MISSION
PD Instore is a future-forward creator of brand solutions that enlightens, inspires, and transforms the consumer’s experience.
ABOUT PD
Founded in 1938, PD is a world-renowned design-to-build partner that crafts custom, future-forward brand solutions for some of the largest brands in retail.
Summary
The 3D Design Intern is an emerging creative contributor who supports the development of retail environments, displays, branded experiences, and visual concepts that align with PD’s clients and creative direction. Working under the guidance of the Creative Director and design team, this role offers hands-on exposure to the creative process from concept development through execution.
This internship is ideal for a current student, recent graduate, or early-career designer with strong creative instincts, curiosity around emerging technologies and AI-assisted workflows, and an interest in retail, spatial, and experiential design.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
- Support the design team in developing thoughtful, brand-right retail displays, environments, and visual concepts
- Assist in creating presentation materials, renderings, mockups, and visual storytelling assets
- Contribute ideas and references during concept development and creative reviews
- Collaborate with designers, strategists, engineers, and account teams to support project execution
- Explore modular and scalable design solutions that balance creativity with manufacturability
- Participate in brainstorming, sketching, digital visualization, and production preparation
- Help organize and prepare files, decks, and assets for internal reviews and client presentations
- Stay curious about emerging creative tools, AI-assisted workflows, digital culture, and evolving design trends
- Support multiple projects in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
- Performs other duties as assigned
- Fosters a culture that values family, innovation, collaboration and empowerment
- Follows all safety and workplace policies
Competencies and Skills
- Strong creative instincts with interest in retail, brand, spatial, or experiential design
- Familiarity with 3D design tools such as Blender, SketchUp, Rhino, 3ds Max, KeyShot, or related software
- Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite
- Interest in digital culture, internet-native visual communication, and emerging creative technologies
- AI-curious mindset with interest in using creative AI tools as part of concept development and workflow exploration
- Experience with digital sketching tools such as Procreate or Adobe Fresco preferred
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Ability to take direction, interpret feedback, and learn quickly
- Organized, adaptable, and eager to contribute in a team environment
- Ability to demonstrate and apply our workplace values
- Flexibility to travel between multiple PD locations
- Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working environment
Education/Certification
- Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Industrial Design, Environmental Design, Interactive Design, Architecture, or a related creative field
Experience
- Portfolio, coursework, freelance work, or personal creative projects demonstrating strong visual thinking and creative potential preferred
- Interest in retail, branded environments, experiential design, fashion, gaming, digital culture, or contemporary visual communication is a plus
- Exposure to culturally diverse, urban, or globally influenced creative environments encouraged.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
- This role is primarily based in a collaborative studio and office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
- Occasional movement throughout office, production, or client environments may be required, along with handling presentation materials, samples, or prototypes.
- Walking, sitting, bending, twisting, reaching, pushing, pulling and lifting may be required throughout the workday.
Benefits and perks we offer to full-time, regular employees
- Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
- 4% 401k Match with 5% Employee Contribution
- Paid Time Off
- Parental Leave
- 8 Paid Holidays
- Flex Time
- STD, LTD and Group Life Insurance
- FSA and HSA Options
- Voluntary
- Life Insurance
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Accident Insurance
- Legal and Identity Theft Plans
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Referral Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Career Advancement
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Employee Recognition
- English as a Second Language Education
- Online Training Opportunities
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in industrial design, interactive design or related field
- Minimum of 3+ years design experience
- Experience with 3D Studio Max
- Experience with Keyshot
- Experience with Unreal Engine
- Knowledge of design processes and computer systems
- Knowledge of store environments and consumer impact
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Flexibility to travel between multiple PD locations
- Ability to present and communicate concepts to senior creative team and clients
- Retail industry experience
What We Do
PD Instore is a Minnesota-based design-to-build partner specializing in in-store visual merchandising solutions for the retail industry. They create future-forward brand solutions, including custom fixtures, POP displays, and full retail environments that enhance the consumer experience. By integrating creative design, engineering, and manufacturing, they help global brands elevate their physical presence through high-end, innovative store environments and strategic visual merchandising.
