.

Operations Impact: The "Associate 3D Design Director" directly influences the success of client campaigns by translating strategic objectives into tangible, impactful brand experiences. Their work is critical in shaping brand perception, driving consumer engagement, and ultimately contributing to revenue generation for clients. The focus on "Total Brand Experience" underscores the operational importance of seamless, integrated customer journeys.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to grow into a full Creative Director or Head of Experience Design, managing larger teams and more significant client portfolios.

• Specialization & Expertise: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of 3D or experiential design, becoming a go-to subject matter expert.

• Strategic Influence: Increased involvement in client strategy development, contributing to high-level decision-making for major brands.

• Cross-Functional Development: Exposure to other IPG DXTRA agencies and disciplines, fostering a broader understanding of the marketing ecosystem and potential for internal mobility.

• Mentorship & Training: Formalized opportunities to develop leadership and coaching skills through mentoring junior talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a senior designer in an agency like this often involves a progression towards strategic leadership and operational oversight of creative output. The emphasis on "operations" here is about managing the complex process of creative delivery at scale.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model. This suggests a mix of in-office collaboration and remote work, offering flexibility while maintaining opportunities for in-person teamwork and client engagement.

Office Location(s): New York, New York, United States. This prime location offers access to a vibrant creative hub, major clients, and industry events.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is likely designed to foster creativity and collaboration, with spaces for brainstorming, presentations, and focused work.

• Access to state-of-the-art design tools and technology, including powerful workstations, software licenses, and potentially prototyping labs or material libraries.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with a diverse team of creatives, strategists, account managers, and production specialists, promoting a dynamic and intellectually stimulating atmosphere.

• A culture that encourages open communication, feedback exchange, and the sharing of ideas to drive innovation.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour week is typical, the hybrid model and "No Meeting Fridays" suggest a focus on productivity and work-life balance rather than strict adherence to traditional office hours. The emphasis is on delivering results efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and "No Meeting Fridays" are operational strategies designed to enhance employee productivity and well-being, which are crucial for retaining talent in competitive creative and operations fields.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation: A key stage where candidates present their work, showcasing their design process, strategic thinking, and ability to articulate design rationale. Be prepared to discuss specific projects in detail, highlighting your role, challenges, and outcomes.

• Skills Assessment: May involve a design challenge or case study related to experiential design, requiring you to apply your skills to a hypothetical client brief. This assesses problem-solving abilities, creativity, and strategic application.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions designed to assess your fit with the company culture, your ability to collaborate, manage stress, mentor others, and handle client interactions.

• Final Rounds: Interviews with senior leadership to discuss strategic vision and potential impact on the team and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your expertise in 3D and experiential design, showcasing a range of skills and project types.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your process, the solutions you developed, and the results achieved. Emphasize your role and contributions, especially in collaborative projects.

• Highlight Operations: For each case study, subtly weave in how you managed project timelines, client communications, or integrated different design elements—demonstrating operational rigor.

• Showcase 3D & Experiential: Ensure your portfolio highlights your ability to conceptualize and execute in three dimensions and create immersive experiences.

• Visual Clarity & Professionalism: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a design challenge, thoroughly analyze the client's objectives, target audience, and any constraints.

• Think Strategically: Frame your approach by considering how the design will solve a business problem and create a memorable brand experience.

• Process Over Perfection: Demonstrate a clear, logical design process, even if the final output is a concept. Show your thinking.

• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your ideas concisely and persuasively, anticipating potential questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes the portfolio and problem-solving abilities, which are crucial for evaluating a candidate's operational capacity in executing complex creative projects. Preparing to discuss the "how" and "why" behind your work, including project management aspects, is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency is mandatory, covering Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and likely After Effects for motion graphics.

• 3D Design Software: While not explicitly listed beyond Adobe's Dimension/Substance, expect proficiency or willingness to learn tools like Cinema 4D, Blender, Maya, SketchUp, or similar for advanced 3D modeling, rendering, and animation.

• Prototyping/Visualization Tools: Tools for creating realistic renders, mockups, and potentially interactive prototypes to convey experiential concepts.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a design tool, understanding how to interpret and apply insights from analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics, campaign performance data) to inform design decisions is beneficial.

• Ability to present design impact, potentially using data visualization tools to demonstrate ROI or engagement metrics. CRM & Automation:

• Less direct relevance for a design role, but familiarity with project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira) and client relationship management (CRM) principles is advantageous for managing projects and client communications effectively.

