Graphic Designer at B+H Architects

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: B+H Architects

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design & Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-03-24

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-3 Years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

This role focuses on the specialized area of Experiential Graphic Design (EGD), Signage, and Wayfinding within the architecture and built environment sector.
The position requires a blend of creative ideation, technical design execution, and project documentation for diverse client projects.
It involves close collaboration with senior design staff, project managers, and clients to translate concepts into tangible design solutions.
Emphasis is placed on developing comprehensive design strategies that integrate branding, narrative, and functional requirements for built spaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities and required skills clearly indicate a specialization within Experiential Graphic Design (EGD), Signage, and Wayfinding, often a niche within broader graphic design. This is a crucial distinction for operations professionals targeting roles that bridge design with physical space and client experience.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Ideate, conceptualize, and develop innovative design solutions for signage, wayfinding systems, experiential graphics, and branding initiatives within architectural projects.
Collaborate with Creative Directors, Project Managers, and fellow Designers to ensure design concepts align with project goals, client vision, and the overall built environment context.
Prepare compelling design strategies, detailed project documentation, and persuasive presentation materials that effectively communicate design intent and rationale to internal teams and clients.
Support senior designers in producing conceptual renderings, illustrative artwork, graphic elements, and design-intent specifications for fabrication and implementation.
Integrate storytelling and narrative components into design work, contributing to cohesive and engaging user experiences within built spaces.
Research and explore relevant materials, fabrication methods, and production techniques to ensure design feasibility and optimize project outcomes.
Ensure all design deliverables adhere to established project briefs, design standards, and B+H Architects' operational processes.
Participate actively in design workshops, contributing creative input and presenting design concepts and recommendations.
Manage administrative tasks, including timely completion of timesheets and expense reports, in alignment with company protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a project lifecycle involvement, from initial concept and ideation through to documentation and consideration of fabrication. This suggests a need for candidates who can manage multiple stages and collaborate effectively across design disciplines.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

1–3 years of professional experience in a design-focused role.
Previous experience in experiential graphic design, architecture, interior design, or industrial design environments is highly beneficial.

Required Skills:

Design Software Proficiency: Expert-level command of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), with familiarity in After Effects for motion graphics and presentations.
Conceptualization & Ideation: Strong ability to brainstorm, conceptualize, and develop unique design solutions for complex spatial challenges.
Visual Communication: Excellent skills in creating clear, compelling visual presentations, renderings, and graphic materials.
Storytelling & Narrative: Aptitude for weaving narrative elements into design work to enhance user engagement and brand experience.
Technical Understanding: Basic knowledge of materials, fabrication methods, and production techniques relevant to signage and EGD.
Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and contribute positively to a studio culture.
Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills for client interactions and internal team discussions.
Organizational Skills: Detail-oriented with robust organizational, time-management, and problem-solving capabilities.
Software Suites: Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office for documentation and general office tasks.

Preferred Skills:

Portfolio demonstrating specific expertise in signage design, wayfinding systems, or 3D experiential projects.
Familiarity with 3D modeling software (e.g., SketchUp, Rhino) for conceptual visualization.
Understanding of branding principles and their application within the built environment.
Experience with project management software or tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is entry-level, but the emphasis on portfolio and specific software proficiency indicates that practical application and demonstrable skills are paramount. The "asset" designation for EGD/architecture experience suggests a preference for candidates with relevant industry exposure.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrated Design Process: Showcase a clear and logical design process, from initial research and concept development to final execution and consideration of fabrication.
Project Scope & Impact: Include projects that illustrate the scope of work, the user experience challenges addressed, and the impact of the design solutions.
Case Studies: Present 2-3 well-documented case studies of signage, wayfinding, or experiential graphic design projects. Each case study should detail the problem, your approach, your role, the solutions, and the outcomes.
Technical Integration: Highlight instances where technical considerations, material selection, or fabrication methods were integral to the design's success.
Branding & Narrative: Showcase examples where branding principles and storytelling were effectively integrated into the physical environment.

Process Documentation:

Workflow Clarity: Portfolios should implicitly or explicitly demonstrate an understanding of design workflows, from client brief to final specifications.
Problem-Solving Approach: Clearly articulate how you approach design challenges, including research, ideation, iteration, and problem resolution.
Collaboration Evidence: If possible, include examples or descriptions of how you collaborated with other disciplines or team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an EGD/signage role, a portfolio is not just a collection of images but a demonstration of a structured design process applied to spatial and experiential challenges. It needs to show how design thinking translates into tangible, functional, and aesthetically appropriate solutions within the built environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

Comprehensive Health Coverage: Likely includes medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Retirement Savings Plan: Potential for a company-sponsored pension or savings plan (e.g., RRSP matching).
Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.
Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and conference attendance to enhance design skills and industry knowledge.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for personal and professional well-being.
Collaborative Work Environment: Access to a stimulating studio, team events, and a culture that values creativity and innovation.

