Graphic Designer II - Creative Development

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer II - Creative Development

Company: Huitt-Zollars, Inc.

Location: Orlando, FL or Los Angeles, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative Development / Graphic Design

Date Posted: August 25, 2026

Experience Level: 2-4 Years (Intermediate)

Remote Status: On-site/In-office

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on developing visual communication systems, environmental graphics, and signage for themed entertainment, experiential environments, and hospitality projects.

• The Graphic Designer II will translate narrative, brand, and experiential intent into cohesive graphic solutions to enhance guest experiences.

• Responsibilities include creating design documentation, coordinating with fabricators, and ensuring graphic integrity throughout project delivery phases.

• This position requires strong proficiency in design software and the ability to collaborate effectively within multi-disciplinary teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically tailored towards a graphic designer with a focus on built environments and experiential design, bridging the gap between creative concept and physical execution within architectural and engineering projects. The emphasis on "co-locating" with client staff suggests a highly integrated, client-facing aspect to the role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Independently develop and design environmental graphics, signage systems, and visual communication elements across various project types.

• Translate conceptual narratives, brand guidelines, and experiential goals into compelling and functional graphic design solutions that enhance guest engagement.

• Design wayfinding systems, interpretive graphics, branded environments, and informational signage for diverse project applications.

• Support the development and maintenance of comprehensive graphic standards, including typography, color palettes, iconography, and overall visual systems.

• Collaborate closely with show set designers, architects, interior designers, and engineers to seamlessly integrate graphic elements into the built environment.

• Prepare detailed design documentation, including graphic packages, layout drawings, and production-ready files for fabrication.

• Coordinate effectively with fabricators and vendors to ensure the fidelity of graphic intent from design through production and installation.

• Participate actively in design reviews, interdisciplinary coordination meetings, and internal team discussions to foster alignment and problem-solving.

• Support the fabrication and installation phases through material reviews, mock-up approvals, and on-site field coordination as needed.

• Ensure all graphic solutions adhere to established brand standards, accessibility requirements, and relevant code compliance.

• Communicate design ideas clearly and persuasively through effective layouts, compelling presentations, and detailed visual documentation.

• Utilize and maintain working knowledge of industry-standard software such as Rhino, Revit, Lumion, Adobe Suite, and Microsoft Office to produce high-quality deliverables.

• Contribute to the strategic development and execution of cohesive graphic and visual communication strategies aligned with project objectives.

• Ensure graphic design actively supports the overall guest experience, storytelling elements, and brand integration within projects.

• Facilitate coordination and communication between creative, architectural, and technical project disciplines.

• Contribute to the successful delivery of projects, measured by design quality, clarity, usability, and client satisfaction.

• Assist in maintaining consistency and quality across all graphic deliverables, upholding Huitt-Zollars' standards.

• Support adherence to Huitt-Zollars’ business processes and quality management systems.

• Participate in design reviews and quality control processes to ensure project excellence.

• Maintain current knowledge of industry trends, emerging tools, and best practices in graphic and environmental design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design, technical execution, and project coordination, emphasizing the "buildable" nature of the graphics. The inclusion of specific software like Rhino and Revit suggests a need for designers who can think in 3D and integrate with architectural/engineering workflows.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a closely related field.

• Equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree for exceptional candidates. Experience:

• 2-4 years of progressive experience in graphic design, with a strong emphasis on experiential design, environmental graphics, or related industries.

• Demonstrated experience in translating conceptual ideas into tangible, effective graphic solutions.

• Previous work within architectural teams or integrated project environments is highly preferred. Required Skills:

• Visual Communication: Proven ability to develop effective visual communication systems and graphic design solutions.

• Environmental Graphics & Signage: Expertise in designing environmental graphics, signage systems, wayfinding, and interpretive graphics.

• Branding & Identity: Strong understanding of brand integration, visual systems, typography, and iconography development.

• Software Proficiency: Competent and efficient use of Rhino, Revit, Lumion, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively and collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams, including architects, engineers, and designers.

• Detail Orientation: Meticulous attention to detail in design execution, documentation, and coordination.

• Communication: Strong visual, verbal, and written communication skills for presenting ideas and coordinating with stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with 3D modeling and visualization tools such as Enscape, 3ds Max, Maya, or Zbrush.

• Experience with drafting, modeling, and visualization workflows relevant to architectural and construction projects.

• Knowledge of fabrication processes and materials relevant to environmental graphics and signage.

• Understanding of accessibility requirements and code compliance in design applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Rhino and Revit, typically used in architectural and engineering modeling, indicates that this role demands a designer capable of working within a 3D design environment and integrating graphics directly into BIM (Building Information Modeling) workflows, not just creating 2D assets.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual Systems: Showcase the development of cohesive visual communication systems, including branding, typography, and iconography, with clear articulation of the design process.

