Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: NAC Architecture

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-05-19T03:48:36

Experience Level: Entry-level to 5 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role involves creating sophisticated graphic, motion, and environmental designs within a dedicated studio environment, supporting both an architectural firm and its independent design projects.

• Key responsibilities include translating architectural concepts into visual assets, developing branding and marketing materials, and managing design workflows across multiple projects simultaneously.

• The position requires strong collaboration with designers, architects, and project teams, emphasizing the ability to receive feedback and iterate efficiently.

• A significant aspect of the role is contributing to the elevation of the office's design culture through continuous learning and application of current design trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the graphic design studio of an architectural firm, suggesting a unique intersection of design disciplines. The "Handbuilt" studio name implies a focus on craftsmanship and intentional design, particularly for educational, civic, and cultural projects. The role requires a blend of technical design skills and strategic thinking to support both internal architectural projects and external design endeavors.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with graphic designers, architects, and project teams to visually translate architectural concepts and enrich user spatial experiences, supporting project promotion and office development.

• Design a diverse range of assets including environmental graphics, print materials, motion graphics, screen-based content, branding elements, and marketing collateral for presentations, award submittals, and community outreach.

• Develop sophisticated typographic systems and plan, design, and refine motion graphics and animated content for various applications such as presentations, social media, web environments, and exhibitions.

• Analyze project scopes, translate them into manageable design steps, and manage multiple projects concurrently, ensuring timely delivery and maintaining high design quality standards.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of NAC and Handbuilt brands, visual identities, and graphic standards, staying current with design trends to elevate the studio's creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can not only execute design tasks but also understand the strategic intent behind them, particularly in the context of architectural projects and client needs. The emphasis on "translating architectural ideas" and "enriching educational, civic, and cultural experiences" suggests a role requiring conceptual thinking and strong visual storytelling abilities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or a related field is required.

Experience: Entry-level to 5 years of professional experience in graphic design is preferred, with an academic background in graphic design.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and After Effects.

• Strong technical skills in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including architects and project managers.

• Proven experience in developing sophisticated typographic systems across various media.

• Capability to design and refine motion graphics and animated content.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in environmental graphic design.

• Expertise in branding and identity development.

• Proficiency in creating marketing materials and supporting community outreach initiatives.

• Experience with screen-based design and web environments.

• A portfolio demonstrating a strong design process, ability to iterate, and visual precision.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of After Effects and "motion graphics and animated content" indicates a strong need for motion design skills beyond standard graphic design. The preference for professional experience suggests that while entry-level candidates are considered, those with a proven track record will be highly competitive. The "form-making practice" requirement hints at an expectation for designers who engage in personal creative work that influences their professional output.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a clear and compelling design process, showcasing how ideas are developed from concept to final execution.

• Include examples of ability to iterate on designs based on feedback, highlighting the evolution of concepts.

• Feature strong motion and animation skills through video or GIF examples.

• Showcase typographic finesse and the ability to create sophisticated typographic systems.

Process Documentation:

• Work samples should illustrate the analysis of project scopes and translation into manageable design steps.

• Include examples of managing multiple projects simultaneously, demonstrating timeline adherence and workflow efficiency.

• Showcase how visual concepts are developed, articulated through mockups and pitch materials, and strategically aligned with project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are highly specific and emphasize process, iteration, and a range of design capabilities (motion, typography, presentation). Candidates should curate their portfolios to directly address these points, rather than just showcasing finished products. Providing case studies that detail the problem, process, and solution will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $48,000 - $65,600 per year.

Benefits:

• Full-time employment status.

• Opportunity to work within a recognized architectural firm with a dedicated design studio.

• Exposure to diverse projects in education, healthcare, and civic sectors.

• Potential for professional development and growth within a creative environment.

• Contribution to a design culture that values innovation and craftsmanship.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided for a full-time, on-site role in Los Angeles, CA. This range is competitive for entry-level to mid-level graphic designers in the Los Angeles market, considering the specialized nature of the work within an architectural context. Specific benefits beyond standard employment are not detailed, but the nature of the firm suggests opportunities for professional growth and impactful projects.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Urban Planning. The firm specializes in design for education, healthcare, and civic projects.

Company Size: Over 230 employees across multiple offices.

Founded: NAC Architecture was founded in 1979. Handbuilt serves as its graphic design studio.

Team Structure:

• The graphic design team is small and integrated within NAC Architecture, operating as the "Handbuilt" studio.

• Designers will report to senior designers or design leads within the Handbuilt studio.

Methodology:

• Designs are developed to enrich architectural concepts and spatial experiences for users.

