Experiential Graphic Designer - Life and Work Places Market

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Experiential Graphic Designer - Life and Work Places Market

Company: Gresham Smith

Location: Nashville, TN / Tampa, FL

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-25

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-3 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in-office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop compelling visual design solutions for experiential graphics and wayfinding projects, aligning with client objectives and market needs.

• Translate design concepts into detailed visualizations, including hand sketches, photo renderings, and 3D models, for effective client communication.

• Generate precise production artwork, ensuring accuracy in scale and detail for implementation.

• Collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team of architects and designers to integrate experiential graphics seamlessly into the built environment.

• Manage design projects from initial ideation through construction and final completion, ensuring quality and adherence to client vision.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a "Life and Work Places Market," indicating a focus on designing environments that blend residential, commercial, and potentially healthcare or educational spaces. The "Experiential Graphic Designer" title suggests a strong emphasis on creating immersive and functional visual experiences within these built environments, including signage, digital displays, and environmental branding.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design comprehensive experiential graphics and wayfinding systems that enhance user experience and brand identity within diverse built environments.

• Create detailed design documentation, including graphic elements, 3D forms, and interactive components, tailored to specific client requirements and project scopes.

• Produce high-quality visualizations and renderings using tools like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and 3D modeling software to effectively communicate design intent to clients and stakeholders.

• Prepare accurate, production-ready artwork that adheres to specified dimensions, materials, and fabrication requirements for seamless implementation.

• Engage in iterative design processes through internal critiques, work sessions, and client reviews, incorporating feedback to refine design solutions.

• Coordinate with architects, interior designers, and other project team members to ensure cohesive integration of experiential graphics into the overall architectural and interior design.

• Oversee the execution of design elements through the construction phase, conducting site visits and liaising with fabricators and installers to ensure fidelity to the design intent.

• Travel to client sites for necessary meetings, presentations, and site assessments, representing Gresham Smith's design capabilities.

• Maintain a strong understanding of current trends in experiential design, branding, and the built environment to inform innovative solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design, technical execution, and project management. The emphasis on "following projects through construction to completion" suggests a hands-on approach and accountability for the final delivered product, which is crucial for operations professionals aiming for tangible impact.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts, Visual Communication, Industrial Design, Graphic Design, or a closely related field.

Experience: 0-3 years of relevant design experience, including internships or co-op programs focused on graphic design or design within the built environment.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional proficiency in Adobe Illustrator for vector graphics and illustration.

• Strong command of Adobe InDesign for layout and production artwork.

• Advanced skills in Adobe Photoshop for image manipulation and rendering.

• Demonstrated experience with the Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation and presentations.

• A keen visual sense with a deep understanding of typography, composition, and color theory.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of articulating design concepts clearly to diverse audiences.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.

• Highly motivated self-starter with a proactive approach and a passion for design within the built environment. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with Revit for architectural context understanding and potential integration.

• Experience with SketchUp for 3D modeling and conceptualization.

• Foundational knowledge of wayfinding design principles and user experience within complex spaces.

• Experience in hand sketching, photo rendering, and 3D modeling to illustrate design ideas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "0-3 years of job-related design experience or relevant student internship" clearly defines this as an entry-level position. The required skills are heavily weighted towards core graphic design software, with a strong preference for 3D and architectural software, indicating the role bridges traditional graphic design with architectural visualization and spatial design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of design projects that demonstrate strong visual communication and problem-solving abilities.

• Include examples of typography, composition, and color application in real-world or conceptual projects.

• Feature projects that illustrate the development of graphic, 3-dimensional, and interactive elements for experiential purposes.

• Highlight at least one project that involved collaboration with other disciplines (e.g., architects, designers) and how the design integrated into a larger context.

• Present examples of production artwork that demonstrate understanding of scale, detail, and technical specifications.

• Include case studies or project descriptions that detail the design process, from initial concept to final execution, including any challenges overcome. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the design development lifecycle, from ideation and concept generation through to final production artwork and construction oversight.

