Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: MGA | Michael Green Architecture

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Marketing & Communications Operations / Creative Operations

Date Posted: August 19, 2026

Experience Level: Early Career (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for translating complex architectural concepts and project narratives into clear, compelling visual stories that resonate with diverse audiences.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for the end-to-end design and production of a wide range of materials, including business development proposals, marketing collateral, digital content, and internal communications.

• A key aspect of this position involves meticulous application of the MGA brand identity across all visual outputs, ensuring consistency and reinforcing the firm's unique point of view.

• The role requires a blend of creative ideation and strong production craft, emphasizing the ability to manage multiple projects, meet tight deadlines, and collaborate effectively with internal teams and external partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is titled "Graphic Designer," its focus on proposals, presentations, business development support, and brand application within a professional services firm positions it within the broader scope of "Creative Operations" or "Marketing Operations" from an operational perspective. The emphasis on translating technical information into accessible visuals and managing production workflows aligns with operational efficiency goals.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce high-impact proposals, qualifications packages, pitch decks, interview presentations, project sheets, and other critical business development materials, ensuring clarity and visual engagement.

• Develop and create compelling diagrams, infographics, maps, and timelines to effectively communicate complex architectural information, technical details, and strategic insights.

• Manage the full production cycle for various design projects, including layout, version control, proofing, preflighting, and final file preparation for print and digital submission, adhering to strict deadlines.

• Support the Communications Director in developing marketing collateral, publications, award submissions, event materials, signage, and integrated campaigns that align with MGA's brand and strategic objectives.

• Create and adapt visual assets for MGA's digital presence, including website content, social media graphics, email communications, and other online platforms, with a focus on engagement and accessibility.

• Apply MGA's visual identity consistently and thoughtfully across all print, digital, presentation, and environmental applications, identifying opportunities for brand enhancement and template optimization.

• Collaborate closely with project teams, Business Development, and studio leaders to understand project stories, key messages, and proof points, translating them into impactful visual narratives.

• Organize and maintain design assets, including templates, image libraries, project files, photography credits, and usage rights, ensuring efficient access and adherence to licensing requirements.

• Coordinate with external vendors such as printers, photographers, videographers, and web developers, managing deliverables and ensuring quality and timely execution of production tasks.

• Explore and responsibly integrate AI and emerging design tools to enhance ideation, improve workflow efficiency, ensure quality, and support accessibility, while rigorously protecting confidential and copyrighted information.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on production workflow management, stakeholder coordination, and the application of design principles to support business objectives, which are core to an operations-focused role. The inclusion of AI tools suggests a forward-thinking approach to operational efficiency in creative processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Post-secondary education in Graphic Design, Communication Design, Visual Communications, or a related discipline is required.

• Equivalent professional experience will also be considered, demonstrating practical application of design principles. Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years of professional graphic design experience is essential.

• A strong portfolio showcasing both conceptual development and meticulous production craft is a mandatory requirement for evaluation.

• Experience within visually driven professional services environments such as architecture, design, engineering, or cultural institutions is preferred. Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Proficiency: Expert-level command of InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop for sophisticated design and layout work.

• Presentation Design: Strong command of PowerPoint, with demonstrated ability to create polished, client-facing presentations that effectively convey complex information.

• Foundational Design Principles: Deep understanding of typography, editorial layout, information design, brand application, and the art of visual storytelling.

• Production & Prepress Knowledge: Working knowledge of print production processes, meticulous file preparation, color management, image optimization techniques, and digital accessibility standards.

• Collaboration & Communication: Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams, articulate design choices clearly, and respond constructively to feedback.

• Organizational Skills: Excellent attention to detail, ability to manage multiple assignments concurrently, and maintain composure and efficiency under tight deadlines.

• Brand Stewardship: Capability to apply and maintain brand identity guidelines consistently across various media.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Figma or similar collaborative design tools.

• Familiarity with web content creation and digital design platforms.

• Basic skills in motion graphics, video editing, or animation.

• Experience with AI and emerging creative tools for design ideation and workflow enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on production craft, file preparation, and managing workflows alongside creative concept development indicates a need for operational rigor in the design process. The preference for experience in architecture or related fields suggests an understanding of the unique communication needs within this industry.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Concept to Production: Showcase a range of projects that demonstrate your ability to move from initial concept development through to final production-ready files.

