Graphic Designer - Nashville

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Stengel Hill Architecture

Location: Nashville, Tennessee, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-04-22

Experience Level: 3-5 Years Professional Experience

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for developing and executing visual assets that support architectural project documentation and firm-wide marketing initiatives, requiring strong proficiency in design software and an understanding of brand consistency.

• The Graphic Designer will translate complex technical information and design concepts into clear, compelling visual materials, contributing to proposals (RFPs), presentations, and project deliverables.

• A key aspect of this role involves managing and maintaining brand standards across all visual communications, ensuring a cohesive and professional representation of Stengel Hill Architecture.

• The position demands meticulous attention to detail in creating and formatting documents, diagrams, and layouts, with a focus on high-quality output.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled 'Graphic Designer,' its responsibilities within an architecture firm, particularly in supporting proposals, presentations, and project documentation, place it within a broader spectrum of Marketing Operations and GTM support. The emphasis on translating technical information into visuals also highlights its operational importance in communicating design intent and project progress.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create compelling graphic schedules, diagrams, and other visual materials to effectively communicate project timelines, design intent, and technical details.

• Develop high-quality colorized floor plans and detailed graphics using Adobe Illustrator, ensuring accuracy and aesthetic appeal.

• Recreate, convert, and manage client logos and other branding assets, maintaining brand integrity across all project deliverables.

• Produce and meticulously format data sheets, project documents, and proposals using Adobe InDesign, adhering to strict layout and formatting guidelines.

• Manage the placement and organization of various assets, including images, PDFs, and other design elements within complex layouts.

• Prepare and optimize interactive PDF documents for seamless internal and client use, ensuring functionality and user experience.

• Perform essential photo editing tasks in Adobe Photoshop, including color correction, cropping, and resizing to enhance visual assets.

• Maintain a highly organized file management system and ensure strict adherence to established brand standards and guidelines.

• Collaborate effectively with internal teams, including architects and marketing professionals, to understand project requirements and translate technical information into clear, impactful visuals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed emphasize a blend of creative design execution and operational management of visual assets. The mention of "support project work" and "marketing initiatives" suggests a direct contribution to Go-To-Market (GTM) efforts, particularly in client-facing materials like proposals and presentations, which are critical for winning new business.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related field; equivalent professional experience will also be considered.

Experience: 3–5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a proven track record in producing high-quality visual assets.

Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Expert-level command of Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop is essential for all design and production tasks.

• Layout Design & Production: Demonstrated experience in producing dense, layout-heavy documents, particularly using Adobe InDesign for proposals and project documentation.

• Visual Communication: Ability to translate complex technical information and architectural concepts into clear, engaging, and visually appealing graphics and diagrams.

• Brand Management: Strong understanding of brand standards and the ability to consistently apply them across various design projects.

• Organizational Skills: Exceptional attention to detail and robust organizational capabilities for managing files, assets, and project workflows efficiently.

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Interactive PDF Creation: Experience in creating and optimizing interactive PDF documents for enhanced functionality and user experience.

• Generative AI Tools: Familiarity and comfort with utilizing generative AI tools appropriately within design workflows to enhance creativity and efficiency.

Preferred Skills:

• AEC Industry Experience: Prior experience within the Architecture, Engineering, or Construction (AEC) industry, understanding its specific visual communication needs.

• Floor Plan Graphics: Familiarity with interpreting and graphically representing architectural floor plans and technical drawings.

• Client Logo & Asset Management: Experience in recreating, converting, and managing client logos and other branding assets accurately.

• Basic Photo Editing: Competency in performing essential photo editing tasks in Adobe Photoshop, such as color correction and image resizing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for experience with "layout-heavy document production" and "translating technical information into clear visuals" strongly suggests a need for skills relevant to Sales Operations and GTM support, particularly in the creation of compelling proposal documents and client presentations that are critical for business development. The mention of "Generative AI tools" indicates a forward-thinking approach to design operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Versatility Showcase: Portfolio must demonstrate a range of design capabilities, including layout-heavy documents (e.g., proposals, reports), graphical diagrams, and visual representations of technical information.

• Software Proficiency Evidence: Include examples that clearly highlight expertise in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop, showcasing complex effects, precise layouts, and efficient asset integration.

• Brand Consistency Examples: Present case studies or project examples where brand guidelines were strictly adhered to, demonstrating an understanding of maintaining a cohesive visual identity.

• Technical Visualization: Showcase any experience in transforming technical drawings, floor plans, or data into accessible and visually appealing graphics.

• Interactive PDF Examples: If possible, include examples of interactive PDFs created for client or internal use, demonstrating functionality and user engagement.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their process for managing design projects from brief to final delivery, including file organization and version control.

• Brand Standard Implementation: Be ready to articulate how you ensure brand consistency across multiple deliverables and projects, including any internal checks or processes used.

• Collaboration & Feedback Integration: Discuss how you incorporate feedback from multiple stakeholders (architects, marketing teams) into design revisions and final outputs.