Working Hours:

Standard full-time hours are approximately 40 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday.
Flexibility may be available, but the role is primarily on-site, requiring consistent presence during core business hours to facilitate team collaboration and project engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on general market data for Toronto and entry-level design roles. Specific benefits packages can vary significantly and should be confirmed during the interview process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Urban Planning, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, and Consulting Services. B+H Architects is part of the Surbana Jurong (SJ) Group, a diversified collective focused on the built environment.

Company Size: B+H Architects itself operates with multiple studios globally, suggesting a medium to large firm size. The SJ Group encompasses 16,000 employees across more than 120 offices in over 40 countries, indicating a very large parent organization.

Founded: B+H Architects has a legacy of over 70 years, founded on design innovation and problem-solving. The SJ Group's history is also extensive, with a strong track record.

Team Structure:

The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a dedicated Experiential Graphic Design (EGD) or Branding team, or potentially integrated within larger project design teams.
Reporting will be to a Senior Designer, Creative Director, or Project Manager within the EGD/Branding discipline.

Methodology:

B+H Architects emphasizes a "messy" creative process, encouraging exploration and boldness to find new ideas, followed by meticulous execution.
They focus on sustainable design, technical expertise, and delivering high-performance environments.
The approach values interdisciplinary collaboration, strategic thinking, and advanced technology alongside human creativity.

Company Website: https://bharchitects.com/en/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as encouraging creative exploration and bold ideas, balanced with a commitment to high-quality, sustainable execution. This suggests a dynamic environment where designers are pushed to innovate.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level (0-3 years) Graphic Designer role with a specialization in Experiential Graphic Design. It serves as a foundational step in developing expertise within the EGD and built environment design field.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a senior member of the design team (e.g., Senior Designer, Creative Director) and will work closely with Project Managers.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts project success by translating conceptual designs into tangible graphic elements that shape user experience, reinforce branding, and improve functionality within the built environment. This contributes to the overall client satisfaction and the quality of the architectural and interior design output.

Growth Opportunities:

Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in signage design, wayfinding strategy, digital integration, and narrative design within complex architectural projects.
Project Exposure: Gain experience working on a diverse portfolio of high-profile, large-scale projects across various sectors (e.g., healthcare, hospitality, transportation).
Career Progression: Potential to advance to roles such as Senior Graphic Designer, Experiential Designer, or Project Lead within the EGD/Branding team.
Mentorship: Learn from experienced designers and Creative Directors within a globally recognized firm.
Industry Knowledge: Develop a strong understanding of fabrication processes, material science, and the integration of design with architecture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a stepping stone for a design career focused on the built environment. Growth is tied to developing specialized EGD skills and gaining experience on diverse projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: B+H Architects operates multiple studios globally, suggesting a professional, collaborative studio environment. The description emphasizes a culture that encourages creativity and exploration.

Office Location(s): Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Workspace Context:

Likely a design-centric studio space that fosters collaboration and idea-sharing.
Equipped with industry-standard design software and technology.
Opportunities for direct interaction with a multidisciplinary team of architects, designers, and project managers.
The Toronto studio is part of a global network, potentially offering exposure to international projects and teams.

Work Schedule: Primarily on-site during standard business hours (approx. 40 hours/week), Monday to Friday, to support team collaboration and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a collaborative studio environment and on-site presence is critical for this role, suggesting that teamwork and in-person idea exchange are highly valued.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience.
Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing their process, role, and design solutions for key projects.
Technical/Creative Interview: Discussion of design skills, software proficiency, and conceptual thinking, potentially including a short design challenge.
Team/Culture Fit Interview: Meeting with potential team members and managers to assess collaboration style and cultural alignment.
Final Interview: Possibly with senior leadership to discuss career aspirations and long-term fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Selectively: Focus on quality over quantity. Showcase 2-3 strong EGD, signage, or relevant 3D design projects that demonstrate your process and skills.
Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, especially if it was a collaborative project.
Showcase Process: Detail your ideation, research, concept development, and problem-solving steps. Visuals of sketches, mood boards, and iterations are valuable.
Explain the "Why": Justify your design decisions based on project goals, user needs, and branding objectives.
Address Technical Aspects: If relevant, discuss material choices, fabrication considerations, and how design intent was maintained through implementation.
Tailor to EGD: Emphasize projects that show an understanding of spatial design and how graphics interact with architecture.