• Understanding of how design assets integrate into marketing automation platforms or digital campaign workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite and the implied need for other 3D software highlights the technical skills required. For an operations-minded candidate, understanding how these tools integrate into larger project management and client delivery workflows is a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Be One: Fosters a collaborative spirit where team members work together seamlessly, sharing knowledge and supporting each other to achieve common goals. This translates to effective cross-functional partnerships.

• Do Great Work: A commitment to excellence, innovation, and delivering high-quality, impactful results that exceed client expectations. This drives a focus on process efficiency and creative rigor.

• Have Fun: Encourages a positive and engaging work environment, recognizing that creativity thrives when people enjoy what they do.

• Give Back: Emphasizes corporate social responsibility and community involvement, reflecting a broader purpose beyond client work.

• Grow: Promotes continuous learning, professional development, and personal advancement, encouraging employees to expand their skill sets and take on new challenges.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The team operates within a structure that demands close collaboration with strategy, analytics, consulting, and production teams to deliver holistic brand experiences.

• Process Review & Feedback: An open culture for constructive feedback and iterative design processes, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encourages the sharing of insights, trends, and best practices across disciplines to foster collective growth and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values are deeply integrated into its operational ethos, emphasizing collaboration, excellence, and continuous improvement – key attributes for success in any operations-focused role, including those within creative delivery.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity and Constraints: Effectively translating innovative design concepts into tangible experiences within client budgets, timelines, and technical limitations. This requires strong operational problem-solving.

• Rapidly Changing Priorities: Adapting quickly to evolving client needs, market trends, and project scope changes in a dynamic agency environment.

• Cross-Disciplinary Integration: Ensuring seamless collaboration and communication between diverse teams (strategy, design, production, analytics) to deliver cohesive brand experiences.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously learning and integrating new technologies, materials, and design methodologies in a fast-evolving industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to hone project management, client relations, and strategic planning skills within a creative context.

• Industry Exposure: Participation in industry conferences, workshops, and events to stay abreast of the latest trends in design, technology, and experiential marketing.

• Mentorship & Leadership Development: Formal and informal mentorship programs to develop leadership capabilities and guide junior team members.

• Cross-Agency Learning: Potential to learn from and collaborate with other agencies within the IPG DXTRA network, broadening exposure to different operational models and creative approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in operational roles within creative industries, requiring adaptability, strategic thinking, and strong process management skills. The growth opportunities focus on developing both creative and operational leadership capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex client brief into a tangible experiential design. What was your process, and what were the key challenges?" (Focus on your strategic approach, problem-solving, and execution steps.)

• "How do you balance creative vision with practical constraints such as budget and timeline? Provide an example." (Demonstrate your operational awareness and ability to deliver within limitations.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are aligned with client business objectives and target audience insights? Walk us through an example." (Emphasize your analytical and strategic thinking process.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about IPG DXTRA/Momentum Worldwide's approach to brand experience design?" (Research their recent work, values, and client roster.)

• "How would you contribute to our 'Be One' or 'Grow' values within the Experience Design team?" (Connect your personal work style and aspirations to their stated values.)

• "How do you approach mentoring junior designers, and what's your philosophy on fostering growth within a team?" (Showcase your leadership potential and collaborative spirit.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the challenge, your specific role and process, the creative solution, and the impactful results.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics or qualitative feedback to demonstrate the success of your designs. How did it drive engagement, brand perception, or meet client KPIs?

• Showcase 3D & Experiential Depth: Ensure your presentation emphasizes your ability to conceptualize and execute in three dimensions and create immersive, multi-sensory experiences.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to answer detailed questions about your technical choices, design rationale, and how you navigated project complexities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent, but also strategic thinking, operational efficiency, and the ability to manage complex projects from conception to completion. Highlighting your process and problem-solving skills will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-aligned design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse platform.

• Customize Your Operations-Focused Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight not only your design skills but also your experience in project management, client communication, process execution, and strategic thinking. Use keywords from the job description and industry best practices.

• Curate & Refine Your Portfolio: Select your strongest 3D and experiential design projects. For each, prepare a concise narrative that emphasizes your process, strategic intent, and any operational aspects of your involvement (e.g., timeline management, cross-functional collaboration). Ensure it's easily accessible online.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and any potential design challenges. Focus on clear, concise communication, demonstrating strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.

• Research the Company: Thoroughly research IPG DXTRA, Momentum Worldwide, their recent campaigns, and their stated values. Understand their approach to brand experience and identify how your skills and operational mindset align with their mission.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.