Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: NAC Architecture

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Graphic Design / Creative

Date Posted: 2026-03-31

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive visual storytelling through sophisticated graphic, motion, and environmental design for architectural projects and internal branding.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including architects and project managers to translate complex ideas into compelling visual assets.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring quality, strategic alignment, and timely delivery within a fast-paced studio environment.

• Contribute to the evolution of NAC Architecture's and Handbuilt's brand identities and visual culture through innovative design solutions.

• Utilize advanced technical skills in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office to produce high-caliber design deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within "Handbuilt," the graphic design studio of NAC Architecture, indicating a specialized focus on design that complements architectural services. The emphasis on environmental design suggests a need for spatial thinking and the ability to integrate graphic elements into physical spaces.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with graphic designers, architects, and project teams to enrich architectural concepts and spatial experiences for users.

• Develop and execute visual assets for presentations, marketing materials, award submittals, and community outreach initiatives.

• Create sophisticated typographic systems across print, digital, and environmental applications, ensuring brand consistency.

• Plan, design, and refine motion graphics and animated content for various platforms including digital, environmental, and social media.

• Translate architectural ideas and research into compelling storytelling assets that promote projects and contribute to office development.

• Analyze project scopes, define distinct visual concepts, and communicate their intent, value, and strategic alignment to stakeholders through mockups and presentations.

• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, ensuring deadlines are met while maintaining high design quality and visual precision.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of NAC and Handbuilt brands, visual identities, and graphic standards.

• Stay current with design, typography, and motion trends to continuously elevate the studio’s creative output and visual style.

• Prepare final artwork and motion assets for production and digital distribution across multiple office locations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual role: supporting NAC Architecture's core business through design and also pursuing independent projects under the Handbuilt studio. This duality requires adaptability and a broad range of design skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or a related field.

Experience: Entry-level to 5 years of professional experience in graphic design. Academic background in graphic design is essential; professional experience is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Strong technical proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and After Effects.

• Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Proven ability to create sophisticated typographic systems across various media.

• Experience in developing and executing motion graphics and animation.

• Skill in environmental design, including integrating graphics into spatial contexts.

• Demonstrated ability to translate complex ideas into clear visual narratives.

• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to receive and iterate on feedback effectively.

• Excellent workflow management skills, with the capacity to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in branding and visual identity development.

• Familiarity with marketing collateral creation.

• Understanding of architectural concepts and spatial design principles.

• Experience with digital and screen-based design applications.

• A form-making practice that demonstrates a unique visual style and creative depth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "academic background" alongside "professional experience" suggests that candidates with strong foundational design education and a portfolio showcasing potential will be considered, even with fewer years of formal work experience. The preference for professional experience indicates a desire for candidates who can hit the ground running.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a strong design process, from concept to final deliverable.

• Work samples showcasing motion and animation skills, including examples of animated content and their intended application.

• Examples of typographic finesse across different mediums (print, digital, environmental).

• Demonstrations of presentation and organization skills, including the ability to articulate design intent and strategic alignment.

• Case studies or project examples that highlight the ability to receive feedback and iterate on designs effectively.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase the iterative nature of your design process through sketches, wireframes, mockups, and final polished pieces.

• Provide examples of how you analyze project scopes and break them down into manageable design steps.

• Illustrate how you communicate design concepts, intentions, and strategic alignment to team members and stakeholders.

• Include examples of how you maintain visual precision and consistency across a range of deliverables and projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are highly specific, emphasizing not just the final output but also the candidate's process, technical execution in motion graphics, and ability to integrate design within an architectural framework. This indicates a need for a well-curated and detailed portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $48,000 - $65,600 annually.

Benefits:

• Full-time employment status.

• Opportunity to work within an established architectural firm with a dedicated graphic design studio.

• Contribution to diverse projects spanning education, healthcare, civic, cultural, and artistic sectors.

• Collaborative work environment with experienced designers, architects, and project teams.

• Potential for professional development and growth within the design studio and firm.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, full-time, in-person position.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific benefits are not detailed in the provided text, a full-time position at a firm of this size (over 230 employees) typically includes standard benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement savings plans. The salary range provided is typical for entry-level to mid-level graphic design roles in a major metropolitan area like Los Angeles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Design, Graphic Design. NAC Architecture specializes in design for education, healthcare, and other civic projects, indicating a focus on functional, community-oriented spaces. Handbuilt, the graphic design studio, extends this to educational, civic, cultural, and artistic projects, suggesting a blend of corporate and creative endeavors.

