Experiential Graphic Designer IV

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Experiential Graphic Designer IV

Company: CannonDesign

Location: New York, NY

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Experiential Graphic Design / GTM Operations (Support Role)

Date Posted: 2026-08-12T19:49:12

Experience Level: Senior (10+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic conceptualization and design development of complex experiential graphic design projects, ensuring alignment with client vision and brand identity.

• Drive innovation by translating client needs and complex ideas into compelling narratives and visually impactful solutions across diverse market sectors.

• Mentor and develop junior design team members, fostering their technical skills, art direction capabilities, and storytelling strategies to elevate overall team performance.

• Manage projects from initial strategy and concept through to final design and construction administration, ensuring seamless execution and quality control.

• Champion CannonDesign's "Living-Centered Design" ethos by integrating best practices and promoting the firm's expertise across internal disciplines and external platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is design, this role has significant operational components, including project management, team leadership, client engagement, and cross-functional collaboration, aligning it with GTM support operations that drive client success and brand representation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptual Leadership: Spearhead the development of innovative design concepts for experiential graphics, wayfinding systems, signage, donor recognition, and interpretive exhibits, ensuring a unique vision is expressed.

• Project & Team Management: Oversee diverse project teams, providing creative and artistic direction from inception to completion, and manage the review of shop drawings and submittals during construction administration.

• Client Engagement & Strategy: Translate clients' needs, visions, and strategies into tangible design solutions that powerfully express their mission and purpose, fostering strong client relationships.

• Mentorship & Development: Guide and mentor junior designers, sharing expertise in technical skills, art direction, and effective storytelling strategies to enhance their professional growth and the team's collective capabilities.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Actively engage with interior designers, architects, vendors, fabricators, and outside consultants, advocating for the experiential graphic design team's expertise and capabilities within CannonDesign's broader network.

• Brand & Ethos Integration: Explore and implement compelling ways to promote CannonDesign's "Living-Centered Design" philosophy and integrate its principles into team workflows and firm-wide practices.

• Marketing & Business Development Support: Contribute to marketing pursuits by developing compelling presentations and proposals, and participate in internal team initiatives that drive business growth and operational efficiency.

• Quality Assurance: Ensure rigorous attention to detail in all design documentation and execution phases, maintaining high standards for client deliverables and project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative leadership and operational execution, emphasizing project lifecycle management, team performance, and strategic client partnership, which are critical for GTM support roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Minimum Bachelor degree in Graphic Design, Architecture, or a closely related design field is required. Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of directly relevant professional experience in experiential graphic design, with a proven track record of managing complex projects. Required Skills:

• Exceptional Design Portfolio: A robust portfolio demonstrating strong conceptual thinking, design execution across various media, and a deep understanding of experiential design principles.

• Typography Expertise: Advanced skills in typography, with the ability to apply it creatively and effectively to enhance brand messaging and spatial experiences.

• Wayfinding & Signage Systems: Deep understanding of signage and wayfinding design methodology, including principles of legibility, user flow, and environmental integration.

• Software Proficiency: Required proficiency on Mac operating systems with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, including scope, timeline, and budget considerations, demonstrating strong organizational and leadership skills.

• Client & Technical Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead client relationships and provide technical direction to production teams for large, complex projects.

• Critical Thinking & Business Acumen: Ability to think critically, analyze complex problems, and possess strong business acumen to contribute to strategic decision-making.

Preferred Skills:

• Market Experience: Experience in Healthcare, Education, and Commercial project markets is preferred.

• 3D Software Skills: Familiarity or proficiency with Revit and SketchUp is a plus, aiding in collaboration with architectural and interior design teams.

• Storytelling & Art Direction: Strong background in art direction and storytelling strategies, with the ability to translate abstract concepts into compelling visual narratives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on client leadership, technical leadership for production teams, and business acumen suggests this role requires an operations-minded individual who can manage the business aspects of design delivery, not just the creative output.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of Complex Projects: Showcase a minimum of 3-5 significant experiential graphic design projects, detailing the initial client brief, strategic approach, design process, and final outcomes.

• Demonstration of Workflow: Illustrate the end-to-end project lifecycle managed, from client engagement and conceptualization through to fabrication coordination and construction administration, highlighting personal contributions and leadership.

• System Integration Examples: Include examples of how design systems (e.g., wayfinding, branding) were developed and integrated into architectural environments, demonstrating an understanding of spatial design.