• Process Improvement Examples: Include case studies or project examples where you identified a design challenge or workflow inefficiency and implemented a creative solution, detailing the process and outcome.

• System Application: Highlight projects where you effectively utilized established templates, brand guidelines, and asset libraries, or where you contributed to organizing or improving these systems.

• Impact & ROI Demonstration: For relevant projects, provide quantifiable or qualitative evidence of how your design work contributed to business objectives, such as proposal win rates, marketing engagement, or clarity of communication.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Be prepared to discuss your approach to understanding project briefs, defining scope, establishing timelines, and managing review stages for design projects.

• Production & Optimization: Demonstrate an understanding of preparing files for various output methods (print, web, presentations) and ensuring quality, accuracy, and efficiency in the production process.

• Asset Management: Discuss your experience in organizing, maintaining, and utilizing design assets, templates, and brand resources to ensure consistency and streamline future work.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, the portfolio should not just be a showcase of aesthetics but also a testament to the candidate's ability to manage design projects as operational processes. Demonstrating understanding of workflow, asset management, and the impact of design on business objectives is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $62,000 – $73,000 CAD per year.

This range is commensurate with experience and qualifications, reflecting the early-career to mid-level nature of the role and the specific skill set required.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: A salary within the stated range, reflecting industry standards for Graphic Designers in Vancouver with 2-5 years of experience.

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Includes standard health, dental, and vision coverage, providing essential support for employee well-being.

• Adventure Bonus: A unique benefit offered by MGA, encouraging employees to pursue personal adventures and experiences, fostering a work-life balance and personal growth.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for learning and growth within a collaborative and award-winning team.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• The role requires on-site presence, necessitating adherence to office working hours, though flexibility may be available depending on project demands and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is within the typical market rates for a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Vancouver, BC. The inclusion of the "Adventure Bonus" is a distinctive perk that speaks to MGA's unique company culture and commitment to employee well-being beyond traditional benefits.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture and Design. MGA | Michael Green Architecture is at the forefront of sustainable design, particularly recognized for its leadership in mass timber and low-carbon construction technologies. This industry context means design work often involves communicating complex technical and environmental concepts.

Company Size: MGA is a well-established firm with a significant international presence and a growing team, suggesting a dynamic environment with opportunities for impact. The company size implies a structured organization with defined processes, yet likely retains an agile and collaborative spirit.

Founded: While the founding date is not explicitly provided, MGA is recognized for its significant contributions and awards, indicating a history of innovation and a strong reputation in the architectural field.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a Communications or Marketing department, reporting to the Communications Director.

• This role involves close collaboration with Business Development teams, project teams (architects, designers), and studio leaders, highlighting a cross-functional operational structure.

• The team is described as "tight-knit" and "collaborative," suggesting a supportive work environment where open communication and teamwork are valued. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: MGA's focus on sustainability and low-carbon design suggests an analytical approach to design challenges, where data and research inform creative solutions.

• Workflow Optimization: The emphasis on clear briefs, managing deadlines, and utilizing tools like AI points to a process-oriented approach to design production, aiming for efficiency and quality.

• Innovation & Research: As a leader in mass timber and sustainable construction, MGA likely fosters a culture of continuous learning, research, and experimentation in both design and technology.

Company Website: https://www.mg-architecture.ca/

📝 Enhancement Note: MGA's reputation as a leader in sustainable architecture, particularly mass timber, implies that design communication will often revolve around technical innovation and environmental impact. This context is crucial for understanding the depth and specificity required in the visual materials produced.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an "early-career" position, typically requiring 2-5 years of professional experience. It serves as a foundational role within the creative and communications function, focusing on execution and production while contributing to broader strategic visual communication efforts.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report directly to the Communications Director. This provides a clear line of management and mentorship, with opportunities to learn from a senior communications professional. The role also involves significant collaboration with project teams and Business Development, requiring strong interpersonal and cross-functional communication skills.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work is directly tied to MGA's ability to win new projects and communicate its value proposition. By creating compelling proposals, presentations, and marketing materials, the designer significantly influences how clients, partners, and the public perceive MGA's brand, expertise, and commitment to sustainable design. This role is instrumental in translating the firm's innovative architectural concepts into tangible visual assets that drive business growth and enhance brand reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas such as information design, digital content creation, motion graphics, or advanced presentation design.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Potential for growth into a senior designer role, leading design initiatives, mentoring junior designers, and contributing more significantly to creative strategy under the guidance of the Communications Director.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining deeper understanding of business development processes, project lifecycles, and the strategic communication needs across different MGA projects and departments.

