Experiential Graphic Designer IV

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Experiential Graphic Designer IV Company: CannonDesign Location: Chicago, IL Job Type: Full-Time Category: Design / Experiential Graphics Date Posted: October 27, 2025 Experience Level: 10+ Years Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the conceptualization and design development for complex, large-scale experiential graphic design projects, from initial strategy to final execution.
• Mentor and guide junior design team members, fostering their growth in technical skills, art direction, and impactful storytelling within the built environment.
• Champion the firm's "Living-Centered Design" ethos, integrating best practices and innovative approaches into team workflows and the broader organizational strategy.
• Collaborate closely with interior designers, architects, and other disciplines to create cohesive, branded, and memorable spatial experiences for renowned global clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior-level contributor, requiring significant experience in leading projects, mentoring staff, and driving design strategy. The emphasis on "Living-Centered Design" suggests a focus on human-centric, sustainable, and impactful design solutions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead conceptual and design development across multiple complex projects, ensuring alignment with client objectives and brand identity.
• Mentor junior design team members on technical skills, art direction, and strategic storytelling within the context of experiential graphics.
• Drive the team's visibility by sharing work across internal and external platforms, including design award submissions and social media campaigns.
• Translate client needs and visions into compelling conceptual designs that clearly express their mission, purpose, and brand values.
• Contribute actively to marketing pursuits, proposal development, and internal team initiatives to foster business growth and innovation.
• Execute projects from strategic brief and storyboarding through to final design, demonstrating confidence and creative vision.
• Utilize curiosity, empathy, and intuition to clarify complex client ideas, visions, and strategies into actionable design solutions.
• Design creative, detailed, and visually engaging solutions across various media to express a unique and impactful vision.
• Develop comprehensive documentation for diverse design projects, including graphic programs, wayfinding and signage systems, donor recognition programs, and interpretive exhibits.
• Explore and integrate compelling ways to promote CannonDesign’s Living-Centered Design ethos and embed best practices within the team and firm.
• Manage projects and diverse project teams, providing creative and artistic direction from inception to completion.
• Review and redline shop drawings and submittals during construction administration phases to ensure design integrity and quality.
• Communicate effectively during team calls and actively participate in constructive design critiques to elevate project outcomes.
• Coordinate with vendors, fabricators, and outside consultants to ensure seamless project execution and material sourcing.
• Advocate for the team’s expertise and capabilities across CannonDesign’s network of disciplines and services, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of senior-level design leadership, project management, team mentorship, and strategic contribution, emphasizing the candidate's role as a thought leader and key influencer within the experiential graphic design practice.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in experiential graphic design or a related creative field is mandatory.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional design portfolio showcasing a strong background in various markets, with a particular focus on high-end workplace environments.
• Advanced typography skills and a keen eye for visual hierarchy and aesthetic appeal.
• Robust communication skills, including exceptional verbal, written, and presentation abilities, with proven strategies for collaborating in fast-moving, complex project teams.
• Strong knowledge of signage and wayfinding design principles, methodologies, and implementation best practices.
• Deep, comprehensive understanding of all facets of experiential design, from concept development to fabrication and installation.
• Demonstrated client leadership capabilities and strong technical leadership for production teams, particularly on large, complex projects.
• Ability to perform work with a high degree of autonomy and initiative, demonstrating self-direction and problem-solving prowess.
• Critical thinking, highly analytical skills, and a strong business acumen to understand project feasibility and client objectives.
• Proficiency in project management, including scope definition, scheduling, resource allocation, and budget oversight.
• Meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and quality in all design deliverables and documentation.
• Proficiency on Mac operating systems using Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity and proficiency with Revit and SketchUp software for 3D modeling and architectural integration.
• Experience with design award submissions and leveraging social media for design promotion.
• Understanding of sustainable design principles and their application in experiential graphics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" section is extensive, emphasizing the need for a seasoned professional with a proven track record in high-stakes design environments. The preference for Revit and SketchUp indicates a desire for candidates who can bridge the gap between graphic design and the architectural/construction process.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 5-7 distinct projects demonstrating leadership in conceptualization, design development, and execution of complex experiential graphic design projects.
• Highlight projects specifically within high-end workplace environments, demonstrating an understanding of corporate branding and spatial integration.
• Include examples of wayfinding and signage systems, interpretive exhibits, and donor recognition programs to showcase breadth of experience.
• Present clear case studies for at least two projects, detailing the client's challenge, your strategic approach, the design process, and measurable project outcomes or client satisfaction.
• Demonstrate proficiency in translating complex ideas into clear, compelling visual narratives through detailed documentation and high-quality renderings.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of process documentation, such as project timelines, workflow diagrams, or strategic briefs, that illustrate your approach to managing complex design processes.
• Showcase documentation related to system implementation, including coordination with fabricators, review of shop drawings, and construction administration phases.
• Include examples of how you measure and communicate project success or impact, demonstrating a data-driven approach to design validation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a robust portfolio with specific project types and case studies is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design process, project management methodology, and quantifiable achievements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $81,955 - $102,398 annually (for Chicago, IL office).

