Brand Designer - Junior

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Brand Designer Company: Gensler Location: Paris, France Job Type: Full-time Category: Brand & Graphic Design Operations Date Posted: July 23, 2025 Experience Level: Junior (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on translating strategic brand concepts into compelling visual experiences within the built environment, leveraging graphic design principles for clients in diverse sectors like retail, workplace, and entertainment.
• The Junior Brand Designer will be instrumental in developing and executing creative visual solutions across multiple channels, including environmental graphics, signage, digital integration, and visual merchandising.
• Success in this position requires a strong foundation in 2D and 3D design, a keen understanding of brand storytelling, and the ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams.
• The role demands a proactive approach to market trend research and a commitment to delivering high-quality creative output under tight deadlines, emphasizing meticulous attention to detail and cross-cultural collaboration with international offices.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input data is for a Brand Designer, the output is tailored to an "Operations" role by emphasizing the process, collaboration, and execution aspects inherent in design operations within a large firm like Gensler. The core responsibilities are framed around operationalizing creative strategy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with insights and strategy teams to translate business objectives into creative visual concepts and design solutions for client briefs.
• Design and execute comprehensive branded environments, encompassing environmental graphics, signage systems, digital installations, and wayfinding solutions.
• Develop and present compelling design concepts internally and to external clients, articulating strategic rationale and creative vision effectively.
• Compose and refine design presentations, ensuring visual clarity, persuasive storytelling, and alignment with client brand guidelines.
• Coordinate with external design support, fabricators, and production teams to ensure accurate implementation of design intent and adherence to project timelines.
• Actively participate in cross-functional collaboration with architecture, interior design, and strategy teams from initial concept development through to final delivery.
• Conduct ongoing research into market trends, design innovations, and best practices within the built environment and branding sectors, sharing insights with the broader team.
• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks and maintaining meticulous attention to detail to meet project deadlines in a fast-paced setting.
• Liaise with Gensler's regional and international offices to ensure consistent brand application and knowledge sharing across global projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities are expanded to highlight the operational aspects of design, such as coordination, presentation, stakeholder management, and cross-functional collaboration, which are critical in a large firm. The emphasis is on the execution and delivery of design projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Environmental Graphic Design, Information Design, Communication Design, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• 0-2 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a strong focus on brand development and execution for the built environment.
• Demonstrated experience in executing creative brand storytelling across diverse channels, including physical spaces, digital platforms, visual merchandising, and temporary installations.

Required Skills:

• Brand Strategy Translation: Ability to translate strategic thinking and client briefs into impactful visual design solutions.
• Environmental Graphic Design: Strong interest and foundational knowledge in designing for the built environment, including signage and experiential graphics.
• 2D & 3D Visualization: Proficiency in conceptualizing and visualizing ideas in both two and three dimensions.
• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Advanced skills in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop for design execution and asset creation.
• Figma Proficiency: Experience with Figma for collaborative design and prototyping.
• Typography & Composition: Excellent command of typography, layout composition, and information design principles.
• Communication & Presentation: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and present work compellingly to internal teams and clients.
• Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities to address design challenges effectively.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of design and project execution.
• Team Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary, fast-paced, and team-oriented environments.

Preferred Skills:

• 3D Design Software: Interest and ability to learn and utilize 3D programs such as SketchUp for design visualization.
• Market Trend Analysis: Ability to stay current on market trends and communicate relevant insights to team members.
• Multitasking: Capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities.
• Cross-cultural Communication: Experience or aptitude for liaising with international offices and diverse teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Qualifications are framed to emphasize the operational aspects of design, such as translating strategy into visuals, managing multiple projects, and collaborating across teams. The required software skills are highlighted as essential operational tools.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, with a specific emphasis on brand storytelling and application within physical spaces.
• Demonstrate projects that highlight the integration of graphic design principles with environmental graphics, signage, or experiential design.
• Include examples of conceptual development and the translation of strategic thinking into visual solutions.
• Showcase strong typography, composition, and information hierarchy in at least 2-3 distinct projects.
• Portfolio should also include examples of 2D design work and, if possible, demonstrate an understanding of 3D visualization or spatial design.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of design process documentation, illustrating project phases from initial research and concept development through to final execution and presentation.
• Showcase how you approach client briefs and translate them into actionable design strategies and visual outcomes.
• Include case studies that detail problem-solving approaches and how design decisions were made to meet specific project goals or overcome challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Portfolio requirements are now specifically tailored to demonstrate operational design capabilities, focusing on process, strategy execution, and cross-channel application rather than just aesthetic output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the junior level (0-2 years experience), location (Paris, France), and the prestigious firm Gensler, the estimated annual salary range for a Junior Brand Designer is €30,000 - €40,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for junior design roles in major European cities, considering the cost of living and typical entry-level compensation structures.

Benefits:

• Professional Development Reimbursement: Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional qualifications, associated renewals, and exam fees, supporting continuous learning and skill enhancement in design operations.
• Tuition Reimbursement: The firm reimburses tuition for eligible programs or classes, further investing in employee growth and specialized training in design and related fields.
• Comprehensive Health & Wellness Programs: Access to health benefits and wellness initiatives to support employee well-being.
• Collaborative Work Environment: Opportunity to work within a dynamic and supportive team structure that fosters creativity and professional growth.
• Global Exposure: Potential to work on diverse, international projects and collaborate with teams across Gensler's global network.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected to meet project deadlines and client needs. The role requires adaptability to work on various projects simultaneously, often with tight turnarounds.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range is estimated based on industry standards for junior design roles in Paris. Benefits are detailed to highlight professional growth opportunities relevant to an operations-focused role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Design, and Planning Services. Gensler is a global leader known for its innovative approach to the built environment, impacting various sectors including workplace, retail, hospitality, and community spaces. This context means the operations team must be agile and adaptable to diverse client needs and project scales. Company Size: Large (5,000+ employees globally). As a large, international firm, Gensler offers structured career paths, extensive resources, and opportunities for specialization within design operations. The size implies a need for robust process management and cross-departmental coordination. Founded: 1965. With a long history, Gensler has established a strong reputation and a deep understanding of client needs and market dynamics, influencing its operational approach towards both innovation and proven methodologies.

Team Structure:

• The Brand Designer will be part of a creative design team, likely within a larger practice area (e.g., Brand Design, Digital Design, or Experiential Design). The team structure is typically project-based, with designers working alongside strategists, architects, and project managers.
• Reporting lines will likely be to a Design Manager, Creative Director, or a Senior Designer who oversees project execution and team development.
• Cross-functional collaboration is fundamental, requiring seamless interaction with architectural teams, client strategy groups, marketing, and production specialists to deliver integrated design solutions.

Methodology:

• Gensler emphasizes a data-driven and research-informed approach to design, integrating insights from user behavior, market trends, and client strategy.
• Workflow planning and optimization are key, focusing on efficient project management, clear communication channels, and iterative design processes.
• Automation and efficiency are sought through the effective use of design software and digital tools, streamlining the creation and delivery of design assets.

Company Website: https://www.gensler.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is interpreted through the lens of design operations, emphasizing the scale, industry, and collaborative nature that impact how design work is managed and executed.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Junior Brand Designer role, positioned at the entry-level of a design operations career path within Gensler. It’s an opportunity to learn and apply core design principles, software proficiency, and project execution methodologies under mentorship. Reporting Structure: Typically, a Junior Brand Designer reports to a Design Manager or a Senior Designer who provides guidance on project tasks, design quality, and professional development. This structure ensures mentorship and hands-on learning. Operations Impact: Junior designers contribute to the operational efficiency of design projects by executing tasks accurately and on time, supporting senior designers in client presentations, and helping to maintain brand consistency across various touchpoints. Their work directly impacts the visual quality and strategic alignment of client deliverables.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Progress from junior to mid-level designer roles, specializing in areas like environmental graphic design, digital design, or brand strategy implementation, with clear progression paths outlined by Gensler's professional development framework.
• Project Leadership: Develop the ability to lead smaller design projects or specific design components of larger initiatives, gaining experience in client interaction and project management.
• Industry Expertise: Deepen knowledge in specific client sectors (e.g., tech, finance, retail) and gain expertise in emerging design trends and technologies through ongoing learning and project exposure.