• Environmental Graphics/Signage Projects: Present case studies of environmental graphics, signage, wayfinding, or experiential design projects, detailing the problem, solution, and impact.

• Software Application: Demonstrate proficiency in utilizing design software (especially Adobe Suite, Rhino, Revit, Lumion) through the quality and complexity of the work presented.

• Integration Examples: Include examples of graphics integrated into architectural or built environments, illustrating an understanding of scale, context, and material considerations.

• Process Documentation: Highlight the ability to document design processes, including concept development, design iterations, and final production files.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Evidence of designing and documenting graphic design workflows from concept to final output, including collaboration stages.

• System Implementation: Examples of how graphic systems were implemented across multiple touchpoints or project phases, ensuring consistency.

• Measurement & Analysis: While less direct for a graphic designer, demonstrating how design choices support project goals (e.g., guest engagement, clarity of information) is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is crucial for demonstrating not just aesthetic skill but also the ability to integrate graphics into complex, multi-disciplinary projects. Candidates should be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of their designs and how they collaborated with other disciplines.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the intermediate experience level (2-4 years), location in major metropolitan areas (Orlando, FL or Los Angeles, CA), and specialized nature of the role within an Architecture & Engineering firm, an estimated annual salary range for a Graphic Designer II would typically fall between $65,000 - $85,000 USD.

📝 Enhancement Note: This salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 2-4 years of experience in major US cities. Factors such as the specific client integration, the unique blend of architectural/environmental design skills, and the employee-owned nature of Huitt-Zollars can influence compensation. A precise range would require direct consultation with the company or specific market data for Orlando and Los Angeles for this specialized niche.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Includes medical (BCBS TX BlueChoice PPO), dental (BCBS TX BlueChoice PPO), and vision insurance (BCBS TX BlueChoice PPO).

• Telehealth Services: Access to MDLive Telehealth for convenient medical consultations.

• Disability Insurance: Employer-paid Short-Term and Long-Term disability coverage.

• Paid Time Off: 8 Paid Holidays, Paid Vacation/Annual Leave, and Paid Sick Leave.

• Professional Development: Tuition Reimbursement and reimbursements for Professional Societies and Registrations fees.

• Retirement & Ownership: Two retirement plans: a 401(k) and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), offering co-ownership benefits.

• Additional Insurance: Term Life/AD&D insurance, and Cancer and Specified Disease insurance.

• Commuter Benefits: Support for commuting expenses.

• Employee Engagement: Employee Morale/Teambuilding events and activities.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position requiring approximately 40 hours per week. The role is designated as Salary/Exempt.

📝 Enhancement Note: The inclusion of an ESOP is a significant perk, offering employees a stake in the company's success and aligning with the "co-owner" culture mentioned. The breadth of insurance options and professional development support is typical for established A/E firms.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture & Engineering (A/E) with a specialization in themed entertainment, experiential environments, hospitality, and destination-based mixed-use projects. Huitt-Zollars operates within the broader construction and design sector, focusing on creating engaging physical spaces.

Company Size: Huitt-Zollars is a privately held, 100% employee-owned firm with over 20 locations across 10 US states, indicating a medium to large-sized organization with a distributed workforce.

Founded: Established in 1975, Huitt-Zollars has a long-standing history of providing innovative planning, engineering, architectural, and interior design solutions.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer II will report to the Vice President of Creative Development, indicating a hierarchical structure within the Creative Development department.

• This role is part of a Creative team that likely includes other designers, artists, and creative strategists.

• Close collaboration with other disciplines such as Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, and Project Management is fundamental to the role's success. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated for design, the company's A/E focus implies a reliance on technical data, code compliance, and client requirements to inform design decisions.

• Workflow Optimization: The emphasis on "business processes" and "quality management systems" suggests a structured approach to project delivery and continuous improvement.

• Client-Centric Approach: The need to "co-locate" with client staff underscores a highly collaborative and client-focused methodology, ensuring alignment and integrated project execution.

Company Website: [Huitt-Zollars Website URL - Placeholder: www.huitt-zollars.com]

📝 Enhancement Note: The "100% employee-owned" aspect is a key cultural differentiator, likely fostering a strong sense of shared responsibility, collaboration, and long-term commitment among employees. The co-location requirement points to a hands-on, integrated project delivery model.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Graphic Designer II, an intermediate-level position. It signifies a transition from foundational design tasks to greater autonomy, project ownership, and specialized application within environmental and experiential design. The scope involves contributing significantly to project deliverables and coordinating with multiple stakeholders.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer II reports directly to the Vice President of Creative Development. This provides a clear line of mentorship and oversight, allowing for focused guidance on creative strategy and technical execution within the department.

