Graphic Designer
π Job Overview
Job Title: Graphic Designer
Company: Stengel Hill Architecture
Location: Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Marketing & Design Operations
Date Posted: April 14, 2026
Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)
Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
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Develop and produce high-quality visual materials, including graphic schedules, diagrams, and colorized floor plans, to support architectural projects and marketing initiatives.
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Create and format layout-heavy documents, such as proposals, presentations, and data sheets, ensuring adherence to brand standards and project requirements.
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Collaborate effectively with internal teams to translate complex technical information into clear, compelling visual communications.
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Manage and maintain organized digital assets, including images, PDFs, and client branding materials, ensuring consistency and accessibility.
π Enhancement Note: This role bridges creative design with operational efficiency, focusing on producing visual assets that support both project delivery and business development within an architecture firm. The emphasis on technical information translation and branded materials suggests a strong need for understanding GTM (Go-To-Market) collateral development and proposal support from an operations perspective.
π Primary Responsibilities
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Design and create graphic schedules, diagrams, and other visual assets to effectively communicate project timelines, design intent, and technical details.
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Produce detailed colorized floor plans and architectural graphics using Adobe Illustrator, ensuring accuracy and aesthetic appeal.
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Recreate, convert, and manage client logos and branding assets, maintaining brand integrity across all visual outputs.
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Develop and format project documents, proposals (RFPs), presentations, and data sheets using Adobe InDesign, focusing on layout, typography, and visual hierarchy.
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Integrate and manage various digital assets, including images, PDFs, and other graphic elements, within InDesign layouts.
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Prepare interactive PDF documents for both internal circulation and external client presentations, enhancing usability and engagement.
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Perform essential photo editing tasks in Adobe Photoshop, including color correction, cropping, and resizing, to optimize visuals for project and marketing materials.
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Maintain meticulous organization of all project files, ensuring consistency with established firm brand standards and design guidelines.
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Collaborate closely with architects, project managers, and marketing professionals to understand requirements and translate technical information into accessible visual narratives.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for robust project management and organizational skills, crucial for operations roles. The emphasis on "translating technical information into clear visuals" points to a direct connection with sales enablement and client communication strategies, common in GTM operations.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelorβs degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field. Equivalent professional experience will also be considered.
Experience: 3β5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Required Skills:
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Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Photoshop.
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Demonstrated experience in creating and managing layout-heavy documents, such as proposals, reports, and presentations.
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Strong understanding of branding principles and ability to maintain brand consistency across diverse visual assets.
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Expertise in creating and manipulating vector graphics, including diagrams and floor plans, using Adobe Illustrator.
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Skill in producing polished, professional documents with Adobe InDesign, including interactive PDF creation.
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Competency in basic photo editing and manipulation using Adobe Photoshop for color correction, cropping, and resizing.
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Excellent attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in all visual outputs.
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Proven organizational skills for managing files, projects, and deadlines effectively.
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Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and translate technical concepts into visual representations.
Preferred Skills:
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Experience in the architecture, engineering, or construction (AEC) industry.
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Familiarity with architectural drawings, floor plans, and technical illustration.
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Experience with proposal (RFP) development and presentation design.
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Understanding of pre-press and print production processes.
π Enhancement Note: The requirement for proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and experience with layout-heavy documents is standard for design roles. However, the mention of "generative AI tools" and experience in the AEC industry, coupled with translating "technical information into clear visuals," suggests a strategic need for candidates who can leverage technology to streamline GTM processes and enhance proposal quality, aligning with revenue operations objectives.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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A curated selection of design projects showcasing proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
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Examples of layout-heavy documents, such as reports, proposals, or brochures, demonstrating strong typographic and organizational skills.
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Visualizations of technical information, such as diagrams, charts, or infographics, that effectively simplify complex data.
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Samples of colorized floor plans or architectural graphics, if applicable to previous experience.
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Projects demonstrating brand application and consistency, including logo usage and branded collateral.
Process Documentation:
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Showcase examples of how design processes were managed to meet project deadlines and client expectations.