• Emphasis is placed on storytelling through design assets for presentations, marketing, and community engagement.

• Workflow management involves analyzing project scopes, developing visual concepts, and ensuring strategic alignment.

• Continuous elevation of design output through staying current with trends and maintaining a personal form-making practice.

Company Website: nacarchitecture.com

📝 Enhancement Note: NAC Architecture's long history and focus on civic and educational projects suggest a culture that values long-term impact and thoughtful design. The existence of a dedicated graphic design studio ("Handbuilt") indicates a commitment to design excellence and its integral role in the firm's overall offerings. This dual focus means designers will engage with both the technical aspects of architectural visualization and the broader creative scope of independent design projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level to early-career Graphic Designer role, suitable for individuals with foundational design education and up to 5 years of professional experience. The role is focused on execution and contribution within a team.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to senior members of the Handbuilt graphic design team and collaborate extensively with architects and project teams.

Operations Impact: The designer's work will directly influence the perception and success of NAC's architectural projects through high-quality presentations, marketing materials, and community engagement assets. They will also contribute to the independent design portfolio of Handbuilt, potentially impacting broader cultural and artistic projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Develop expertise in specialized areas such as environmental graphics, motion design, and branding for architectural and civic projects.

• Gain experience working within a large, national firm and learn from seasoned architects and designers.

• Potential to advance to Senior Graphic Designer or Design Lead roles within Handbuilt, taking on more complex projects and leadership responsibilities.

• Opportunity to contribute to a diverse range of projects, from educational facilities to cultural institutions, expanding professional portfolio and skill set.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is not a traditional "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" role, the concept of "impact" and "growth" can be framed through the lens of design operations. The designer's ability to effectively communicate and visualize project value directly impacts client acquisition and project success, akin to how operations professionals drive efficiency and scalability. Growth here means deepening design expertise and potentially moving into leadership within the design studio.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is full-time and in-person, located within NAC Architecture's Los Angeles office. This environment is designed for collaboration among designers, architects, and project teams.

Office Location(s): Candidates may be based in Los Angeles (CA), Spokane (WA), Seattle (WA), or Columbus (OH), with the primary location specified as Los Angeles.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace fosters close collaboration, requiring designers to work alongside architects and project teams, sharing ideas and feedback.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including the Adobe Suite and Microsoft Office, is expected.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with a small team of graphic designers and broader participation in office-wide activities and project discussions.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position with a standard 40-hour work week. The in-person nature requires dedicated time within the office to facilitate collaboration and project workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "in-person" and collaboration within an architectural firm implies a dynamic, interactive work setting. The designer must be comfortable contributing to a team-oriented environment where visual communication and shared understanding are paramount to project success.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Candidates will submit a letter of interest, résumé, and a portfolio. The letter should articulate why the candidate is drawn to NAC's practice.

• Portfolio Review: The portfolio will be rigorously reviewed for design process demonstration, iteration capabilities, motion/animation skills, typographic finesse, and organizational/presentation skills.

• Interviews: Candidates selected for interviews will likely discuss their portfolio, design philosophy, approach to collaboration, and how they align with NAC's and Handbuilt's values and project types. Technical assessments or design challenges may be part of later stages.

• Final Evaluation: Assessment will focus on design quality, technical proficiency, cultural fit, and potential contribution to the team and firm.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select work samples that directly address the requirements: design process, iteration, motion graphics, typography, and presentation skills.

• Showcase Process: For key projects, include "behind-the-scenes" elements like sketches, mood boards, wireframes, or early concepts to illustrate your design journey.

• Highlight Motion: Ensure motion graphics and animation examples are easily accessible and clearly demonstrate your skills in After Effects.

• Tell a Story: Frame your portfolio with brief project descriptions that explain the challenge, your approach, and the outcome, emphasizing impact.

• Demonstrate Organization: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually consistent, reflecting your organizational and presentation abilities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design decisions and rationale for specific projects in your portfolio.

• Anticipate questions about how you handle feedback and iterate on designs.

• Familiarize yourself with NAC Architecture's portfolio and Handbuilt's work to understand their aesthetic and project types.

• Be ready to articulate your understanding of how graphic design supports architectural concepts and user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process places significant weight on the portfolio, requiring it to be a comprehensive demonstration of skills and process. Candidates should view their portfolio not just as a collection of work, but as a narrative tool that answers the specific requirements listed in the job description.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • InDesign: For layout, print design, and publication work.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and complex illustrations.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • After Effects: Essential for motion graphics, animation, and video content creation.