Company Size: Over 230 employees, with offices in Seattle, Spokane, Los Angeles, and Columbus. This indicates a well-established firm with a significant national presence.

Founded: The founding date of NAC Architecture is not specified, but its size and multi-office structure suggest a long-standing history. Handbuilt operates as its graphic design studio.

Team Structure:

• The graphic designer will be part of a small team of graphic designers within the Handbuilt studio.

• This team collaborates closely with architects and project teams across NAC Architecture.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: While not explicitly stated for design, the firm's focus on education and healthcare suggests a data-informed approach to design solutions that meet user needs.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: The role requires analyzing project scopes and translating them into manageable steps, indicating a structured approach to project execution and workflow management.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: The use of sophisticated tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office, along with the need to prepare final artwork for distribution, points to an emphasis on efficient production processes.

Company Website: nacarchitecture.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The dual nature of NAC Architecture (firm) and Handbuilt (design studio) creates a unique culture. Candidates should expect a professional, client-focused environment within NAC, complemented by a more experimental and artistic approach within Handbuilt.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry-level to mid-level graphic designer stage, focusing on execution, collaboration, and skill development within a specialized studio. The experience range of 2-5 years targets candidates who have moved beyond foundational internships and are ready to take on more responsibility.

Reporting Structure: The graphic designer will report to senior graphic designers or potentially a design lead within the Handbuilt studio. Collaboration will extend to architects and project teams, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills across different disciplines.

Operations Impact: The graphic designer's impact is multifaceted:

• Project Enhancement: Elevating architectural concepts and spatial experiences through compelling visual storytelling.

• Brand Development: Contributing to and maintaining the visual identities of both NAC Architecture and Handbuilt.

• Marketing & Outreach: Creating assets that promote projects, secure awards, and engage communities.

• Studio Culture: Enriching the creative output and visual style of the design studio through ongoing learning and personal practice.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in motion graphics, environmental design, typography, and branding through hands-on project experience and continuous learning.

• Specialization: Develop a niche within architectural graphics, motion design for built environments, or brand identity for civic projects.

• Leadership Potential: As experience grows, opportunities may arise to lead smaller projects, mentor junior designers, or take on more strategic design responsibilities within Handbuilt or NAC Architecture.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain exposure to architectural design processes, project management, and client relations within a larger firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within a specialized design studio that is integral to a larger architectural firm. The emphasis on continuous learning and personal practice suggests a culture that values professional development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Full-time, in-person position. The role is based in one of NAC Architecture's offices.

Office Location(s): Candidates may be based in Los Angeles, Spokane, Seattle, or Columbus. The specific office for this position is noted as Los Angeles initially, but flexibility is indicated.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The designer will work within a small team of graphic designers and collaborate closely with architects and project teams, fostering a dynamic and interactive workspace.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office) and likely a professional IT infrastructure supporting design workflows.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with colleagues, participation in design critiques, and collaborative problem-solving sessions.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time work schedule of 40 hours per week. The in-person requirement suggests a structured office environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The option to be based in multiple NAC Architecture office locations provides some flexibility for candidates outside of Los Angeles. The in-person requirement is typical for roles requiring close team collaboration and hands-on use of specialized equipment or software.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of submitted portfolios, résumés, and letters of interest for relevant skills, experience, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Presentation/Walkthrough: Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio, discuss their design process, and explain their strategic thinking behind select projects. This is a critical stage for demonstrating motion design skills and iterative capabilities.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or exercise to evaluate technical proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (especially After Effects) and problem-solving abilities under timed conditions.

• Team Interviews: Meetings with graphic designers and potentially architects/project managers to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural alignment with both Handbuilt and NAC Architecture.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Process-Driven: Clearly illustrate your design process, including early concepts, iterations, and problem-solving steps. Show how you receive and implement feedback.

• Motion Graphics Showcase: Dedicate a significant portion of your portfolio to motion and animation examples. Demonstrate a range of techniques and applications.

• Typographic Excellence: Highlight projects that showcase sophisticated typographic systems and their effective application across different media.

• Narrative and Strategy: For each project, explain the objective, your role, the design strategy, and the impact or outcome. Tailor this to architectural and civic contexts where possible.

• Clarity and Organization: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually precise. Include a clear letter of interest that speaks to your resonance with NAC's practice.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Proficiency: Be prepared for exercises that test your speed and skill in InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and particularly After Effects.

• Conceptual Thinking: Anticipate tasks that require translating abstract ideas (like architectural concepts) into visual forms or motion sequences.

• Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within a limited timeframe, focusing on delivering a polished, strategic solution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes a strong portfolio that not only showcases design talent but also demonstrates process, adaptability, and the ability to work within a collaborative, project-driven environment. The letter of interest is a key component for assessing cultural fit.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • InDesign: For print collateral, branding materials, and presentation layouts.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • After Effects: Crucial for motion graphics, animation, and creating dynamic visual content.

• Microsoft Suite: Essential for presentations, documentation, and general office productivity.

Analytics & Reporting: Not explicitly mentioned for this design role, but understanding how designs are received (e.g., engagement metrics for digital content) could be beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to the graphic designer's core tasks, but understanding how marketing materials are distributed or tracked might be indirectly relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in After Effects is highlighted as a key technical skill, indicating a strong need for motion graphics capabilities. The integration of Microsoft Suite alongside Adobe tools points to a need for versatile designers who can operate within a standard corporate technology environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working closely with designers, architects, and project teams to achieve shared goals and enrich project outcomes.

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging the development of sophisticated and distinct visual concepts, staying current with trends, and maintaining a form-making practice to elevate creative output.

• Precision & Quality: Maintaining visual precision and consistency across all deliverables, ensuring a high standard of design execution.

• Strategic Alignment: Developing visual concepts with clear intent, value, and strategic alignment to project and organizational objectives.

• Continuous Improvement: Dedication to elevating the studio's creative output and design culture through ongoing learning and adaptation.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless integration with architectural and project teams, requiring effective communication and understanding of diverse perspectives.

• Feedback Culture: An environment where feedback is actively sought, received, and efficiently iterated upon to refine designs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Implicit in a studio setting, with opportunities to learn from senior designers and contribute to the collective knowledge base.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values suggest a culture that balances creative exploration with professional rigor, client service, and teamwork. Candidates who thrive in collaborative, iterative environments and are passionate about design's role in shaping experiences will fit well.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Architectural Concepts: Effectively translating complex, three-dimensional architectural ideas into two-dimensional graphic and motion assets requires strong conceptual and visualization skills.

• Balancing Multiple Demands: Managing diverse projects simultaneously for both NAC Architecture and Handbuilt, each with potentially different aesthetic and strategic requirements, while maintaining high quality and meeting deadlines.

• Evolving Trends: Staying abreast of rapid advancements in design, typography, and motion graphics to ensure the studio's creative output remains cutting-edge and relevant.

• Brand Consistency: Maintaining and evolving the visual identities of two distinct entities (NAC Architecture and Handbuilt) across a wide range of applications.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Motion Graphics Mastery: Opportunity to significantly enhance skills in After Effects through complex project work.

• Environmental Design Expertise: Develop a deeper understanding of how graphic design interacts with physical spaces and architectural contexts.

• Brand Strategy: Gain experience in developing and managing comprehensive visual identities for professional service firms and creative projects.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Learn the language and processes of architectural design, fostering a unique interdisciplinary skill set.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to roles that bridge creative disciplines and corporate requirements. The growth opportunities are substantial for a designer looking to specialize in the intersection of architecture, branding, and dynamic visual media.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating abstract architectural concepts into visual narratives. Can you provide an example from your portfolio?" (Focus on process, concept development, and clarity of communication.)

• "How do you approach managing multiple design projects with competing deadlines and diverse client needs?" (Assess workflow management, prioritization, and organizational skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What resonates with you about NAC Architecture's practice or Handbuilt's mission?" (Prepare a thoughtful answer based on research of their projects and values.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" (Demonstrate adaptability, receptiveness to iteration, and a growth mindset.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio as a narrative of your design journey and problem-solving capabilities.

• Process Emphasis: For each project, walk through your steps: understanding the brief, ideation, iteration, refinement, and final execution.

• Motion Graphics Deep Dive: Be prepared to demonstrate your After Effects skills and discuss the creative intent and technical execution of your animations.

• Strategic Justification: Clearly articulate the "why" behind your design choices, linking them to project goals and client needs.

• Conciseness: Keep your presentation focused and engaging, respecting the interviewer's time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating a strong design process, technical proficiency in motion graphics, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team. The portfolio is the primary tool for showcasing these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this graphic design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on recruiting.paylocity.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight relevant skills, particularly motion graphics, typography, and environmental design. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your design process and ability to iterate.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize experience with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects) and Microsoft Office. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Letter of Interest: Craft a compelling letter that specifically addresses what resonates with you about NAC Architecture's practice and Handbuilt's mission. Show genuine interest and understanding of their work.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research NAC Architecture's portfolio, project types (education, healthcare, civic), and Handbuilt's stated mission. Understand their approach to design and community engagement.

⚠️ 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.