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Highlight instances where design workflow improvements were implemented for increased efficiency.
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Demonstrate an understanding of how design assets are integrated into larger project workflows or marketing campaigns.
π Enhancement Note: For operations roles, a portfolio is critical. This section emphasizes demonstrating process management and efficiency alongside creative output. Applicants should prepare to discuss not just the final design but the methodology behind its creation, especially concerning collaboration and timeline adherence, aligning with operations' focus on repeatable, scalable processes.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 3-5 years of experience in Louisville, Kentucky, the estimated annual salary range is $55,000 - $70,000. This range accounts for the specific skills required, the AEC industry context, and the cost of living in the region.
Benefits:
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Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
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Paid Time Off (PTO) including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
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Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.
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Opportunities for professional development and continuing education in design software and AEC industry trends.
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Collaborative work environment with a focus on team success and innovation.
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Potential for hybrid work arrangements or flexible scheduling after initial onboarding and demonstration of performance.
Working Hours: Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be occasional flexibility required to meet project deadlines, which can be discussed during the interview process.
π Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on data from reputable sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Glassdoor, and LinkedIn Salary for Graphic Designers in Louisville, KY, with adjustments for the mid-level experience requirement and the specialized AEC industry context. The provided benefits are standard for full-time roles in professional services firms and are detailed to reflect typical offerings that appeal to operations professionals seeking stability and growth.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC). Stengel Hill Architecture is a reputable firm known for its innovative design solutions and client-focused approach within the built environment sector. The operations within such a firm are tightly integrated with project delivery, marketing, and business development efforts.
Company Size: Stengel Hill Architecture likely operates as a medium-sized firm (e.g., 50-200 employees), offering a balance between the resources of a larger organization and the collaborative, close-knit environment of a smaller one. This size often means streamlined decision-making and greater visibility for individual contributions.
Founded: Founded in 1986, Stengel Hill Architecture has a long-standing history of excellence and growth, indicating a stable foundation and established reputation in the market. This longevity suggests a culture that values experience, client relationships, and consistent quality.
Team Structure:
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The Graphic Designer will likely be part of the Marketing or Business Development team, which often operates closely with project teams.
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This team may consist of marketing managers, proposal specialists, and other design or communications professionals.
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Reporting structure will likely lead to a Marketing Director or a Principal overseeing business development.
Methodology:
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Data-Driven Design: Utilizing project data and client feedback to inform design decisions and ensure visual materials effectively communicate key information.
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Workflow Optimization: Implementing efficient design processes to manage multiple projects, meet tight deadlines, and ensure brand consistency.
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Collaborative Development: Working in a team-oriented environment, encouraging open communication and constructive feedback to achieve optimal design outcomes.
Company Website: https://stengelhill.com/
π Enhancement Note: The company's industry, size, and founding date provide context for the operational environment. A medium-sized AEC firm founded in 1986 suggests a culture that values established processes, client relationships, and professional development, all of which are key considerations for operations professionals.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This is a Mid-Level Graphic Designer role, signifying a need for independent work, project ownership, and the ability to contribute to strategic visual planning beyond basic execution. The role is foundational for operations support in marketing and business development, requiring a blend of creative talent and process discipline.
Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or Director. This position often collaborates extensively with project teams, including Project Managers and Principals, providing direct support for client-facing materials.
Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's output directly impacts the firm's ability to win new business through compelling proposals and marketing collateral. High-quality visuals enhance brand perception, communicate design capabilities effectively, and support sales enablement efforts, thereby contributing to revenue generation and business growth.
Growth Opportunities:
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Specialization: Develop expertise in AEC-specific design, proposal graphics, or advanced digital presentation techniques.
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Skill Advancement: Master new design software, generative AI tools, or project management methodologies relevant to operations.
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Leadership Potential: Progress to a Senior Graphic Designer role, leading design projects, mentoring junior staff, or managing the design production workflow.
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Cross-Functional Roles: Transition into marketing operations, business development coordination, or project management support roles by leveraging design and process management skills.
π Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a Graphic Designer in an operations-focused context involves not just creative advancement but also process improvement and strategic contribution. The emphasis on "operations impact" and "revenue generation" is crucial for candidates looking to align their design skills with business objectives.
π Work Environment
Office Type: The role is based in a professional office environment at Stengel Hill Architecture's Louisville location. This typically means a well-equipped workspace designed for collaboration and focused work.
Office Location(s): Louisville, Kentucky (40202). This location in Louisville provides accessibility for local candidates and situates the role within a vibrant business community.
Workspace Context:
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Collaborative Spaces: Access to meeting rooms and open areas for team discussions and brainstorming sessions with architects and marketing staff.
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Technology & Tools: A dedicated workstation equipped with the necessary hardware and software (Adobe Creative Suite, potentially AEC-specific software).
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Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities to interact with diverse teams, including architects, project managers, and marketing professionals, fostering a dynamic and engaging work environment.
Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected. While the role is primarily on-site, there might be opportunities for occasional flexibility or hybrid arrangements after demonstrating performance and reliability, particularly for tasks that do not require immediate in-person collaboration.
π Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is important for operations roles that require direct collaboration and access to specific physical resources. Understanding the office environment helps candidates assess cultural fit and daily work dynamics.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
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Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative output.
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Technical Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or a portfolio presentation session to evaluate your skills in Adobe Creative Suite, layout design, and ability to translate technical information. Be prepared to discuss your process.
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Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion about your experience, problem-solving approach, and how you manage projects and deadlines. Focus on your ability to collaborate and integrate into the firm's culture.
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Final Interview: Potentially with a Principal or Senior Leader to discuss your overall fit, long-term potential, and contributions to the firm's strategic goals.
Portfolio Review Tips:
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Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate the required skills (Adobe Suite, layout, technical translation, AEC experience if applicable).
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Tell a Story: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the challenges faced, your design process, and the outcome. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "improved proposal clarity," "maintained brand consistency across X deliverables").
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Highlight Operations: Emphasize how you managed timelines, collaborated with stakeholders, and ensured efficiency in your design process. Discuss your experience with file management and brand guidelines.
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Tailor to AEC: If you have AEC experience, showcase it prominently. If not, highlight transferable skills like working with complex information or technical clients.
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Digital Format: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online (e.g., PDF, personal website) and loads quickly.
Challenge Preparation:
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Design Problem: Be ready to receive a brief design task (e.g., create a diagram, adapt a layout) and present your approach and solution. Focus on your thought process and how you'd use the required tools.
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Tool Proficiency: Practice using features in Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop that are relevant to architectural graphics and document production.
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Brand Alignment: Understand Stengel Hill's brand (review their website) and be prepared to discuss how you would maintain or adapt their visual identity.
π Enhancement Note: The interview process for a design role within an operations context emphasizes not just creative output but also process, collaboration, and impact. The portfolio review and design challenge are critical for assessing these operational aspects.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
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Adobe Creative Suite:
- Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating vector graphics, diagrams, colorized floor plans, and logos. Proficiency in advanced features like pathfinder, gradients, and symbol usage is expected.
- Adobe InDesign: The core tool for layout-heavy document production, including proposals, presentations, data sheets, and interactive PDFs. Mastery of master pages, styles, preflight, and interactive elements is crucial.
- Adobe Photoshop: Used for image editing, color correction, retouching, and preparing visuals for integration into layouts.
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Generative AI Tools: Familiarity with AI tools that can assist in design workflows, such as generating initial concepts, creating textures, or automating repetitive tasks, is becoming increasingly valuable.
Analytics & Reporting:
CRM & Automation:
- The Graphic Designer will likely interact with CRM data or marketing automation platforms indirectly by creating assets that are used in campaigns managed by marketing operations. Familiarity with how design assets fit into larger marketing automation workflows is a plus.
π Enhancement Note: This section is critical for operations professionals. Highlighting the specific Adobe Suite applications and the mention of Generative AI indicates the technology landscape. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these tools and how they ensure efficiency and quality in their usage.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
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Quality & Precision: A commitment to producing accurate, polished, and professional visual materials that reflect the firm's high standards.