Operations Impact: The graphic design function in this context directly impacts the success of themed entertainment, hospitality, and experiential projects by shaping the guest experience, reinforcing brand identity, and ensuring clear communication through visual elements. Effective graphic integration enhances project value, user engagement, and the overall success of the built environment.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Advance to Senior Graphic Designer or Lead Designer roles, focusing on specific project types (e.g., theme parks, museums, resorts) or specialized areas like wayfinding strategy or digital integration.

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in advanced design software, 3D visualization, and integration with BIM workflows. Opportunities for learning new tools and techniques relevant to experiential design.

• Leadership Potential: Develop project management and client-facing skills to potentially lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, and contribute to business development efforts within the creative department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path here is less about traditional "revenue operations" and more about deepening expertise within a creative-technical specialization. Growth is likely measured by the complexity of projects managed, the level of design leadership, and the ability to integrate graphics effectively into large-scale architectural endeavors.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role involves a hybrid work environment, requiring on-site presence either within Huitt-Zollars' Orlando or Los Angeles offices, or co-located directly within a client's office space. This suggests a dynamic work setting that adapts to project needs.

Office Location(s):

• Huitt-Zollars Offices: Orlando, FL and Los Angeles, CA.

• Client Co-location: Specific client sites in Orlando, FL or Los Angeles, CA, as determined by project assignments. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a highly collaborative workspace, particularly when co-located with clients, fostering direct communication and real-time problem-solving with architects, engineers, and client representatives.

• Technology Access: Access to industry-standard design software (Rhino, Revit, Lumion, Adobe Suite) and necessary hardware for creating high-quality visual and technical documentation.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the Creative Development team for design critiques, knowledge sharing, and team-building activities, balanced with focused individual work on design tasks.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time, exempt position. Flexibility may be required based on project deadlines and client needs, but the core expectation is consistent on-site presence during business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "co-locating" aspect is a critical environmental factor. Candidates should be comfortable working closely with clients and potentially within client-specific office cultures and protocols. This implies a strong emphasis on professionalism, adaptability, and client relationship management.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of the resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's technical and creative requirements.

• Technical/Creative Interview: Likely involves a discussion about past projects, design process, software proficiency, and problem-solving approaches. Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio and walk through specific case studies.

• Interdisciplinary/Client Interview: Potential for interviews with cross-functional team members or even client representatives to evaluate collaboration skills, communication effectiveness, and ability to integrate into a client's environment.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss cultural fit, long-term aspirations, and alignment with Huitt-Zollars' employee-owned model.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-8 strong projects that best represent your skills in environmental graphics, signage, branding, and your proficiency with required software (Rhino, Revit, Adobe Suite).

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the design challenges, your process (sketches, iterations, software usage), and the final outcome with its impact. Use visuals to tell the story.

• Highlight Technical Integration: Emphasize how your designs integrate with architectural plans or built environments. If possible, show examples of how you used Rhino or Revit to inform your design or prepare files for fabrication.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, discuss the results or benefits of your designs (e.g., improved navigation, enhanced brand recognition, positive guest feedback).

• Tailor to Huitt-Zollars: Research Huitt-Zollars' projects and clients. If you have relevant experience in themed entertainment, hospitality, or large-scale environmental graphics, make sure those projects are prominent.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge where you might need to conceptualize graphic solutions for a given space or project type. Focus on your approach to problem-solving, ideation, and articulating your strategy.

• Software Proficiency Test: While not always formal, expect questions or discussions that probe your depth of knowledge in the required software, particularly Rhino and Revit, and how you apply them to environmental graphics.

• Collaboration Simulation: Practice articulating how you would collaborate with architects, engineers, and clients to ensure design intent is met while respecting project constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount. Candidates should ensure it demonstrates not only creative talent but also the technical capability and collaborative mindset required for this specialized role within an A/E firm. Expect to discuss the practical application of software in a project context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Rhino: Essential for 3D modeling, design development, and integration with architectural workflows. Proficiency in creating complex forms and preparing models for visualization or fabrication.

• Revit: Critical for understanding and integrating graphics within BIM environments. Ability to navigate architectural models and place graphic elements accurately.

• Lumion: Used for rendering and visualization of environmental graphics and integrated designs, allowing for realistic presentation of concepts.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Core tools including Photoshop (image manipulation, rendering), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, icons), and InDesign (layout, documentation, presentations).