• Showcase the ability to document design decisions and rationale, particularly in the context of client objectives and feedback.

• Provide examples of how you have translated client briefs into tangible design solutions within a structured project workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, the portfolio is paramount. It should emphasize raw talent, understanding of fundamental design principles, and the ability to learn and apply new tools and processes. The "process documentation" aspect will be assessed through the narrative accompanying portfolio pieces, demonstrating analytical thinking and project management potential.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Entry-Level Experiential Graphic Designers in Nashville, TN and Tampa, FL, the estimated salary range is $55,000 - $70,000 annually. This range accounts for the 0-3 years of experience required, the specific software proficiencies, and the hybrid work model.

Benefits:

• Professional Growth: In-house Learning programs, Tuition Reimbursement, Licensure Support, and Professional Organization Engagement.

• Flexible Schedules & Generous PTO: Supporting work-life balance and personal time.

• Comprehensive Healthcare: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, complemented by Wellness Programs.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a Company Match to support long-term financial goals.

• Insurance Coverage: Short-term & Long-term Disability, Paid Life Insurance, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance.

• Additional Protection: Supplemental Insurance, Critical Care Insurance, Pet Insurance, Legal Insurance, and ID Theft Insurance.

• Family Support: Family Planning and Parental Leave benefits.

• Commuting Support: Mass/Public Transit Program.

• Health & Wellness Support: Telemedicine services and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are approximately 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement requiring three days per week in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for similar entry-level graphic design roles in Nashville and Tampa, considering the specialized nature of experiential design and the firm's reputation. The extensive list of benefits provided by Gresham Smith is a significant draw for candidates seeking comprehensive support and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Engineering, and Consulting (AEC), with a specialization in designing "Life and Work Places" which likely encompasses commercial, healthcare, education, and civic infrastructure. Gresham Smith focuses on creating healthy and thriving communities through their design services.

Company Size: Gresham Smith is a significant player in the AEC industry, likely employing several hundred to over a thousand professionals across multiple locations. This size offers stability and opportunities for structured career development.

Founded: Founded in 1967, Gresham Smith has a long-standing history and established reputation, indicating a stable and experienced organization with well-defined processes and a strong client base.

Team Structure:

• The Experiential Design and Wayfinding team is likely a specialized unit within the larger firm, working closely with architectural and interior design departments.

• Team members may report to a Design Principal, Director of Experiential Design, or a Senior Designer, with opportunities to collaborate across various project teams.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core aspect, requiring strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with architects, urban planners, and other specialists. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While the role is creative, the company's focus on "healthy and thriving communities" suggests an underlying methodology that considers user needs, functionality, and impact.

• Collaborative Workflow: The emphasis on teamwork and cross-disciplinary integration points to a collaborative approach to design problem-solving.

• Iterative Process: The mention of internal design sessions, critiques, and client reviews indicates an iterative design process focused on refinement and client satisfaction.

Company Website: greshamsmith.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Gresham Smith's culture is highlighted as "Genuine Ingenuity," emphasizing people, care, and community. The "Best Place to Work" recognition suggests a positive and supportive environment, which is attractive for candidates seeking long-term career growth and job satisfaction.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an Entry-Level (0-3 years) Experiential Graphic Designer role. It signifies the beginning of a career path focused on specialized design within the built environment. The role is foundational, designed to build core skills, software proficiency, and an understanding of project lifecycles in an AEC context.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Senior Experiential Designer, Design Manager, or a Principal within the Experiential Design or broader Design department. This structure provides direct mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals.

Operations Impact: While not directly sales or revenue operations, this role has a significant impact on the client's operational environment by enhancing user experience, improving navigability (wayfinding), and reinforcing brand identity within physical spaces. Successful experiential design can lead to increased client satisfaction, better occupant engagement, and a more functional and aesthetically pleasing environment, indirectly supporting client business objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in experiential graphics, wayfinding, environmental branding, and potentially interactive design.

