About the role#
The Design and Production Intern will support the creative design process, production workflow, and build preparation for mall activations, temporary pop-up shops, and in-store decorative installations. This role provides exposure to concepting, layout planning, fabrication techniques, CNC operation, prototyping, and installation support.
What you'll do#
- Assist in developing concepts, sketches, mood boards, and visual layouts for mall activations, pop-up shops, and store décor installations.
- Support the creation of production-ready files, including technical drawings, cut files, floor plans, and build assets.
- Participate in hands-on fabrication, including the use of basic shop tools, material preparation, and operation of CNC machines.
- Help prototype decorative elements and structural components to test functionality, scale, and finish.
- Support quality checks, assembly steps, and pre-install preparation for displays and activation structures.
- Conduct material, fabrication, and trend research to inform design feasibility and production planning.
- Maintain organized project documentation, digital files, material inventories, and reference assets.
What you'll need#
- Junior, senior, or recent graduate status pursuing a degree in Industrial Design, Architecture, Set Design, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, or a related field.
- Experience with 3-D modeling software such as Rhino, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Blender.
- Familiarity with CAD/CAM software and principles of digital fabrication.
- Basic understanding of CNC machining and other digital fabrication methods.
- Strong design and visualization skills, with the ability to create detailed and accurate models.
- Knowledge of design principles and the ability to apply them to real-world projects.
- Creative problem-solving skills and an eagerness to learn new tools and workflows.
Location & details#
- Location: Knoxville, TN
- Term: Fall 2026
- Modality: On-site
- Employment type: Full-time, paid internship