• Asset Management Strategy: Be prepared to explain your methods for organizing and managing design assets for easy retrieval and consistent application.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role supporting proposals and marketing collateral, a strong portfolio is paramount. The emphasis on "layout-heavy document production" and "translating technical information" means candidates should highlight projects that demonstrate their ability to structure complex information visually and persuasively, directly impacting GTM efforts.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 3-5 years of experience in Nashville, TN, the estimated salary range for this role is $55,000 - $75,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the specific software proficiencies required and the architectural industry context.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage to support employee well-being.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with potential company match, supporting long-term financial goals.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay for work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, including workshops, training, and potential support for relevant certifications.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Additional protection for employees and their families.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and work-related challenges.

Working Hours: This is a full-time, on-site position with standard working hours typically around 40 hours per week. While flexibility may be offered on occasion to meet project deadlines, core hours are expected to be maintained.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on current market data for Graphic Designers with 3-5 years of experience in the Nashville metropolitan area, considering the specialized skills in Adobe Creative Suite and the AEC industry context. Benefits are typical for full-time roles in professional services firms.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) - Stengel Hill Architecture operates within a highly collaborative and project-driven industry where precision, client focus, and design excellence are paramount. The firm's success relies on its ability to deliver innovative and functional architectural solutions.

Company Size: Stengel Hill Architecture is a medium-sized firm, likely employing between 50-250 individuals across its various offices. This size typically fosters a culture where employees can have direct impact, collaborate across departments, and experience professional growth without the bureaucracy of larger corporations.

Founded: Founded in 1986, Stengel Hill Architecture has a long-standing history of providing architectural services, indicating a stable and experienced organization with established processes and a solid reputation in the market.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of the Marketing department, working closely with marketing managers, proposal coordinators, and potentially administrative staff.

• This role may also involve direct collaboration with project teams, including architects, project managers, and technical staff, to gather information and create project-specific visuals.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Design: The firm emphasizes understanding client needs and translating them into effective architectural and visual solutions.

• Collaborative Project Execution: A team-based approach to project delivery, encouraging cross-functional input and shared problem-solving.

• Quality Assurance: Rigorous review processes to ensure accuracy, adherence to standards, and high-quality deliverables in both design and documentation.

• Brand Consistency: A commitment to maintaining a unified brand identity across all firm communications and project materials.

Company Website: https://stengelhill.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's founding date and industry suggest a structured environment where clear processes and brand standards are important. The Graphic Designer's role in supporting proposals and marketing directly links them to the firm's GTM strategy and client acquisition efforts.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level individual contributor, focusing on specialized design execution within the broader operations and marketing functions of the firm. It requires a solid foundation of technical design skills and a growing understanding of how visual assets support business objectives.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or Director. This structure provides guidance and oversight while allowing for autonomy in design tasks and project execution. Collaboration will extend to architects and project teams seeking design support.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's output directly influences the firm's external image and its ability to secure new projects. High-quality proposals, presentations, and marketing materials are critical for GTM success, enhancing client perception and competitive positioning. By translating complex architectural concepts into clear visuals, this role simplifies communication and strengthens client engagement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization in AEC Graphics: Develop deep expertise in creating visuals specific to the architecture, engineering, and construction industry, becoming a go-to resource for technical illustration and proposal design.

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to expand proficiency in new design software, AI tools, and advanced visualization techniques relevant to architectural marketing.

• Marketing Operations Integration: Potential to transition into broader marketing operations roles, contributing to campaign strategy, digital asset management, or content creation beyond purely graphic design.

• Project Management Acumen: Gain experience managing design aspects of large-scale projects, improving project planning, client communication, and deadline management skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth potential here is tied to becoming a specialist within the AEC marketing operations sphere, or expanding into more strategic GTM support roles. The ability to manage technical visualization and client-facing materials is key to career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, suggesting a traditional office environment within one of Stengel Hill Architecture's physical locations (Louisville, Lexington, Nashville, or Clearwater). The workspace will likely be designed to facilitate collaboration among design and architectural teams.

Office Location(s): The position can be based in Louisville, KY; Lexington, KY; Nashville, TN; or Clearwater, FL, offering flexibility in geographic location for candidates within proximity to these offices.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment is expected to support interaction with architects, project managers, and marketing colleagues, fostering a team-oriented atmosphere.

• Technology Access: Employees will have access to necessary hardware and software, including high-performance workstations and the full Adobe Creative Suite, essential for design tasks.

• Professional Setting: A professional atmosphere typical of an architecture firm, valuing precision, design quality, and client service in all interactions.

Work Schedule: The role operates within standard business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. While project deadlines may occasionally require extra effort, the emphasis is on efficient workflow management within regular hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a professional architecture firm implies a structured and collaborative physical workspace, crucial for the design team's interaction with project managers and marketing colleagues.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and design capabilities.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a practical design exercise or a portfolio review session where you'll present and discuss your work, focusing on your process and problem-solving approaches.

• Team/Manager Interview: An interview with the hiring manager and potentially members of the marketing or design team to evaluate cultural fit, communication skills, and understanding of the role's objectives.

• Final Interview: May involve a discussion with senior leadership to confirm fit with the firm's broader goals and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best align with the responsibilities outlined, emphasizing layout-heavy documents, technical visualizations, and brand application.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your design process, the tools used (especially Adobe Suite), and the outcome or impact. Highlight how you translated complex information into visuals.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, mention how your designs contributed to winning a proposal, improving client understanding, or maintaining brand consistency.