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.
• Voluntary insurance options.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Flexible work schedules and hybrid work options.
• 401k retirement savings plan.
• Employee perk programs.
• Potential for discretionary bonuses.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through hybrid work options and flex-time schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is a midpoint estimate for a senior-level role in a major metropolitan area. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The benefits package is robust, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, which is attractive to experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Engineering, and Design Services. CannonDesign operates at the intersection of strategy, experience, architecture, engineering, and social impact, focusing on creating transformative solutions.

Company Size: CannonDesign is a large, established firm, indicated by its extensive list of employees and global presence. This size suggests a structured environment with opportunities for significant project involvement and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Founded: Founded with a vision to design impactful spaces, CannonDesign has a history of innovation. The firm's "Living-Centered Design" philosophy underscores a commitment to human well-being, sustainability, and creating positive societal impact through design.

Team Structure:

• The Experiential Graphic Design team is likely a specialized unit within the larger firm, comprising designers with expertise in branding, wayfinding, signage, and environmental storytelling.
• The reporting structure for an Experiential Graphic Designer IV would typically involve reporting to a Design Director or Principal, with direct oversight and mentorship of junior staff.
• Cross-functional collaboration is key, with frequent partnerships with interior designers, architects, strategists, engineers, and project managers across various client sectors (workplace, healthcare, sports, etc.).

Methodology:

• The firm's "Living-Centered Design" approach emphasizes user experience, empathy, and data-driven insights to inform design decisions.
• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, especially for complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and fabrication processes.
• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed to streamline design and production processes, particularly in documentation and coordination.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is defined by its "Living-Centered Design" ethos, emphasizing human impact and holistic solutions. The size and scope of CannonDesign suggest opportunities for high-profile projects and professional development within a structured yet collaborative environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This "IV" designation signifies a senior-level individual contributor and potential team lead. It implies a high degree of autonomy, responsibility for complex projects, and a role in mentoring less experienced designers. The focus is on strategic thinking, client leadership, and technical mastery within experiential graphics.

Reporting Structure: As an Experiential Graphic Designer IV, you would likely report to a Design Director, Principal, or Studio Leader within the Experiential Graphic Design practice. You would be expected to manage and mentor junior Designers (I, II, III) and potentially collaborate with project managers.

Operations Impact: Your impact will be measured by your ability to translate complex client visions into tangible, branded, and functional spatial experiences that enhance user engagement, strengthen brand identity, and contribute to the overall success of architectural projects. This includes driving client satisfaction, contributing to business development through marketing pursuits, and elevating the firm's reputation through award-winning design.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in specialized areas like sustainable design integration, digital experiential installations, or advanced wayfinding strategy.
• Leadership Development: Progress into roles with greater team leadership, studio management, or business development responsibilities. Opportunities may include becoming a Design Principal or leading specific market sectors.
• Industry Recognition: Contribute to firm-wide marketing efforts, potentially leading to industry awards, publications, and speaking engagements, enhancing personal and firm brand visibility.
• Cross-Disciplinary Expertise: Develop a broader understanding of architectural and interior design processes, enabling more integrated and impactful experiential design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step for an experienced designer, offering opportunities to lead, mentor, and influence major design projects. Career progression is likely mapped towards leadership within the practice or specialization in high-impact design areas.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: CannonDesign offers "hybrid work options," indicating a blend of in-office and remote work. The office environment is likely designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and focused work, with modern amenities and spaces for team interaction.