• Industry Engagement: Potential to contribute to award submissions and publications, increasing visibility within the architecture and design community.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for this role likely involves moving from a production-focused position to one with greater strategic input in visual communication and brand strategy within the firm. The emphasis on learning and applying new tools, including AI, also points to a forward-looking development path.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, requiring the Graphic Designer to work from MGA's Vancouver office. The company culture is described as "tight-knit" and "collaborative," suggesting an office environment that fosters teamwork and direct interaction.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Specific details about the office's accessibility or amenities are not provided but can be assumed to be in a professional business district typical of Vancouver.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect to work closely with colleagues from various departments, including Communications, Business Development, and project teams. This proximity facilitates quick feedback loops and efficient project execution.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Cloud, PowerPoint) and potentially emerging tools like Figma and AI-driven design platforms. The office environment will likely be equipped with the necessary technology to support high-quality design output.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with team members, contributing to a dynamic and engaged work atmosphere. The culture emphasizes open communication and shared learning.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, typically 40 hours per week. While core office hours will apply, the nature of design and proposal work may occasionally require flexibility to meet critical project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key factor, emphasizing in-person collaboration and direct integration into the MGA team's daily operations. This setting is conducive to quick problem-solving and fostering a strong team dynamic.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess foundational skills, experience, and alignment with MGA's aesthetic and operational requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, their design process, problem-solving approaches, and how they managed production and deadlines. Be prepared to articulate your design choices and their impact.

• Technical Assessment: Potential for a design exercise or test to evaluate proficiency with core software (e.g., InDesign, Illustrator) and ability to apply brand guidelines under timed conditions.

• Team & Culture Fit Interviews: Meetings with the Communications Director and potentially other team members to assess collaborative style, communication skills, cultural alignment with MGA's values, and enthusiasm for the firm's mission.

• Final Interview: Possibly with senior leadership to discuss overall fit and long-term potential within the firm.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills and experience required for this role, with a focus on proposal design, presentations, information graphics, and brand application.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, your design process, the tools used, challenges faced, and the final outcome. Highlight how you managed production and met deadlines.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback demonstrating the success of your designs (e.g., improved proposal clarity, increased engagement on digital content, successful award submission).

• Highlight MGA Alignment: Include projects that demonstrate an understanding of architectural or design communication, or showcase your ability to adapt to a specific brand identity. Show, don't just tell, how you can translate complex ideas into clear visuals.

• Production Craft: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your technical proficiency in print production, file preparation, and digital asset creation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Anticipate a design challenge that may involve adapting existing content into a new format, creating an infographic from provided data, or a quick brand application task. Focus on efficiency, accuracy, and adherence to instructions.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would approach a complex design request with limited information or a tight deadline, emphasizing your organizational and communication strategies.

• Brand Consistency: Be ready to explain how you ensure brand consistency across diverse deliverables and how you would handle conflicting design requests or brand interpretations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely heavily weigh the candidate's ability to execute on production tasks efficiently and effectively, in addition to creative talent. Demonstrating a structured approach to design projects, akin to operational management, will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential proficiency in InDesign (for layout and editorial design), Illustrator (for vector graphics, logos, and diagrams), and Photoshop (for image manipulation and digital assets).

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Strong skills required for creating polished, client-facing presentations and pitch decks.

• Figma (Preferred): Familiarity with Figma or similar collaborative design tools for potential use in web content or team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, understanding how to format data for clear presentation in reports and infographics is crucial. Experience with tools that facilitate data visualization within design software is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tools are specified for this role. However, understanding how design assets integrate with marketing automation platforms or CRM-driven communications may be an advantage. Emerging Tools:

• AI and Emerging Design Tools: MGA encourages responsible use of AI and new creative tools for ideation, accessibility, quality improvement, and workflow efficiency. Candidates should be open to learning and applying these technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on core graphic design software, with an emphasis on production and presentation tools. The explicit mention of AI tools highlights MGA's commitment to leveraging modern technology for operational efficiency in creative processes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Curiosity & Creativity: A drive to explore new ideas, challenge conventional approaches, and find innovative solutions, particularly in sustainable design.

