Experiential Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Experiential Graphic Designer

Company: Cushing Terrell

Location: Denver, Colorado, United States; Billings, Montana, United States; Austin, Texas, United States; Boise, Idaho, United States; Seattle, Washington, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Operations / GTM Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-13

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and conceptualize immersive environmental graphics and wayfinding systems that enhance physical spaces.

• Collaborate closely with integrated architecture, interior design, and project management teams to ensure seamless integration of graphics into the built environment.

• Develop and manage detailed design documentation and specifications for fabrication and installation, ensuring design intent is met.

• Oversee projects from ideation through final execution, including site visits and installation oversight.

• Contribute to the strategic application of branding principles and visual messaging across diverse project types, including retail, corporate, and healthcare environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary title is "Experiential Graphic Designer," the role's emphasis on integrating graphics into physical spaces, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams (architecture, interior design), and managing projects from concept to execution positions it within a broader "Design Operations" or "GTM Operations" context. This involves ensuring design consistency, process adherence, and effective communication across various project stakeholders, which are core operational functions in a design-centric firm.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop innovative environmental graphics for a variety of project types including retail, corporate, healthcare, and public environments.

• Create comprehensive wayfinding strategies and signage systems that effectively guide users through complex built spaces.

• Work collaboratively with architects, interior designers, project managers, and other stakeholders to ensure graphics are seamlessly integrated into overall project design and functionality.

• Produce detailed design documentation, specifications, and production-ready files for vendors and fabricators.

• Coordinate directly with fabricators and installers, ensuring accuracy in production and execution.

• Conduct site visits to assess project conditions, review progress, and provide oversight during installation to confirm design intent is achieved.

• Prepare and present design concepts, renderings, and proposals to clients and internal teams, articulating design rationale and solutions.

• Manage multiple projects concurrently, adhering to strict deadlines, budgets, and quality standards.

• Consult with supervisors and clients to define project needs, scope, and obtain cost estimates from external vendors.

• Ensure all designs align with established branding guidelines, client requirements, and project objectives.

• Perform quality control checks, including proof and press checks, and maintain organized image resource files.

• Stay abreast of current industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in experiential design to drive innovation.

• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior design team members as directed by management.

• Identify and refer potential new client leads to management, contributing to business development efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed responsibilities indicate a need for strong project management capabilities, vendor negotiation, and detailed documentation, which are critical operational aspects of design execution. The role requires not just creative design but also the operational rigor to bring those designs to life efficiently and effectively within budgetary and timeline constraints.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Graphic Design, Environmental Design, Architecture, Interior Design, or a closely related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional experience specifically in experiential graphic design, environmental graphic design, or closely related fields.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including advanced skills in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

• Strong understanding of layout principles, typography, color theory, and core branding principles.

• Proven experience in developing wayfinding strategies, environmental graphics, and comprehensive signage systems.

• Ability to generate detailed design documentation, technical specifications, and production-ready files for fabrication and installation.

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with a proven ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams and incorporate constructive feedback.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet demanding deadlines.

• Willingness and ability to travel up to 20% of the time for site visits and project oversight. Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience working within an architecture, interior design, or multidisciplinary design firm environment.

• Familiarity with vendor and fabricator coordination processes, including RFI management and submittal reviews.

• Experience in integrating visual messaging and branding across digital platforms, including social media.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "equivalent experience" alongside a degree acknowledges that practical, hands-on experience in delivering complex design projects is highly valued. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite, coupled with specific experiential design skills, suggests a need for both creative talent and technical execution capability, a common requirement for operations-focused design roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse projects demonstrating expertise in environmental graphic design and wayfinding systems.

• Include detailed case studies that highlight the design process from concept ideation to final execution and installation.

• Present examples of detailed design documentation, including specifications and production-ready files for fabrication.

• Demonstrate the ability to integrate graphics seamlessly into architectural and interior design contexts.

• Clearly articulate the impact and effectiveness of your designs, ideally with quantifiable results or client feedback. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of workflow management for design projects, illustrating how you handle multiple tasks and deadlines.

• Include documentation that shows your process for coordinating with fabricators and installers, including specification development and quality control.

• Showcase how you gather project requirements and translate them into design solutions, including client communication and feedback integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Experiential Graphic Designer role, a portfolio is paramount as it directly demonstrates the candidate's ability to translate creative concepts into tangible, functional, and aesthetically pleasing spatial experiences. The emphasis on process documentation and system integration underscores the operational aspect of the role – not just creating designs, but managing their lifecycle and successful implementation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The expected salary range for this position is $65,000 to $80,000 annually. *Actual pay will be determined based on the candidate’s years of experience, licensure status, location, level of proficiency, and other job-related factors (as permitted by law).

Benefits:

• Annual performance bonus eligibility.

• Comprehensive benefits package, details available in the Employee Benefits Guide.