• Microsoft Office Suite: For general document creation, presentations, and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly mentioned for a graphic design role, understanding how designs perform in presentations or marketing campaigns might involve basic analytics related to engagement or reach, depending on project scope.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to the core design tasks, but awareness of how design assets are used within marketing or project management workflows may be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements are firmly rooted in the Adobe Creative Suite, with a particular emphasis on After Effects for motion graphics. Proficiency here is non-negotiable, as it directly supports key responsibilities. Familiarity with Microsoft Office is standard for professional environments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working closely with designers, architects, and project teams to achieve shared goals.

• Craftsmanship: Dedication to high design quality, visual precision, and attention to detail in all deliverables.

• Innovation: Staying current with design trends and continuously seeking to elevate creative output.

• Impact: Designing with the purpose of enriching experiences, promoting projects, and contributing meaningfully to the firm's success.

• Iteration: A willingness to receive feedback and refine designs to achieve the best possible outcome.

Collaboration Style:

• Close-knit teamwork within the Handbuilt studio, fostering shared learning and creative development.

• Cross-functional collaboration with architects and project teams, requiring clear communication and understanding of diverse project needs.

• Openness to feedback and a constructive approach to design critiques.

• Shared responsibility for maintaining brand consistency and elevating the studio's visual standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values suggest a culture that balances individual creative contribution with team-oriented collaboration and a commitment to quality and continuous improvement. The "form-making practice" implies an encouragement of personal creative exploration that feeds into professional work.

<h3>⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities</h3>

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Projects: Juggling the demands of architectural visualization, branding, marketing, and independent design projects simultaneously.

• Translating Abstract Concepts: Effectively converting complex architectural ideas and research into compelling visual narratives for various audiences.

• Staying Current: Keeping pace with rapidly evolving design trends, software updates, and new media formats.

• Receiving and Implementing Feedback: Navigating critiques and iterating designs efficiently while maintaining creative integrity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepening expertise in motion graphics, environmental design, or branding through hands-on project experience.

• Industry Exposure: Working within a national architectural firm provides exposure to diverse project types and scales, fostering broad industry knowledge.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced designers and architects within NAC and Handbuilt.

• Creative Exploration: Opportunities to engage in personal "form-making practice" to continuously develop artistic skills and creative vision.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a multidisciplinary design role within a larger firm. Growth opportunities are framed around skill enhancement and exposure to different project types and professional environments.

<h3>💡 Interview Preparation</h3>

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project from your portfolio where you had to translate complex information (e.g., architectural concepts) into a clear visual narrative. What was your process?"

• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating feedback on your designs, especially from stakeholders outside of the design field?"

• "Walk us through your process for developing motion graphics for a presentation or marketing campaign. What are the key considerations?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What specifically about NAC Architecture's practice or Handbuilt's approach resonates with you?"

• "How do you see your design style and skills contributing to our firm's culture and project types?"

• "How do you stay current with design trends, and how do you integrate them into your work?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to highlight projects that best demonstrate the required skills (motion, typography, process, iteration). Start with your strongest, most relevant work.

• Showcase Process & Iteration: For 2-3 key projects, dedicate slides to showing your design journey – initial sketches, concept development, iterations based on feedback, and final execution.

• Highlight Motion Graphics: If presenting digitally, ensure motion graphics examples are easily accessible and play smoothly. If presenting static examples, describe the intended motion and animation.

• Articulate Strategy: For each project, clearly explain the client's objective, your design strategy, how you addressed challenges, and the outcome. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "improved presentation engagement").

• Be Concise and Clear: Use visuals effectively and keep written explanations brief and to the point. Be prepared to elaborate verbally.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical skill, but also strategic thinking, collaborative ability, and a genuine interest in NAC Architecture's work. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, requiring a narrative that clearly links the candidate's abilities to the job requirements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on recruiting.paylocity.com.

• Craft a compelling Letter of Interest: Clearly articulate what resonates with you about NAC Architecture's practice and the Handbuilt studio's mission, aligning it with your own career aspirations and design philosophy.

• Tailor Your Résumé: Highlight relevant experience, skills in Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects), and any experience with motion graphics, environmental design, or branding for civic/educational projects.

• Prepare a Strategic Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio directly addresses all requirements listed (design process, iteration, motion/animation skills, typographic finesse, presentation/organization skills). Curate it to showcase your best work relevant to this role and be ready to present it effectively.

• Research NAC Architecture: Thoroughly explore the NAC Architecture website and any available information on Handbuilt to understand their project portfolio, design aesthetic, and company values.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description provides insights and standard industry expectations for a Graphic Designer role within an architectural firm. All application details and requirements should be verified directly with NAC Architecture.