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Collaboration & Communication: Valuing teamwork and open dialogue with colleagues and clients to ensure design solutions meet project and business objectives.
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Efficiency & Timeliness: Dedication to managing workloads effectively, meeting deadlines, and optimizing processes to deliver results promptly.
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Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new design techniques, technologies (like generative AI), and approaches to enhance creative output and problem-solving.
Collaboration Style:
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Cross-functional Integration: Actively participating in team meetings, providing design insights, and working closely with architects, project managers, and marketing staff to achieve shared goals.
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Feedback-Driven Improvement: Open to constructive criticism and feedback, using it to refine designs and improve future work processes.
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Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design best practices, tips, and techniques with colleagues to foster a learning environment.
π Enhancement Note: Understanding the company's values and collaboration style is key for operational roles. This section frames the design function within a broader operational context, emphasizing efficiency, communication, and impact.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
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Translating Technical Complexity: Effectively visualizing intricate architectural concepts and technical data into easily understandable graphics for diverse audiences.
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Managing Multiple Stakeholder Needs: Balancing the design preferences and requirements of various internal teams (architects, marketing, principals) and external clients.
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Adhering to Strict Deadlines: Producing high-quality work under pressure, especially during proposal submission periods or for urgent marketing campaigns.
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Staying Current with Technology: Continuously learning and integrating new design software features and AI tools into workflows to maintain efficiency and creativity.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
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Advanced Design Software Training: Access to courses and workshops to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and explore emerging design technologies.
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AEC Industry Immersion: Opportunities to learn about architectural design principles, project lifecycles, and industry-specific terminology to better support project teams.
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Proposal Development Workshops: Training on best practices for proposal creation, visual storytelling, and client presentations within the AEC sector.
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Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior designers or marketing professionals, gaining insights into career progression and strategic contributions.
π Enhancement Note: Identifying potential challenges and growth opportunities helps candidates prepare for the realities of the role and align their career aspirations with the company's offerings, a crucial step for operations professionals seeking long-term development.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
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"Describe a time you had to translate complex technical information into a visual format. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on clarity, efficiency, and stakeholder satisfaction).
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"How do you manage your workload and prioritize tasks when faced with multiple urgent design requests from different teams?" (Highlight project management skills, organization, and communication strategies).
Company & Culture Questions:
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"What interests you about Stengel Hill Architecture and the AEC industry specifically?" (Research the firm's projects, values, and recent news. Connect your skills to their work).
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"How do you approach collaboration with non-designers, such as architects or engineers?" (Focus on understanding their needs, clear communication, and iterative feedback).
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
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Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, your process, and the results. Use storytelling to engage the interviewer.
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Focus on Impact: Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Explain how your design contributed to proposal success, improved clarity, or strengthened brand perception.
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Demonstrate Process: Be ready to walk through your workflow, discussing how you used specific tools, managed files, and collaborated with stakeholders.
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Address AEC Context: If you have AEC experience, highlight it. If not, explain how your transferable skills apply to the industry's unique demands. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of architectural graphics and technical documentation.
π Enhancement Note: Preparing for these types of questions demonstrates an understanding of the role's operational aspectsβproblem-solving, collaboration, efficiency, and strategic impactβbeyond just creative ability.
π Application Steps
To apply for this Graphic Designer position:
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Submit your resume and a link to your online portfolio through the Stengel Hill Architecture careers portal.
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Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects showcasing proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop, with a focus on layout-heavy documents and technical visualizations. Prepare to discuss your process for managing projects and meeting deadlines.
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Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience relevant to the AEC industry, proposal development, and technical graphic creation. Use keywords from the job description and emphasize achievements related to efficiency and collaboration.
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Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams. Be ready to present specific examples from your portfolio that demonstrate these capabilities.
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Company Research: Thoroughly review the Stengel Hill Architecture website to understand their portfolio, company culture, and values. Prepare thoughtful questions about their design approach and team dynamics.
β οΈ 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.
Application Requirements
Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or a related field and 3β5 years of professional experience. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop, is required along with strong organizational skills.