• Tailor to AEC: If you have AEC industry experience, ensure those projects are prominent. If not, emphasize transferable skills in technical illustration or complex document design.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, interactive PDFs, and how you manage deadlines and client feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly. Prioritize clarity, brand consistency, and efficient use of time. Aim for a well-organized and visually appealing output, even if not perfectly polished.

• Presentation Skills: Practice articulating your design choices and process clearly and concisely. Be prepared to explain your rationale behind layout, typography, and color selections.

• Technical Understanding: Brush up on basic architectural terminology and the typical components of proposals and project documentation in the AEC sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is critical. Candidates should focus on demonstrating their ability to support GTM efforts through persuasive visual communication, especially for proposals and client presentations, by showcasing structured information design and brand adherence.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency required in Illustrator (for vector graphics, diagrams, floor plans), InDesign (for layout-heavy document production, proposals, data sheets), and Photoshop (for image editing and asset preparation).

• Generative AI Tools: Familiarity and ability to integrate generative AI tools into design workflows for enhanced creativity and efficiency.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool requirements are specified for this design role, but an understanding of how marketing collateral integrates with CRM or marketing automation platforms (e.g., for lead generation campaigns) would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite and Generative AI tools highlights the technical requirements. Proficiency in these tools is fundamental to executing the operational tasks of creating and managing visual assets for the firm.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Detail-Oriented Excellence: A strong emphasis on precision, accuracy, and high-quality output in all design and documentation tasks, reflecting the meticulous nature of architectural work.

• Collaborative Spirit: A culture that encourages teamwork, open communication, and mutual support among designers, architects, and marketing professionals.

• Client Focus: A commitment to understanding and meeting client needs through effective visual communication that supports project goals and firm reputation.

• Brand Integrity: Dedication to upholding and consistently applying the firm's brand standards to ensure a professional and unified image.

• Adaptability & Efficiency: Willingness to adapt to project demands, manage multiple deadlines, and utilize tools efficiently to deliver timely results.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with architects and project managers to translate technical requirements into visual assets, and with the marketing team for proposal and collateral development.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: An openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders to refine designs and ensure alignment with project objectives.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes sharing design best practices, templates, and insights across teams to enhance overall efficiency and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize precision, collaboration, and client focus, which are critical for any role supporting GTM and operational excellence, especially in a professional services context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Complexity: The primary challenge will be to effectively translate complex architectural concepts, technical data, and project specifications into clear, visually appealing, and easily digestible graphics for diverse audiences.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Input: Balancing feedback and requirements from various internal teams (architects, project managers, marketing) while maintaining design integrity and brand consistency.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: The fast-paced nature of architectural projects and proposal deadlines can present significant time management challenges.

• Staying Current with Design Trends & AI: Keeping up-to-date with the latest design software features, industry trends, and the ethical and effective integration of generative AI tools.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized AEC Design Training: Opportunities to deepen understanding of architectural visualization techniques and AEC industry-specific design needs.

• Advanced Software Proficiency: Training on advanced features of Adobe Creative Suite or emerging design technologies.

• Project Management Skills: Learning to manage design components of larger projects, improving planning and communication skills.

• Exposure to GTM Strategy: Gaining insight into how design contributes to marketing campaigns, proposal wins, and overall business development efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the operational aspect of supporting a technical field like architecture, requiring strong communication and problem-solving skills. Growth lies in deepening specialization and understanding the business impact of design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a complex graphic diagram or floor plan from technical drawings. What tools do you use, and how do you ensure accuracy?" (Focus on detail, process, and tool proficiency).

• "How do you approach adapting your design style to meet the specific brand guidelines of a client or project, especially when working with established firm standards?" (Highlight brand management and flexibility).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working in the architecture industry, specifically with Stengel Hill Architecture?" (Showcase research into the firm and industry).

• "How do you ensure collaboration and effective communication when working with technical teams who may not have a design background?" (Address cross-functional collaboration and communication strategies).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your design process, the tools used, and the final outcome.

• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your presented projects directly demonstrate your proficiency in Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, layout design, and technical visualization.

• Focus on Impact: If possible, discuss how your design contributed to project success, proposal wins, or enhanced client understanding.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about your software techniques, file management, and any specific challenges encountered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills, but also an understanding of how those skills support the firm's business objectives, particularly in client acquisition and project delivery through effective visual communication.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this graphic design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Stengel Hill Architecture careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Carefully select and organize your portfolio to showcase projects that best align with the requirements, emphasizing layout-heavy documents, technical graphics, and brand consistency. Tailor your presentation to highlight experience relevant to the AEC industry if applicable.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, your years of experience, and any relevant AEC industry background. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Illustrator," "InDesign," "Photoshop," "layout design," and "technical drawings."

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, problem-solving approaches, and how your skills can contribute to Stengel Hill Architecture's marketing and project documentation needs. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Stengel Hill Architecture, their projects, and their brand. Understand their mission, values, and the types of visuals they produce. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.