• Software Proficiency: Become an expert in advanced features of Adobe Creative Suite, Revit, SketchUp, and potentially new visualization or AR/VR tools.

• Project Management: Develop skills in managing design projects from inception to completion, including client interaction and budget awareness.

• Career Progression: Advance to Mid-Level Designer, Senior Designer, Design Lead, or even Principal roles within the Experiential Design practice.

• Industry Knowledge: Gain comprehensive understanding of the AEC industry, client sectors (healthcare, workplace, etc.), and construction processes.

• Mentorship: Benefit from structured learning and mentorship programs offered by Gresham Smith.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for this role is clearly within the design and AEC sector. Candidates should view this as an opportunity to build specialized expertise that is highly valued in environments where physical and digital experiences intersect.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a hybrid work environment, requiring three days per week in the Gresham Smith office. This suggests a modern office setting designed for collaboration, with dedicated workspaces, meeting rooms, and potentially design studios.

Office Location(s): The position is available in both Nashville, TN, and Tampa, FL. These are vibrant urban centers with active professional communities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office is designed to foster teamwork, with opportunities for spontaneous interaction and planned collaborative sessions with architects, designers, and other project team members.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Revit, SketchUp), high-performance workstations, and potentially specialized rendering or modeling hardware.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities to engage with colleagues through team meetings, design critiques, and cross-functional project work, encouraging knowledge sharing and skill development.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week, with a hybrid model that offers flexibility by allowing remote work for two days a week. This structure balances the need for in-person collaboration with the benefits of remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, reflecting a modern approach to workplace flexibility. This arrangement is designed to balance focused individual work with essential team collaboration, a common practice in design-oriented firms.

📄 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: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing selected projects, design process, and problem-solving approaches. This is a critical step to evaluate visual communication and conceptual thinking.

• Technical Assessment: Potential for a design exercise or a discussion on specific software capabilities (e.g., Illustrator, rendering techniques) to gauge hands-on skills.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interviews: Discussions with hiring managers and team members to assess motivation, collaboration style, passion for design, and alignment with Gresham Smith's culture ("Genuine Ingenuity," care, teamwork).

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership, focusing on career aspirations and long-term potential within the firm.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 strong projects that best showcase your skills in experiential graphics, wayfinding, typography, composition, and 3D visualization.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your design process, the tools used, key decisions made, and the final outcome or impact.

• Showcase Versatility: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to work with different types of graphics, materials, and scales, as well as your proficiency in required software.

• Highlight Collaboration: If possible, include a project where you collaborated with others, explaining your role and how you contributed to the team's success.

• Prepare for Presentation: Be ready to walk through your portfolio confidently, answering questions about your design choices and technical skills.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your passion for design within the built environment and how you stay updated on industry trends.

• Think about how you would approach designing experiential graphics for specific types of spaces (e.g., a hospital waiting room, a corporate lobby, a public park).

• Understand Gresham Smith's core values and their focus on creating "healthy and thriving communities" and be ready to articulate how your design philosophy aligns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the portfolio. Candidates should treat their portfolio not just as a collection of work, but as a narrative tool to demonstrate their design thinking, technical prowess, and potential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency required in Adobe Illustrator (vector graphics, illustration), Adobe InDesign (layout, production artwork), and Adobe Photoshop (image editing, rendering, photo manipulation).

• 3D Modeling Software: Knowledge of SketchUp is preferred for 3D conceptualization and visualization.

• Architectural Software: Familiarity with Revit is a plus, indicating an understanding of how designs integrate into architectural projects.

• Microsoft Suite: Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for documentation, data handling, and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a primary focus for this creative role, understanding how design impacts user behavior or client objectives could be a future development area. The firm likely uses internal project management and reporting tools.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding the client engagement and project lifecycle managed by CRM systems could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily skewed towards design and visualization tools. Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable, and familiarity with 3D modeling and architectural software significantly enhances a candidate's profile.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Genuine Ingenuity: A commitment to innovative and creative problem-solving in design.

