Experiential Graphic Designer II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Experiential Graphic Designer II

Company: Cooper Carry

Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States / Charlotte, North Carolina, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Experiential Graphic Design / Environmental Graphic Design

Date Posted: March 17, 2026

Experience Level: 3-5+ Years Professional Experience

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is for an early-career professional with 3-5+ years of specialized experience in Experiential Graphic Design (EGD) or Environmental Graphic Design (EGD).

• The position focuses on developing design and technical solutions within a dedicated EGD studio, with a strong emphasis on professional growth and skill refinement.

• Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to work independently while receiving direction and support from senior team members and studio leaders.

• This role is a key contributor to project success and requires a blend of creative design talent and technical documentation proficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "Experiential Graphic Designer II" and the description of "early career position" combined with "3-5+ years working professional design experience specifically within the experiential/environmental graphic design industry" indicates a role that bridges junior and mid-level responsibilities. The focus on "develop design or technical solutions" and "honing their professional development and skills" suggests a growth-oriented position within a specialized studio environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and refine design solutions from conceptualization through to detailed documentation, adhering to project timelines and client guidelines.

• Produce high-quality design deliverables, including drawings, renderings, and comprehensive construction documents for experiential graphics.

• Apply understanding of three-dimensional design principles and their integration into built environments.

• Collaborate effectively with senior designers and studio leaders, actively seeking and incorporating feedback to enhance design quality and technical execution.

• Manage assigned tasks and small projects independently, demonstrating discretion, good judgment, and problem-solving skills.

• Gain and apply knowledge of municipal signage codes, fabrication methods, and general architectural documentation standards relevant to EGD projects.

• Maintain awareness of current industry trends, cultural shifts, and market dynamics to inform design decisions.

• Juggle multiple projects and tasks concurrently, ensuring deadlines are met and quality is maintained across all assignments.

• Contribute to building and nurturing client relationships through professional interactions and reliable project delivery.

• Actively seek opportunities for professional advancement and skill development within the Experiential Graphic Design studio and Cooper Carry.

• Foster a collaborative team atmosphere by sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues, and contributing to studio-wide success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a dual focus on creative design development and technical execution. The mention of "Conceptualization thru Documentation" and "municipal signage codes, fabrication methods, and general architectural documentation" highlights the need for a designer who can not only envision but also realize complex EGD projects. The requirement to "develop client relationships" and "represent Cooper Carry in a professional manner" points to client-facing responsibilities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Proven ability in two-dimensional graphic design, including logo design and branding applications.

• Strong understanding of three-dimensional design principles and their application in built environments.

• Proficiency in all phases of design, from conceptualization to final documentation.

• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality design work and technical deliverables.

• Competency with essential design software, including the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Familiarity with CAD tools and Sketch-up for design development and visualization.

• Excellent drawing, rendering, and visual presentation techniques.

• Ability to work independently with direction, take direction from others, and lead small tasks.

• Strong organizational skills with the capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Professional demeanor and ability to represent the company effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with architectural documentation and construction administration phases.

• Knowledge of municipal signage codes and regulations.

• Familiarity with various fabrication methods for signage and environmental graphics.

• Experience with client relationship development and presentation.

• Understanding of user experience (UX) principles as applied to environmental graphics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "3-5+ years professional experience" combined with "early career position" suggests that while technical proficiency is expected, the role also values a candidate's potential for growth and learning within the EGD field. The required software list is standard for graphic design roles, but the inclusion of "CAD Tools" and "Sketch-up" specifically points to the spatial and architectural aspects of experiential graphic design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of projects demonstrating expertise in both two-dimensional graphic design and three-dimensional spatial applications.

• Include case studies that illustrate the full design process, from initial concept development and user research to final documentation and fabrication considerations.

• Highlight projects where design solutions successfully integrated with architectural elements and responded to the built environment.

• Demonstrate proficiency in creating detailed technical drawings, construction documents, and specification packages for experiential graphics.

Process Documentation:

• Present process documentation that clearly outlines your approach to conceptualization, design development, and technical documentation for EGD projects.

• Include examples of how you translate client briefs and project requirements into actionable design and production plans.

• Showcase your workflow for incorporating feedback from senior designers, clients, and fabrication partners.

• Provide evidence of understanding and adherence to project timelines and documentation standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Experiential Graphic Designer, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond typical graphic design portfolios to showcase an understanding of scale, space, and built environments. The emphasis on "Conceptualization thru Documentation" and "construction documents" means candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to produce technically sound deliverables, not just visually appealing concepts.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $60,000 - $85,000 annually

• Methodology: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Experiential Graphic Designers with 3-5 years of experience in major metropolitan areas like Atlanta and Charlotte. Factors considered include the cost of living in these regions, the specialized nature of EGD, and the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Salary levels can vary based on specific skills, portfolio strength, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and conference attendance.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or profit-sharing.

• Employee assistance program (EAP) for personal and professional support.