• ROI & Impact Articulation: For each case study, clearly articulate the impact of the design solutions on client objectives, user experience, brand perception, or business goals, quantifying results where possible.

Process Documentation:

• Conceptualization Framework: Provide insight into your process for translating client needs and abstract ideas into concrete design concepts, including research, ideation, and strategy development.

• Design Development & Execution: Detail your methodology for developing design documentation (e.g., graphic programs, signage plans, exhibit designs) and ensuring technical accuracy for fabrication and installation.

• Collaboration & Coordination: Outline your approach to collaborating with internal teams (architects, interior designers) and external partners (vendors, fabricators) to ensure seamless project delivery and adherence to design intent.

• Quality Control & Review: Describe your process for reviewing technical documentation (shop drawings, submittals) and conducting site visits to ensure design integrity and quality during construction phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "IV" designation and 10+ years of experience, the expectation is for a portfolio that not only showcases design excellence but also demonstrates robust project management, strategic thinking, and operational oversight of the design process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $98,235 to $122,840 annually for the New York City office.

• This range reflects the anticipated base compensation at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on geographic location, work experience, education, and skill level. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Financial Wellness: Flexible spending account options, voluntary insurances, and a 401k plan.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, flex-time schedules, and remote work options.

• Employee Programs: Employee perk programs designed to enhance employee well-being and engagement.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for professional growth and learning within a dynamic design environment.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through flex-time schedules and remote work options.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided for New York City, a high cost-of-living area. The benefits package is comprehensive and typical for a large, established firm like CannonDesign, with specific emphasis on work-life balance and employee well-being, which are crucial for retaining senior talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Engineering, and Design Services. CannonDesign operates at the intersection of strategy, experience, architecture, engineering, and social impact.

Company Size: Large (over 1,000 employees), indicating a structured organization with diverse capabilities and a global presence.

Founded: The company has a long history (founded in 1945), suggesting a stable, established firm with deep expertise and a commitment to long-term client relationships and employee development.

Team Structure:

• Experiential Graphic Design Team: This team likely comprises specialized designers focused on creating impactful brand experiences within the built environment. They collaborate closely with architecture and interior design disciplines.

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role emphasizes partnership with architects and interior designers, suggesting a highly integrated team structure where different disciplines work synergistically on projects.

• Reporting: While not explicitly stated, a Senior Designer IV would likely report to a Design Director, Principal, or a dedicated leader within the Experiential Graphic Design practice.

Methodology:

• Living-Centered Design: This core philosophy guides all of CannonDesign's work, focusing on creating solutions that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also enhance human well-being and social impact.

• Data-Driven Insights: While design is creative, operations roles within CannonDesign likely leverage data analysis to inform strategy, measure impact, and optimize processes.

• Collaborative Workflow: The culture promotes open communication and collaboration, encouraging lively design critiques and cross-disciplinary idea sharing to foster innovation and problem-solving.

Company Website: https://www.cannondesign.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Living-Centered Design" ethos is central to CannonDesign's identity and operational approach. Candidates should understand how this philosophy translates into practical design and project execution, demonstrating an appreciation for human-centric solutions beyond pure aesthetics.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level position (IV designation with 10+ years of experience) requiring significant leadership, strategic thinking, and independent project management capabilities within the design operations domain. It bridges creative execution with operational oversight.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a senior leader within the Experiential Graphic Design practice, such as a Director or Principal, and will be responsible for mentoring junior staff. This structure offers exposure to high-level strategic decision-making.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts client success by translating their brand identity and mission into tangible, memorable spatial experiences. It contributes to CannonDesign's reputation, market position, and ability to win new business by delivering exceptional, award-winning work. The operational aspect involves ensuring efficient project delivery, client satisfaction, and internal team development.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into leadership roles such as Design Director, Practice Leader, or Principal within the Experiential Graphic Design team, with expanded responsibilities for business development, client management, and strategic direction.

• Specialization & Expertise: Deepen expertise in specific market sectors (Healthcare, Education, Commercial) or in particular areas of experiential design (e.g., digital integration, sustainable design).

• Firm-Wide Influence: Contribute to firm-wide initiatives, mentor junior talent across the organization, and play a role in shaping CannonDesign's design methodology and future direction.