📝 Enhancement Note: Career growth is analyzed from an operational perspective, focusing on skill development, project execution, and progression within design management hierarchies.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Gensler offices are typically modern, collaborative, and designed to reflect their own expertise in creating inspiring workplaces. Expect an open-plan layout with dedicated areas for focused work, team collaboration, and client presentations. Office Location(s): Paris, France. This location offers a vibrant design scene and exposure to European markets, with Gensler likely having a well-appointed studio space designed for creative professionals. Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, encouraging interaction with diverse teams, including architects, interior designers, and strategists, promoting a cross-pollination of ideas.
• Access to state-of-the-art design tools, software, and technology is standard, supporting efficient workflow and creative output.
• Opportunities for informal and formal team interactions, design critiques, and knowledge-sharing sessions are integrated into the daily work environment.

Work Schedule:

• While standard hours are 40 per week, the dynamic nature of design projects may require flexibility. The emphasis is on delivering high-quality work and meeting project milestones, which can sometimes necessitate working beyond typical hours. The environment supports focused work periods as well as collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described with an operations focus, highlighting the collaborative nature, tool availability, and flexibility required for project-driven design work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess qualifications, design skills, and alignment with Gensler's brand and project types. Candidates without a portfolio or work samples will not be considered.
• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: A practical exercise or in-depth review of the submitted portfolio may be conducted to evaluate conceptual thinking, technical proficiency, and problem-solving skills. Expect to discuss your process and rationale.
• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Interviews with the hiring manager and potential team members to assess cultural fit, communication skills, collaborative abilities, and passion for design within the built environment.
• Final Interview (if applicable): Potentially a final conversation with senior leadership to discuss career aspirations and long-term fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills in brand storytelling, environmental graphics, and 2D/3D design. Tailor your selection to highlight relevance to Gensler's work.
• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the problem you were solving, your design process (research, concepts, iterations), and the final outcome. Visuals are key, but the narrative explaining your thought process is crucial.
• Highlight Impact: If possible, demonstrate the impact or success of your designs, even if it's through conceptual rationale or hypothetical scenarios for a junior role. Quantifiable results are ideal but not always feasible at this level.
• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates proficiency in the required software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma), with clean, professional presentation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Gensler's Work: Familiarize yourself with Gensler's portfolio, key projects, and design philosophy. Identify how your skills and aesthetic align with their output.
• Practice Communication: Be prepared to articulate your design decisions clearly and concisely. Practice presenting your portfolio and explaining your creative process under pressure.
• Research Trends: Stay updated on current trends in branding, environmental graphics, and experiential design, and be ready to discuss them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and review process is detailed with actionable advice for operations professionals, focusing on portfolio strategy and demonstrating process-driven capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for all graphic design tasks, including InDesign (layout and typography), Illustrator (vector graphics and logos), and Photoshop (image editing and manipulation). Proficiency is expected for efficient project execution.
• Figma: Increasingly used for collaborative design, prototyping, and presentation, requiring familiarity for teamwork and digital asset creation.
• SketchUp (Interest/Ability to Learn): Valuable for 3D visualization, spatial design, and environmental graphic mock-ups, indicating a need for adaptability to new software.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for a brand designer, understanding how design impacts user engagement or brand recall might involve basic analytics interpretation for digital assets or campaign performance.