• Collaboration: A commitment to working effectively with diverse teams, sharing knowledge, and fostering a supportive environment where contributions are valued.

• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A dedication to high-quality output, meticulous attention to detail, and a passion for producing impactful, well-crafted visual communications.

• Efficiency & Reliability: A focus on managing workflows effectively, meeting deadlines, and delivering consistent, high-quality results that support business objectives.

• Sustainability & Impact: A shared belief in the power of design to shape a better future, with a commitment to creating spaces that benefit people and the planet.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with architects, project managers, business development professionals, and communications specialists, requiring clear and proactive communication across disciplines.

• Feedback-Driven Process: An open culture where feedback is welcomed and utilized to refine designs and improve outcomes, fostering a continuous learning environment.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing insights, best practices, and new techniques, particularly regarding design tools and sustainable design principles, to elevate the entire team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values emphasize a blend of creative innovation, operational rigor, and a strong commitment to sustainability. This suggests a team that is both artistically driven and highly professional in its approach to project execution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complexity: A primary challenge will be to visually interpret and simplify intricate architectural concepts, technical specifications, and sustainability data into easily understandable and engaging formats for various audiences.

• Deadline Management: Balancing multiple high-priority projects with demanding, often immovable deadlines, particularly in the context of business development pursuits and proposal submissions.

• Brand Consistency Across Diverse Media: Maintaining a cohesive brand identity across a wide array of print and digital platforms, each with its own technical requirements and aesthetic considerations.

• Evolving Technology: Staying current with emerging design tools, software updates, and AI technologies, and responsibly integrating them into MGA's workflow to enhance efficiency and creativity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and explore new tools like Figma for enhanced collaboration and digital design.

• Specialized Design Areas: Development in areas such as information architecture, data visualization, motion graphics, or advanced presentation design, tailored to MGA's specific needs.

• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to leading practices in architectural marketing, proposal development, and sustainable design communication through collaboration with experienced professionals.

• Mentorship: Learning from the Communications Director and other senior team members, gaining insights into strategic communication and brand management within a leading architectural firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the core responsibilities of translating complex information and managing production. The growth opportunities are framed around enhancing both technical design skills and strategic communication capabilities within the context of the architecture industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a complex architectural project brief and translating it into a compelling visual narrative for a proposal." (Focus on your structured approach, information gathering, concept development, and production planning.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across various deliverables, from print proposals to social media graphics, especially when working with established templates?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines, attention to detail, and workflow for maintaining consistency.)

• "Walk us through a time you had to manage multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize, communicate risks, and ensure successful delivery?" (Emphasize your project management, organizational, and communication skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about MGA's work in sustainable design and mass timber architecture?" (Research MGA's projects, values, and recent news. Connect your design philosophy to their mission.)

• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating feedback on your designs, especially from non-designers?" (Demonstrate openness, constructive dialogue, and the ability to translate feedback into actionable design changes.)

• "How do you see graphic design contributing to the success of an architectural firm like MGA?" (Focus on the impact of visual communication on business development, brand reputation, and project storytelling.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation logically, guiding the interviewer through the problem, your process, your creative solution, and the outcome.

• Highlight Production: For each project, briefly touch upon the technical aspects of file preparation, print considerations, or digital optimization to showcase your production craft.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, present metrics or qualitative results that demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs.

• Showcase Versatility: Present a range of projects that highlight your skills in different areas relevant to the role, such as proposals, presentations, infographics, and brand application.

• Engage and Discuss: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your design choices, technical challenges, and how you collaborate with stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both creative talent and operational efficiency. Candidates need to articulate their process, showcase their ability to manage projects, and align their skills with MGA's specific industry and values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position at MGA | Michael Green Architecture:

• Submit Your Application: Utilize the provided link to submit your resume and portfolio.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your experience in proposal design, presentations, information graphics, and brand application. Ensure it highlights both concept development and production craft.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight relevant experience, software proficiency (Adobe Creative Cloud, PowerPoint), and any experience in architecture, design, or professional services. Use keywords from the job description to optimize for ATS.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and how you manage production and deadlines for your portfolio projects. Be ready to discuss your approach to translating complex information visually.

• Research MGA: Familiarize yourself with MGA's projects, mission, and values, particularly their leadership in sustainable design and mass timber. Understand their aesthetic and communication style to better align your application and interview responses.

⚠️ 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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