• Industry Recognition: Opportunities to lead award-winning projects and contribute to the firm's reputation through internal and external sharing of work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "IV" designation and required experience strongly suggest a path towards leadership. Candidates should frame their experience in terms of operational impact, team development, and strategic contribution, not just individual design achievements.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: CannonDesign operates a hybrid work model. This role is based in the New York City office, suggesting a primary office presence with flexibility for remote work.

Office Location(s): New York, NY. This implies working within a vibrant urban environment known for its design and architectural significance.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Studios: Expect an environment designed for collaboration, likely featuring open studio spaces, meeting rooms, and presentation areas to facilitate interaction with design teams.

• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, potentially Revit/SketchUp) and necessary hardware. The firm's commitment to innovation suggests access to modern design and project management tools.

• Cross-Disciplinary Interaction: Frequent opportunities to interact with architects, interior designers, engineers, and other specialists, fostering a rich learning and collaborative exchange.

Work Schedule: The mention of "flex-time schedules" and "remote work options" indicates a degree of flexibility beyond a rigid 9-to-5 structure. This allows for managing personal needs while ensuring project deadlines and client commitments are met, crucial for operations roles that often require adaptability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and flex-time offer operational advantages for balancing project demands with personal productivity. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they manage their time and collaboration effectively in such an environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with CannonDesign's aesthetic and operational standards.

• Portfolio Presentation: A key stage where candidates present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, design process, leadership roles, and operational contributions. Be prepared to articulate your "why" for each project.

• Technical & Conceptual Interviews: Discussions with design leaders and team members to assess design acumen, technical proficiency, problem-solving skills, and understanding of experiential design principles.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interviews: Assessment of collaboration style, leadership potential, communication skills, and alignment with CannonDesign's "Living-Centered Design" philosophy and company values.

• Final Round: Potential interviews with senior leadership to discuss strategic fit and long-term contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your experience in leading complex experiential graphic design projects, especially in Healthcare, Education, or Commercial sectors if applicable. Highlight your "IV" level contributions: leadership, strategic thinking, and operational management.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your strategic approach, your specific role and contributions (especially leadership and operational aspects), the problem-solving involved, and the measurable impact or outcome.

• Showcase Process: Include behind-the-scenes glimpses of your design process – sketches, mood boards, user journey maps, early concepts – to demonstrate your thinking.

• Highlight Operational Elements: Explicitly point out instances of project management, team leadership, client communication, vendor coordination, and construction administration. Quantify results where possible (e.g., successful project completion on time/budget, positive client feedback, award wins).

• Address "Living-Centered Design": Be ready to discuss how your work embodies human-centric design principles and contributes to social impact.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You may be given a hypothetical project brief to develop concepts or a design strategy. Focus on demonstrating your strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and ability to translate needs into actionable design directions.

• Operational Scenario: Be prepared for questions about managing difficult client conversations, resolving team conflicts, or optimizing project workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design challenges indicates that demonstrating practical skills and strategic thinking is paramount. Candidates should prepare to discuss their operational approach to design projects, not just their creative output.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency required in Adobe Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, complex illustrations), Photoshop (image manipulation, mockups, digital rendering), and InDesign (layout, documentation, presentation design).

• 3D Modeling & Visualization (Preferred): Familiarity with Revit (for architectural context and integration) and SketchUp (for conceptual 3D modeling and visualization) is highly beneficial for collaborating with architectural teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with tools for tracking project timelines, tasks, and resources (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Microsoft Project, or similar). CannonDesign may use specific internal systems.

• Presentation Software: Advanced skills in creating professional presentations using tools like PowerPoint, Keynote, or Adobe InDesign for client proposals and internal reviews.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Systems: Likely exposure to or ability to learn internal CRM or project management systems used by CannonDesign for client tracking and project administration.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar for internal communication and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core requirement is Adobe Creative Suite, the mention of Revit and SketchUp as "a plus" signals a growing integration of design disciplines. Candidates with experience in these tools will have an advantage in collaborating with architectural and engineering teams.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Adoration: A core value focused on exceeding client expectations through consistent delivery of exceptional service and impactful design solutions.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (DEI): Strong commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive environment, supporting DEI Council initiatives and Employee Resource Groups.

• Communication & Transparency: Open dialogue is encouraged; team members are empowered to share ideas and address challenges directly.

• Living-Centered Design: A driving philosophy that prioritizes human well-being, social impact, and sustainability in all design endeavors.