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard for documentation, communication, and project management tasks (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, understanding how design impacts user experience and project success can involve reviewing client feedback or post-occupancy evaluations. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the design execution, but familiarity with project management software and communication platforms used within Huitt-Zollars or client environments is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The inclusion of Rhino and Revit alongside traditional graphic design tools is a strong indicator that this role requires a designer who is comfortable operating within an architectural/engineering software ecosystem and can produce technically integrated design deliverables.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Co-Ownership: As an employee-owned firm, a strong sense of responsibility, commitment, and proactive contribution to the company's success is expected.

• Innovation: A drive to provide innovative planning, architectural, and design solutions that improve the environments where people live, work, and play.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork, listening to client and community needs, and working together across disciplines to deliver world-class professional services.

• Quality: Commitment to delivering high-quality professional services and adhering to business processes and quality management systems.

• Adaptability: Ability to be responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs in a dynamic project environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teamwork: Expect a highly collaborative style, working closely with architects, engineers, and clients, often in shared physical spaces, to ensure seamless integration of graphic design into the built environment.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: A culture that values structured design reviews and quality control processes, encouraging constructive feedback for continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement to share best practices, industry trends, and technical knowledge, particularly within the employee-owned framework that values collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "employee-owned" model is central to Huitt-Zollars' culture. Candidates should demonstrate a proactive, team-oriented mindset and a genuine interest in contributing to the company's overall success beyond their immediate role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Integration Complexity: Balancing creative vision with the technical constraints and requirements of architectural and engineering projects, ensuring designs are both aesthetically compelling and buildable.

• Cross-Disciplinary Communication: Effectively communicating design intent and technical requirements to diverse teams (architects, engineers, clients) who may have different priorities and technical languages.

• Client Co-location Dynamics: Adapting to client-specific work environments and potentially navigating client team structures and expectations while representing Huitt-Zollars.

• Software Interoperability: Ensuring seamless data transfer and compatibility between graphic design software and architectural/engineering platforms like Revit and Rhino.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized design and visualization tools relevant to experiential and environmental design.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining experience on large-scale, high-profile projects in themed entertainment, hospitality, and mixed-use developments.

• Mentorship: Learning from senior designers and leaders within an employee-owned firm, potentially gaining insights into business operations and firm management.

• Professional Certifications: Support for obtaining certifications or attending workshops relevant to environmental graphics, experiential design, or specific software proficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge lies in the intersection of creative design and technical execution within complex project environments. Growth opportunities are tied to mastering this intersection and potentially taking on more leadership in project delivery.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you had to integrate environmental graphics into an existing architectural space. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and collaboration with architects.)

• "How do you ensure your graphic designs align with brand standards while also meeting the functional requirements of wayfinding or experiential storytelling?" (Demonstrate your understanding of balancing creative intent with practical application.)

• "Walk us through your process for developing a signage system for a large venue. What factors do you consider, and how do you document your designs for fabrication?" (Highlight your systematic approach, software usage, and attention to detail.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Huitt-Zollars, particularly our employee-owned model and our work in themed entertainment/experiential design?" (Research the company's projects and values; express genuine interest in co-ownership.)

• "How do you approach working collaboratively, especially when co-located with client teams and other disciplines like architecture and engineering?" (Emphasize your adaptability, communication skills, and team-player attitude.)

• "How do you see your role contributing to the overall success and quality of Huitt-Zollars' projects?" (Connect your skills and responsibilities to the company's mission and client satisfaction.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation with a clear beginning, middle, and end for each project, explaining the context, your creative process, technical execution, and the final outcome.

• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality images and clear graphics to showcase your work. For environmental graphics, show mock-ups or renderings that place your designs in context.

• Software Demonstration: Be ready to discuss how you used specific software (Rhino, Revit, Adobe Suite) to achieve your design goals. If possible, briefly show a relevant workflow example if requested.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on your most relevant projects and articulate your contributions clearly and efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be assessing not only your design skills but also your ability to integrate into a collaborative, client-facing, and technically driven environment. Be prepared to discuss your experience with industry-standard software in practical project scenarios.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer II position:

• Submit your application through the Huitt-Zollars career portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio is tailored to showcase projects relevant to environmental graphics, signage, experiential design, and your proficiency with the required software (Rhino, Revit, Lumion, Adobe Suite).

• Resume Optimization: Highlight your 2-4 years of experience, specific software skills, and any experience working within architectural or integrated project teams. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, technical capabilities, and collaborative approach. Prepare to present your portfolio and discuss specific case studies.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Huitt-Zollars' projects, client types, and their employee-owned culture. Understand their approach to design and project delivery.

⚠️ 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.