• Opportunities for work in various locations and markets across Cushing Terrell's office network.

• Company culture that celebrates diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position. While the majority of the time involves sitting in an office, the role may require limited physical activity such as bending, stretching, twisting, and reaching. Standard working hours are assumed to be approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for extended hours depending on project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a mid-level designer in these locations, reflecting the specialized nature of experiential graphic design and the operational responsibilities involved. The inclusion of a performance bonus aligns with roles that have clear impact metrics and deliverables.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture & Design Services, Engineering, Construction. Cushing Terrell operates as a multidisciplinary design firm, integrating architecture, interior design, and engineering services.

Company Size: Over 500 team members across 17 offices. This size indicates a well-established firm with structured processes, opportunities for specialization, and cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: Cushing Terrell has a long history, suggesting stability, established methodologies, and a deep understanding of client needs within its core industries.

Team Structure:

• The Experiential Graphic Designer will be part of a multidisciplinary design team, working alongside architects, interior designers, project managers, and potentially other specialized designers.

• Reporting structure likely involves direct reporting to a Design Lead or Principal within the Experiential Graphics discipline or a senior member of the design leadership team.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core element, requiring seamless integration with project teams and external stakeholders. Methodology:

• Data-driven design decisions, leveraging insights from client briefs, user research, and market trends.

• Emphasis on sustainable systems and spaces, reflecting a commitment to responsible design practices.

• Holistic approach to built environments, ensuring that all design elements, including graphics, contribute to the overall user experience and project goals.

Company Website: https://cushingterrell.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: As a large, multidisciplinary firm, Cushing Terrell likely has robust operational frameworks for project management, quality control, and client management. The "design meets you" tagline suggests a client-centric and people-focused approach, which extends to their internal team dynamics and collaborative processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level, requiring 2-5 years of specialized experience. It signifies a transition from junior design tasks to independent project management and client interaction, with a focus on operationalizing design concepts.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Design Director, Senior Experiential Graphic Designer, or a Principal overseeing the design discipline. This structure allows for mentorship while providing autonomy in project execution.

Operations Impact: The Experiential Graphic Designer's work directly impacts client brand perception, user experience within built environments, and the overall aesthetic and functional success of projects. Their operational effectiveness in delivering high-quality, on-time, and on-budget designs contributes significantly to client satisfaction and the firm's reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like wayfinding strategy, retail branding, or healthcare environments.

• Leadership: Progress to Senior Experiential Graphic Designer, leading projects, mentoring junior staff, and contributing to design strategy.

• Project Management: Develop stronger project management skills, potentially transitioning to roles that focus more on the operational oversight of design projects.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain exposure to architecture, interior design, and engineering principles, fostering a more holistic design understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for an Experiential Graphic Designer in a firm like Cushing Terrell often involves not just artistic development but also a deepening of project management and operational execution skills, preparing them for leadership roles that require strategic oversight of design projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in an on-site office environment within one of Cushing Terrell's listed locations (Denver, Billings, Austin, Boise, Seattle). This suggests a collaborative workspace designed for in-person interaction and team synergy.

Office Location(s): Denver, Colorado; Billings, Montana; Austin, Texas; Boise, Idaho; Seattle, Washington. These locations offer diverse living and working environments.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Offices are designed to foster collaboration, with shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and areas for informal interaction among design teams.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, hardware, and potentially digital collaboration tools.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for direct interaction with design colleagues, project managers, and other disciplines, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours/week) are expected, with flexibility potentially available depending on project needs and team agreements. The nature of design projects may require occasional overtime to meet deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of direct collaboration, spontaneous idea generation, and hands-on project coordination, which are often crucial for complex spatial design projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience.

• Portfolio Review & Interview: A dedicated session to walk through selected portfolio projects, discussing design process, problem-solving, and operational execution. Expect questions about specific project challenges and how they were overcome.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interview: Meeting with potential colleagues from architecture, interior design, and project management to evaluate collaboration style and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to assess strategic thinking, leadership potential, and alignment with company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in experiential graphics and wayfinding. Prioritize projects that showcase your ability to integrate design into physical spaces.

• Showcase Process & Problem-Solving: For each project, clearly articulate the client's objectives, your design approach, the challenges encountered, and how you operationalized the design (e.g., fabrication coordination, installation oversight).

• Highlight Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., improved user flow, enhanced brand recognition) or describe the qualitative impact of your designs.

• Technical Detail: Include examples of detailed drawings, specifications, and production-ready files to demonstrate your technical proficiency and understanding of fabrication processes.

• Tailor to Cushing Terrell: Research Cushing Terrell's portfolio and recent projects to subtly align your presentation with their aesthetic and project types.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design exercise or case study that might involve a hypothetical project brief requiring you to outline your approach to developing an experiential graphic or wayfinding system.

• Practice articulating your design rationale and operational plan concisely and effectively.