• Care: Demonstrating empathy and a people-first approach towards colleagues, clients, and communities.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and transparency in all professional dealings.

• Respect: Valuing diversity of thought, background, and contribution within the team.

• Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative spirit where collective success is prioritized over individual achievement.

• Passion for Design: A deep-seated enthusiasm for creating impactful and meaningful design within the built environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with architects, interior designers, and other specialists to create cohesive and integrated design solutions.

• Open Communication: Encouraging direct and honest feedback through design critiques and work sessions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where team members share best practices, new techniques, and insights to collectively elevate the team's capabilities.

• Client-Centric Approach: Collaborating closely with clients to understand their vision and objectives, translating them into effective design outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values are deeply integrated into its operations. Candidates should demonstrate how their personal values and work style align with Gresham Smith's emphasis on care, collaboration, and innovative design.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Creative Vision with Technical Constraints: Balancing innovative design ideas with the practicalities of construction, budgets, and client specifications.

• Multi-Disciplinary Coordination: Effectively communicating and integrating design intent within complex project teams where diverse technical languages and priorities exist.

• Client Expectations Management: Translating abstract design concepts into tangible benefits that resonate with clients and meet their business objectives.

• Staying Current: Keeping pace with rapidly evolving design technologies, software, and trends in experiential graphics and the built environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to in-house learning programs focused on advanced design techniques, software, and AEC industry knowledge.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to learn from experienced designers and leaders within Gresham Smith, guiding career development.

• Industry Engagement: Support for professional organization memberships and attendance at conferences related to graphic design, architecture, and experiential design.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining exposure to various architectural and design disciplines, broadening understanding of the built environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an excellent opportunity for early-career designers to tackle real-world challenges in a supportive, growth-oriented environment, laying a strong foundation for a specialized career.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you had to balance creative ambition with strict technical or budget limitations. How did you approach it?" (Assesses problem-solving and practical application of design skills).

• "How would you approach designing wayfinding for a new type of facility, such as a sustainable urban development or a cutting-edge research lab?" (Evaluates conceptual thinking and understanding of user experience in specific contexts).

• "Walk us through your process for creating a compelling visual presentation of a design concept. What elements are crucial?" (Tests communication, presentation skills, and understanding of client engagement). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about Gresham Smith's 'Life and Work Places' market focus?" (Gauges research and genuine interest in the company's niche).

• "How do you embody 'Genuine Ingenuity' and a 'people-first' approach in your work?" (Assesses alignment with core company values).

• "Describe a time you collaborated with a team on a design project. What was your role, and how did you contribute to the team's success?" (Evaluates teamwork and communication skills). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each selected project, clearly outline the client's objective, the problem you solved, your design process (ideation, sketching, software use), key decisions, and the final outcome or impact.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Be prepared to discuss the specific software and techniques you used, and demonstrate your understanding of production-ready artwork.

• Emphasize Collaboration: If applicable, detail your role within a team and how you communicated and integrated your work with others.

• Showcase Passion: Convey your enthusiasm for experiential design and its role in creating meaningful environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to speak passionately about their design process, demonstrate technical proficiency, and articulate how their work aligns with Gresham Smith's mission and values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Experiential Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a link to your online portfolio through the Gresham Smith careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects demonstrating skills in experiential graphics, wayfinding, typography, composition, color theory, and proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. Highlight any 3D modeling or architectural visualization work.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience (0-3 years, internships), specific software proficiencies, and any academic projects or coursework related to design within the built environment. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on explaining your design process, problem-solving strategies, and technical skills. Be ready to discuss your passion for design in the built environment and how you align with Gresham Smith's culture.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Gresham Smith's work, particularly within their "Life and Work Places" market. Understand their core values of "Genuine Ingenuity," care, and teamwork, and prepare to articulate how you embody these principles.

⚠️ 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.

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