Office Location(s): The primary location for this role is Chicago, IL. CannonDesign has multiple offices globally, suggesting opportunities for national collaboration and potentially exposure to projects across different regions.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely facilitate collaboration through open-plan areas, project rooms, and meeting spaces equipped for design reviews and client presentations.
• Access to advanced design tools and technology, including high-performance workstations and relevant software (Adobe Creative Suite, Revit, SketchUp), will be standard.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with a multidisciplinary team of architects, interior designers, and other specialists will be frequent, fostering a rich learning and collaborative environment.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is implied, the "flex-time schedules" and "hybrid work options" suggest a degree of flexibility to manage project deadlines and personal work styles, accommodating the demands of complex design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and flex-time options suggest a modern work environment that values work-life balance while ensuring necessary in-person collaboration for complex design projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and fit with the role and company culture.
• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: You will likely be asked to present your portfolio, walking interviewers through key projects, your design process, and your role in achieving project success. This is a critical stage to demonstrate your strategic thinking, technical skills, and client leadership.
• Technical & Behavioral Interviews: Expect questions related to experiential graphic design principles, project management, technical software proficiency, and your approach to leadership, mentorship, and collaboration.
• Team/Leadership Interviews: Interviews with senior leadership and potentially team members to assess cultural fit, leadership potential, and alignment with CannonDesign's "Living-Centered Design" philosophy.
• Final Round: May involve a case study exercise or a final discussion with principals to confirm suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects, prioritizing those in workplace environments, wayfinding, and signage.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the client's challenge, your strategic approach, the design process, your specific contributions, and the measurable outcomes or impact. Use high-quality visuals.
• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your role in leading teams, mentoring junior designers, and managing client relationships.
• Showcase Process: Include examples of your design process, from initial concept development and research to final documentation and coordination with fabricators.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data or client testimonials to demonstrate the success and ROI of your work.
• Tailor to CannonDesign: Research their "Living-Centered Design" philosophy and try to weave in how your approach aligns with these principles.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential discussions on how you would approach a hypothetical complex experiential design project, considering client needs, budget, timeline, and stakeholder management.
• Practice articulating your design decisions and rationale clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a client or internal team.
• Brush up on your knowledge of current trends in experiential graphics, sustainable design, and digital integration in physical spaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process heavily emphasizes portfolio presentation and the ability to articulate a strategic, process-driven approach. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just design skills but also leadership, mentorship, and business acumen.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign is mandatory for creating graphics, mockups, and documentation.
• Revit: Proficiency is a strong plus, indicating an ability to integrate graphic design elements within architectural models and coordinate with architectural teams.
• SketchUp: A plus, useful for 3D visualization and conceptualizing spatial graphics.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned for this design role, understanding how to interpret project performance metrics or client feedback could be advantageous. This might involve using internal reporting tools or analyzing user engagement data for experiential installations.

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are listed as primary requirements for this design role. However, familiarity with project management software for tracking tasks, timelines, and communication (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, or internal firm systems) would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements are centered around graphic design software. The inclusion of Revit and SketchUp as "a plus" suggests a growing need for designers who can operate within architectural software environments and facilitate better integration with architectural and interior design teams.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Adoration: A relentless pursuit of client satisfaction through consistent delivery of exceptional service and impactful design solutions.
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: A commitment to fostering an inclusive practice that reflects and connects with diverse communities, supported by DEI Council efforts and Employee Resource Groups.
• Communication and Transparency: An open-door policy for ideas and challenges, encouraging direct communication and proactive problem-solving.
• Living-Centered Design: A foundational value emphasizing human well-being, sustainability, and creating designs that positively impact society and the environment.
• Innovation and Excellence: A drive to push creative boundaries, solve complex challenges, and produce extraordinary, joyful work.