• Be ready to discuss how you would collaborate with architects and interior designers to integrate your graphics into their designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes the portfolio, underscoring its role as a primary tool for assessing not just creativity but also the operational capacity to execute complex spatial design projects. Expect detailed questions about your process, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign (advanced proficiency required for documentation and layout), Illustrator (for vector graphics, logos, and illustrations), Photoshop (for image manipulation and rendering).

• 3D Modeling/Rendering Software (Preferred): Tools like SketchUp, Rhino, or Revit may be used for visualizing spatial designs and integrating graphics into architectural models.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana, Monday.com, or similar platforms for managing tasks, deadlines, and project workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly analytics-focused, the role requires understanding how design impacts user experience, which can be informed by post-occupancy evaluations or client feedback reports. CRM & Automation:

• Experience with CRM systems is not explicitly mentioned, but understanding how projects are managed within the firm's client relationship management framework could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite, essential for producing high-quality design deliverables and documentation. Familiarity with 3D modeling and project management tools would enhance efficiency and operational effectiveness.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional partnership to achieve holistic design solutions.

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging imaginative solutions that are both aesthetically compelling and functionally effective.

• Responsibility & Sustainability: Commitment to creating sustainable systems and spaces that benefit people and the planet.

• People-Centric: Placing individuals at the center of their practice, fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, and belonging.

• Integrity: Upholding high standards in design execution, client relationships, and business practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Design Process: Working seamlessly with architects, interior designers, and engineers to ensure graphics are an integral part of the built environment, not an afterthought.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear, consistent, and constructive dialogue among team members and with clients.

• Feedback Culture: Valuing and actively seeking constructive feedback to improve designs and project outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where team members share expertise, learn from each other, and collectively advance their skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Cushing Terrell's emphasis on "people at the center" and "design meets you" suggests a culture that values individual contributions within a supportive, collaborative framework. For an operations-focused design role, this means being adept at working with diverse personalities and integrating feedback to achieve collective project goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Effectively translating creative visions into designs that adhere to budget, timeline, and technical fabrication limitations.

• Integrating with Diverse Disciplines: Ensuring seamless collaboration and communication with architects and interior designers who may have different design priorities or workflows.

• Managing Project Scope Creep: Maintaining control over project scope and deliverables while accommodating client feedback and evolving project needs.

• Staying Current: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in design technology, materials, and fabrication methods.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to attend workshops, webinars, and industry events focused on experiential design, digital fabrication, and advanced software techniques.

• Mentorship: Guidance from senior designers and leaders within the firm to develop technical skills, project management capabilities, and client relations.

• Project Diversity: Exposure to a wide range of project types and scales, providing broad learning experiences and skill diversification.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Learning opportunities related to architecture, interior design, and engineering principles to foster a more comprehensive understanding of the built environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the operational complexities of experiential design. Growth opportunities focus on both deepening design expertise and enhancing the operational skills required for project leadership and advanced execution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you had to integrate complex environmental graphics into an existing architectural design. What were the key challenges, and how did you collaborate with the architects to achieve a successful outcome?" (Focus on collaboration, problem-solving, and operational integration.)

• "Walk us through your process for developing a wayfinding system for a large public space. How do you ensure clarity, accessibility, and brand consistency?" (Emphasize process, user-centricity, and operational planning.)

• "How do you approach specifying materials and finishes for environmental graphics, considering durability, aesthetics, and fabrication costs?" (Highlight technical knowledge, cost awareness, and operational execution.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your research, what aspects of Cushing Terrell's approach to design and sustainability resonate most with your professional values?" (Demonstrate research and cultural alignment.)

• "How do you envision contributing to a multidisciplinary design team and fostering a collaborative environment?" (Showcase teamwork and communication skills.)

• "Describe a time you received constructive criticism on a design. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" (Assess adaptability and receptiveness to feedback.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative, detailing the problem, your solution, and the impact.

• Process Emphasis: Clearly articulate your design and production process, highlighting how you managed tasks, coordinated with vendors, and oversaw installation.

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality images and concise annotations. For technical documentation, ensure it's legible and clearly demonstrates your capabilities.

• Interactive Engagement: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your design decisions, technical specifications, and project management approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also the operational rigor, project management skills, and collaborative spirit required for success in a multidisciplinary design firm.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Experiential Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Cushing Terrell careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating expertise in environmental graphics, wayfinding, and integration with architectural/interior design. Include examples of detailed documentation and fabrication coordination.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and specific achievements in experiential design projects. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio with a focus on process, problem-solving, and operational execution. Prepare specific examples that showcase your collaboration skills and ability to manage complex projects.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Cushing Terrell's mission, values, and recent projects to articulate your alignment and enthusiasm for their work. Pay attention to their emphasis on sustainability and people-centric design.

⚠️ 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.