Working Hours:

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

• While core hours are expected, some flexibility may be available, contingent upon project needs and team coordination.

• Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines, particularly during critical design or documentation phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the locations in Atlanta and Charlotte, a salary range of $60,000-$85,000 is a reasonable estimate for an Experiential Graphic Designer with 3-5 years of experience. Cooper Carry is a large, established firm, so a standard benefits package is expected. The "On-site" work arrangement implies a traditional office environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Planning, and Interior Design. Cooper Carry is a prominent architectural firm with a diverse portfolio, including corporate, education, hospitality, government, and mixed-use developments. The Experiential Graphic Design Studio operates within this broader context, contributing to the overall design narrative and user experience of architectural projects.

Company Size: Large (500+ employees). This indicates a well-established organization with robust internal processes, a broad range of projects, and opportunities for specialization and career progression.

Founded: 1964. With a long history, Cooper Carry likely possesses a stable organizational structure and a deep understanding of the design and construction industry.

Team Structure:

• The Experiential Graphic Design Studio is likely composed of specialized designers focused on EGD.

• Designers will report to Senior Designers and/or Studio Leaders, creating a clear hierarchy for mentorship and project oversight.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on integrating EGD seamlessly into the overall architectural vision, ensuring design coherence and brand consistency.

• Data-driven approach to wayfinding and user experience design, informed by research into user behavior and environmental psychology.

• Commitment to rigorous design documentation and technical detailing to ensure successful fabrication and installation.

• Collaborative design process involving iterative feedback loops and stakeholder engagement.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Cooper Carry's status as a large, established architectural firm suggests a structured environment where operations roles like this EGD position are integral to larger project delivery. The company culture likely values professionalism, collaboration, and a commitment to client service, extending to its specialized design studios.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Experiential Graphic Designer II represents an early to mid-career stage. While not entry-level, it requires continued development under senior guidance, focusing on refining technical skills and project management capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report directly to a Team Leader, Senior Designer, and/or Studio Leader. This provides clear lines of communication for guidance, feedback, and project assignments, while also offering exposure to leadership perspectives.

Operations Impact: The Experiential Graphic Designer significantly impacts the user experience of built environments. By crafting clear wayfinding systems, compelling branding elements, and engaging interpretive graphics, they enhance functionality, reinforce brand identity, and contribute to the overall aesthetic and emotional resonance of architectural spaces.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Progress to Senior Experiential Graphic Designer, taking on more complex projects, leading design efforts, and mentoring junior staff.

• Specialization: Develop expertise in specific areas such as wayfinding strategy, branding integration, sustainable design in graphics, or digital experiential design.

• Project Leadership: Transition into roles with greater project management responsibility, overseeing EGD scope from proposal to completion.

• Cross-Disciplinary Experience: Gain exposure to broader architectural and interior design processes, potentially leading to roles with a more integrated GTM (Go-To-Market) or client-facing focus within the EGD studio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "II" designation and the 3-5 year experience requirement position this role as a crucial developmental stage. Candidates should look for opportunities to expand their technical toolkit and design thinking, aiming for more independent project leadership and specialization within the EGD field as they progress.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, implying a traditional office setting within Cooper Carry's Atlanta or Charlotte locations. This environment is likely designed to foster collaboration among design teams.

Office Location(s): Atlanta, Georgia (address 30303) and Charlotte, North Carolina (address 28202). These are major metropolitan areas, offering access to a vibrant professional community and diverse project opportunities.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will support a collaborative EGD studio environment, facilitating interaction with peers and senior designers.

• Access to necessary design software, hardware, and potentially fabrication resources or contacts will be provided.

• Opportunities for team meetings, design critiques, and cross-disciplinary project discussions will be integral to the daily workflow.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with potential for occasional overtime to meet project demands. This schedule allows for dedicated time for design work, client interactions, and team collaboration, while also accommodating personal time.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in a large architectural firm's studio environment typically means a dynamic workspace with a mix of individual design time and collaborative sessions. The focus is on active participation in the design process and integration with the broader project teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience alignment.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely present a curated selection of their work, demonstrating design process, technical skills, and project outcomes. Expect to discuss your role in each project and specific design decisions.

• Technical/Design Challenge: A potential exercise to assess problem-solving skills, design thinking, and ability to work under pressure. This could involve a design brief or a case study analysis.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions focused on teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and how you handle feedback and project challenges.

• Meet the Team: Interviews with Senior Designers, Studio Leaders, and potentially architects or project managers to assess cultural fit and collaborative potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Clearly articulate your role and contributions in each project, especially for team-based work.

• Showcase a range of projects that demonstrate your skills in conceptualization, graphic design, spatial design, and technical documentation.

• Detail your design process, including research, ideation, development, and final execution. Use diagrams or step-by-step narratives.

• Highlight your proficiency with relevant software (Adobe Creative Suite, CAD, Sketch-up) through examples of your output.

• Include examples of construction documents or technical drawings if applicable.