Collaboration Style:

• Interdisciplinary Integration: A strong emphasis on working seamlessly with architects, interior designers, engineers, and strategists to create holistic design solutions.
• Constructive Critique: An environment that encourages lively design critique, where feedback is valued for elevating project quality and fostering team growth.
• Knowledge Sharing: Practices that promote the sharing of expertise, best practices, and learnings across the team and within the broader firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: CannonDesign fosters a culture of high performance, client focus, and social responsibility. The "Living-Centered Design" philosophy is central, guiding all aspects of their work and encouraging a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative approach to design.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Project Integration: Balancing the creative vision of experiential graphics with the technical constraints and timelines of large-scale architectural projects.
• Client Vision Translation: Effectively interpreting and translating diverse client needs and brand identities into compelling, cohesive spatial experiences.
• Cross-Disciplinary Coordination: Navigating communication and design alignment with multiple disciplines (architecture, interior design, engineering) to ensure seamless integration.
• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously adapting to evolving technologies, materials, and user experience expectations in the experiential design field.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship Programs: Formal and informal mentorship from senior designers and principals to guide career development and skill enhancement.
• Continuing Education: Support for professional development, potentially including workshops, conferences, and certifications relevant to experiential design, architecture, or sustainable practices.
• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a wide range of project types and scales across different industries, providing broad exposure and skill-building opportunities.
• Leadership Training: Opportunities to develop leadership and project management skills through increased responsibility and formal training programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents challenges typical of senior design positions in large firms, requiring strong problem-solving and collaboration skills. However, the company's structure and philosophy provide ample avenues for professional growth and skill diversification.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex experiential graphic design project you led from concept to completion. What were the key challenges, your strategic approach, and the measurable impact?" (Focus on process, leadership, and results.)
• "How do you approach translating a client's abstract brand vision or mission into tangible spatial experiences? Provide an example." (Demonstrate strategic thinking and creative problem-solving.)
• "CannonDesign champions 'Living-Centered Design.' How would you integrate this philosophy into an experiential graphic design project, and how would you measure its success?" (Showcase understanding of company values and impact-oriented design.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to CannonDesign and our Experiential Graphic Design team specifically?" (Research the team's portfolio and recent projects.)
• "Describe your experience mentoring junior designers. What is your approach to fostering their growth in technical skills and creative thinking?" (Highlight leadership and team development.)
• "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration with architects and interior designers on integrated projects?" (Demonstrate cross-disciplinary collaboration skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your career and design philosophy, then walk through 3-5 key projects. For each project, cover: client brief, your strategic role, design process, key challenges and solutions, and final outcomes/impact.
• Visuals: Use high-resolution images, renderings, and mockups. Include process diagrams, sketches, or CAD details where relevant to illustrate your methodology.
• Narrative: Tell a compelling story for each project, focusing on the "why" behind your design decisions and how you achieved client objectives.
• Metrics: Quantify your impact whenever possible (e.g., improved user navigation, enhanced brand recognition, positive client feedback).
• Q&A: Be prepared for in-depth questions about your design choices, technical execution, and leadership approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership, strategic thinking, a deep understanding of experiential design principles, and alignment with CannonDesign's core values. The portfolio is your primary tool for showcasing these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Experiential Graphic Designer IV position:

• Submit your resume and a comprehensive portfolio through the CannonDesign Careers site (ensure you apply directly via their official link: http://www.cannondesign.com/careers/?gh_jid=8227605002).
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that best align with CannonDesign's focus areas, particularly workplace environments, wayfinding, and their "Living-Centered Design" ethos. Ensure case studies clearly articulate your strategic process and impact.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to prominently feature your 10+ years of experience, leadership roles, mentorship achievements, and proficiency in required design software (Adobe Suite, Revit, SketchUp). Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, leadership approach, and project outcomes. Prepare to present your portfolio effectively and answer questions about your experience with complex projects and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research CannonDesign's "Living-Centered Design" philosophy, their recent projects, and their commitment to equity and inclusion. Understand how your skills and values align with the firm's mission.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with CannonDesign before making application decisions. Ensure you apply only through the official company careers portal.