• Optimism & Empathy: Approaching challenges with a positive outlook and understanding the needs and perspectives of clients and end-users.

Collaboration Style:

• Lively Design Critique: Open and constructive feedback is a key part of the design process, encouraging rigorous discussion and continuous improvement.

• Cross-Disciplinary Integration: A highly collaborative environment where designers work closely with architects, engineers, and strategists to deliver holistic solutions.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that supports the sharing of expertise, best practices, and innovative ideas across teams and disciplines.

• Proactive Engagement: Team members are encouraged to be active participants, contributing ideas and solutions rather than just executing directives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss how their personal values and collaboration style align with CannonDesign's emphasis on client satisfaction, DEI, transparency, and human-centered design. Demonstrating empathy and a proactive approach will be key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Client/Operational Constraints: Effectively translating complex client visions into actionable designs that also meet project budgets, timelines, and technical requirements.

• Mentoring Diverse Talent: Guiding junior designers with varying skill sets and learning styles, fostering their growth while maintaining project quality and deadlines.

• Integrating "Living-Centered Design" into Practice: Championing and operationalizing a human-centric and impact-driven design philosophy across diverse projects and client expectations.

• Navigating Complex Project Stakeholders: Managing expectations and collaborating effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including clients, architects, fabricators, and regulatory bodies.

• Staying Ahead of Design Trends and Technology: Continuously learning and adapting to new design methodologies, software advancements, and evolving client needs in the experiential design field.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of experiential graphic design, digital integration, or sustainable design practices.

• Leadership Training: Access to programs and mentorship focused on developing leadership, client management, and business development skills.

• Industry Conferences & Events: Support for attending relevant industry conferences (e.g., SEGD, AIA) to network, learn about emerging trends, and gain new perspectives.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Working on a variety of project types across different markets provides broad exposure and learning opportunities in architecture, interior design, and urban planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should view challenges as opportunities for growth. Highlighting how they have overcome similar obstacles in previous roles, particularly those involving operational efficiency or team development, will be advantageous.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex experiential graphic design project you led from concept to completion. What were the key operational challenges, and how did you address them?" (Focus on project management, stakeholder coordination, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you translate a client's abstract mission or values into a tangible, compelling design experience? Provide an example." (Emphasize strategic thinking and narrative development.)

• "Walk us through your process for mentoring junior designers. How do you foster their technical skills, art direction, and storytelling abilities?" (Highlight leadership and team development.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "How does CannonDesign's 'Living-Centered Design' philosophy resonate with your own design approach and values?" (Connect your philosophy to theirs, emphasizing human impact and well-being.)

• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment. How do you contribute to a positive and productive team dynamic, especially when working with architects and interior designers?" (Focus on communication, empathy, and cross-functional synergy.)

• "How would you ensure the quality and impact of our work, particularly in relation to client satisfaction and potential for industry recognition?" (Discuss quality control, client management, and award-winning strategies.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, present a clear problem statement, your strategic approach, your specific contributions (emphasizing leadership and operational oversight), the solutions developed, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Quantify Your Impact: Use data and metrics where possible to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved user navigation, enhanced brand recall, client testimonials, awards won).

• Showcase Operational Proficiency: Explicitly highlight your project management skills, client leadership, team coordination, and experience with construction administration.

• Be Conversational: Engage with the interviewers, be open to questions, and demonstrate your passion and expertise in a collaborative manner.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your operational contributions to projects, not just your design aesthetic. Frame your experience in terms of leadership, efficiency, and client success, aligning with the "IV" designation and the operational aspects of a senior role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Experiential Graphic Designer IV position:

• Submit Your Application: Apply directly through the CannonDesign Careers site via the provided URL.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select projects that best demonstrate your senior-level experience in conceptualization, leadership, project management, and operational execution of complex experiential graphic design projects. Ensure it highlights your contributions to the full project lifecycle.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 10+ years of experience, leadership roles, key operational responsibilities (project management, client leadership, team mentorship), and proficiency with required software (Adobe Creative Suite).

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice articulating your portfolio projects clearly and concisely, focusing on strategic thinking, problem-solving, operational challenges, and measurable outcomes. Be ready to discuss your approach to "Living-Centered Design."

• Research CannonDesign: Thoroughly understand the firm's "Living-Centered Design" philosophy, its market sectors (Healthcare, Education, Commercial), and recent projects to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.