CRM & Automation:

• Less directly applicable to this role's core functions, but familiarity with project management software or internal communication platforms (like Slack, Microsoft Teams) is common in collaborative environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools are presented as operational assets crucial for design execution and collaboration, highlighting both core proficiencies and areas for development.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creative Excellence: A commitment to pushing creative boundaries and delivering high-quality, impactful design solutions that align with client strategies.
• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where ideas are shared freely, and individuals work together across disciplines to achieve project goals.
• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas, exploring emerging technologies, and finding novel approaches to design challenges within the built environment.
• Client Focus: Understanding and prioritizing client needs, ensuring that design solutions are strategically sound and deliver tangible value.
• Integrity & Respect: Upholding professional standards, valuing diverse perspectives, and treating colleagues and clients with respect.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with architects, interior designers, strategists, and marketing professionals, requiring strong communication and the ability to integrate diverse expertise.
• Process-Oriented Feedback: A culture that values constructive feedback and iterative design processes, where design reviews are common and contribute to refining project outcomes.
• Knowledge Sharing: An environment that encourages the sharing of insights, best practices, and project learnings across teams and offices to foster continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Team culture and values are framed around operational effectiveness in design, emphasizing collaboration, client service, and a commitment to quality and innovation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Client Strategy: Effectively translating client briefs and strategic goals into compelling visual designs that meet both aesthetic and functional requirements.
• Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling diverse projects with varying deadlines and client demands requires strong organizational and time management skills.
• Integrating Design Disciplines: Seamlessly blending graphic design with architectural and environmental design elements to create cohesive brand experiences in the built environment.
• Adapting to New Technologies: Staying current with evolving design software and digital tools to maintain efficiency and expand capabilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Access to experienced designers and creative directors for guidance on skill development, career progression, and design best practices.
• Project Exposure: Opportunity to work on a wide range of projects across different industries and scales, broadening design experience and portfolio breadth.
• Internal Training: Participation in Gensler's professional development programs, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions focused on design innovation and operational excellence.
• Industry Events: Potential to attend industry conferences and events to stay abreast of the latest trends and network with peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth are presented from an operations perspective, focusing on project management, skill adaptation, and the structured learning environment Gensler provides.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating a client's strategic brief into a visual design concept." Prepare to walk through a project from your portfolio, detailing your research, ideation, concept development, and refinement stages. Highlight how you ensure alignment with strategic goals.
• "How do you approach collaborating with architects or interior designers on projects involving environmental graphics?" Be ready to discuss your experience or understanding of cross-functional collaboration, emphasizing communication, integration of ideas, and problem-solving within a multidisciplinary team.
• "Walk us through a project where you had to overcome a design challenge or meet a tight deadline. What was your approach?" Choose a relevant project and detail the challenge, your problem-solving methodology, the steps you took, and the outcome. Emphasize efficiency and adaptability.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Gensler's approach to designing for the built environment?" Research Gensler's recent projects, design philosophy, and values. Connect your own interests and aspirations to their work and culture.
• "How do you see yourself contributing to our collaborative team environment?" Discuss your teamwork style, communication preferences, and how you handle feedback. Provide examples of successful team collaborations.
• "How do you stay updated on design trends and incorporate them into your work?" Explain your methods for continuous learning, whether through industry publications, online resources, or networking, and how you apply new knowledge.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentation as a narrative for each project, guiding the interviewer through your thought process, challenges, and solutions.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your digital portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use high-quality images and clear explanations.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects within a set time frame, focusing on the most impactful aspects of your work and your operational approach.
• Demonstrate Adaptability: Show examples of how you can design across different styles and for various applications, showcasing your versatility.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to showcase operational design thinking, focusing on process, collaboration, problem-solving, and strategic alignment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Brand Designer position at Gensler:

• Submit your CV and a brief, curated portfolio through the Gensler careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio highlights projects demonstrating brand storytelling, environmental graphics, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma. Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your design skills, any relevant experience in the built environment, and your ability to collaborate and manage multiple tasks. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and collaborative style. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio to illustrate your capabilities. Research Gensler's recent work and design philosophy.
• Company Research: Understand Gensler's values, client sectors, and approach to design. Be ready to discuss why you are a good fit for their culture and how you can contribute to their projects.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions tailored for operations roles. All details, especially salary and specific responsibilities, should be verified directly with Gensler during the application and interview process.