• Be prepared to discuss how your designs respond to architectural context and user needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with Cooper Carry's portfolio and recent projects to understand their aesthetic and project types.

• Review common EGD principles, including wayfinding, branding, and interpretive design.

• Practice articulating your design process and decision-making rationale concisely.

• Be ready to discuss your understanding of fabrication methods and materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a design role at an architectural firm will heavily rely on the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to walk through their projects in detail, explaining their thought process and technical execution, especially concerning the integration of graphics into architectural spaces.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for all graphic design tasks, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Proficiency is a core requirement.

• CAD Tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit): Important for understanding architectural plans, creating scaled drawings, and integrating graphics with building models.

• Sketch-up: Valuable for 3D modeling, visualization, and conceptualizing spatial graphics within environments.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard for documentation, reports, and general office tasks (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Primarily for internal project management and client relationship tracking, likely utilizing firm-wide systems. Direct use by the designer may be limited to project-specific communication and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes design creation and technical documentation. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is a given, but the inclusion of CAD and Sketch-up underscores the spatial and architectural integration required for experiential graphic design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Design Excellence: A commitment to producing high-quality, innovative, and effective design solutions.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team environment where ideas are shared, feedback is constructive, and collective success is prioritized.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building strong relationships through professional service and impactful design.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards, demonstrating accountability, and representing the firm with professionalism in all interactions.

• Continuous Learning: Encouraging curiosity, skill development, and staying abreast of industry trends and technological advancements.

Collaboration Style:

• The EGD studio likely operates with a highly collaborative approach, encouraging open communication and shared problem-solving.

• Designers are expected to work closely with architects, interior designers, and other project stakeholders, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• A culture of constructive feedback and peer review is probable, supporting individual and team growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: As part of a large architectural firm, the EGD studio's culture will likely reflect core company values like collaboration, professionalism, and design excellence. The emphasis on team atmosphere and mentorship suggests a supportive environment for early-career professionals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity and Technical Constraints: Effectively translating innovative design concepts into constructible solutions that meet budget, schedule, and site-specific requirements.

• Cross-Disciplinary Communication: Navigating communication and integration challenges when working with diverse teams (architects, engineers, clients) who may have different priorities and technical languages.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling competing deadlines and demands from various projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational and time-management skills.

• Staying Current: Keeping pace with rapidly evolving design technologies, materials, and trends in both graphic and experiential design.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from Senior Designers and Studio Leaders on design best practices, technical execution, and career development.

• Project Exposure: Working on a diverse range of project typologies and scales, offering broad exposure to different challenges and design problems.

• Skill Workshops: Potential internal or external training sessions focused on advanced software techniques, design methodologies, or industry-specific knowledge.

• Industry Engagement: Encouragement to attend industry conferences, join professional organizations (e.g., SEGD), and network with peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges will revolve around the practical application of design in a built environment, requiring a blend of creative vision and technical rigor. Growth opportunities will focus on deepening expertise and taking on more responsibility within project lifecycles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you had to integrate experiential graphics with complex architectural elements. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and technical execution.)

• "How do you approach translating a client's brand identity into a three-dimensional, spatial experience?" (Highlight creative ideation, branding understanding, and spatial design thinking.)

• "Walk me through your process for developing construction documents for an experiential graphic installation. What are the critical details you ensure are included?" (Demonstrate technical proficiency and knowledge of fabrication.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Cooper Carry's approach to Experiential Graphic Design, and which of our projects resonates most with your design philosophy?" (Research the company website and portfolio thoroughly.)

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, and what is your experience working with architects and interior designers?" (Emphasize teamwork and cross-functional communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 3-5 diverse projects that best represent your skills in EGD, from concept to documentation.

• For each project, clearly define your role, the project goals, your design process, key challenges, and the final solution.

• Use visuals effectively, including sketches, renderings, technical drawings, and photos of completed projects.

• Be ready to discuss your software proficiency and how you utilized specific tools to achieve design outcomes.

• Practice your presentation to ensure it flows logically and stays within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of the EGD process, technical capabilities, and the ability to collaborate effectively within an architectural firm. The portfolio is the primary tool for showcasing these skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Experiential Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Ultipro link.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio that specifically highlights your experience in experiential and environmental graphic design. Ensure it includes examples of conceptualization, graphic design, spatial integration, and technical documentation. Tailor the selection to showcase projects relevant to Cooper Carry's portfolio.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 3-5+ years of relevant EGD experience, emphasizing key responsibilities and achievements. Integrate keywords such as "Experiential Graphic Design," "Environmental Graphic Design," "Wayfinding," "Branding," "3D Design," "Construction Documents," and proficiency in "Adobe Creative Suite," "CAD," and "Sketch-up."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, technical skills, and project contributions. Be ready to discuss your experience with architectural integration and fabrication. Prepare specific examples to answer behavioral and situational questions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review Cooper Carry's website, focusing on their EGD projects, firm culture, and design philosophy. Understand their approach to client service and collaboration.

⚠️ 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.