Challenge Preparation:

Be prepared for potential design challenges that might involve conceptualizing signage or branding for a specific type of space or solving a wayfinding problem.
Practice articulating your design thinking process clearly and concisely.
Research B+H Architects' portfolio and recent projects to understand their aesthetic and project types.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component for this role. Candidates must be prepared to walk through their work, demonstrating not just aesthetic ability but also a structured, problem-solving approach relevant to the built environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Adobe Creative Suite:
- InDesign: Essential for layout, document creation, and final artwork preparation.
- Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, logos, icons, and detailed signage elements.
- Photoshop: Used for image manipulation, rendering, and creating visual mockups.
- After Effects: Beneficial for motion graphics, animated presentations, and visualizing dynamic experiences.
Google Suite: For general document creation, collaboration, and communication.
Microsoft Office: Standard for reports, proposals, and administrative tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Not directly applicable to the design tasks, but familiarity with project management or task tracking tools within a larger firm context is useful.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign and Illustrator, is non-negotiable. Familiarity with After Effects is a strong plus for creating dynamic presentations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Creativity & Boldness: Encouragement to explore new ideas and push creative boundaries ("letting things get a little messy").
Excellence & Expertise: Commitment to high-performance, sustainable design, and technical skill.
Collaboration: Value placed on interdisciplinary teamwork and diverse perspectives.
Human-Centric Design: Focus on elevating people's lives through thoughtful environments.
Integrity & Professionalism: Adherence to company processes and delivering reliable outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

Interdisciplinary: Working closely with architects, interior designers, and planners.
Studio-Based: Active participation in a dynamic studio environment with open communication.
Client-Focused: Presenting and collaborating with clients to achieve shared project goals.
Feedback-Oriented: Openness to critique and iterative design development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values both bold creativity and rigorous execution, alongside a strong emphasis on collaboration across diverse professional disciplines.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Translating Concepts to Space: Effectively bridging two-dimensional graphic design principles with three-dimensional built environments and spatial experiences.
Managing Diverse Projects: Adapting design approach and style across various project types (e.g., healthcare, hospitality, transportation).
Technical Constraints: Balancing creative vision with material limitations, fabrication processes, and budget realities.
Integration with Architecture: Ensuring graphic elements complement, rather than compete with, the architectural design.
Fast-Paced Environment: Thriving under deadlines and in a dynamic project pipeline.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Specialized EGD Training: Gaining in-depth knowledge of wayfinding strategies, signage types, and environmental branding.
Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Understanding architectural, interior, and landscape design principles.
Material & Fabrication Workshops: Exploring new materials and production techniques.
Software Advancement: Developing advanced skills in design and visualization software.
Project Leadership: Potential to lead design on smaller projects or specific EGD components of larger ones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge lies in mastering the unique intersection of graphic design and the built environment, requiring a specific skill set beyond traditional graphic design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe a project where you had to integrate branding and narrative into a physical space. What was your approach?" (Focus on process, your role, and outcomes.)
"How do you ensure your graphic designs complement architectural elements rather than clashing with them?" (Discuss understanding of form, space, and material.)
"Walk us through your process for developing a wayfinding system for a complex building." (Emphasize user journey, hierarchy, and legibility.)

Company & Culture Questions:

"What interests you about B+H Architects and our approach to design?" (Research their projects, values, and recent work.)
"How do you contribute to a collaborative studio environment?" (Provide examples of teamwork and idea-sharing.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative – the challenge, your creative journey, the solutions, and the impact.
Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is visually appealing, well-organized, and uses high-quality images.
Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects efficiently, highlighting the most relevant aspects for EGD.
Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges, and technical considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating an understanding of Experiential Graphic Design principles and how they apply within an architectural context, supported by strong visual evidence from your portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

Submit your application through the provided link on the Workday portal.
Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your strongest work in signage, wayfinding, or experiential graphics. Tailor your case studies to highlight your process, problem-solving skills, and understanding of spatial design.
Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 1-3 years of relevant design experience, highlighting proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and any exposure to architectural or EGD environments. Use keywords from the job description.
Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on storytelling, explaining your design process, and articulating your contributions to projects. Be ready to discuss your interest in B+H Architects and the EGD field.
Company Research: Familiarize yourself with B+H Architects' projects, values, and their approach to design, particularly their EGD and branding work. Understand their stance on creativity 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.

Graphic Designer