Senior Experiential Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Experiential Graphic Designer

Company: Little Diversified Architectural Consulting

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Brand Experience Design / Architectural Graphics

Date Posted: 2026-05-07T17:12:02.983

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design process for experiential graphics, wayfinding systems, and branded communications for national and international clients.

• Translate client brand strategy and user experience goals into compelling, tangible design solutions that enhance physical spaces.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including architects, interior designers, and project managers, to deliver holistic and integrated design outcomes.

• Manage project scope, timelines, and budgets, coordinating directly with vendors, fabricators, and installation teams to ensure successful project execution.

• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior design staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided description focuses on design, the role's emphasis on "coordinating with project managers and operations," "sourcing and coordinating directly with vendors, contractors, and trade partners," and managing "project scope and execute work within budgeted timeframes" indicates a strong operational component. This role requires not just creative vision but also robust project execution and stakeholder management skills, aligning it with GTM (Go-To-Market) enablement and operational efficiency within a design context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the conceptualization, design development, and detailed execution of experiential graphic design projects, including signage, wayfinding, donor recognition, and branded environments, from initial brief to final installation.

• Develop and present multiple design concepts aligned with client brand identity, project objectives, and user journey mapping, ensuring clear design intent and strategic rationale.

• Lead client meetings, presentations, and workshops, articulating design solutions persuasively and managing feedback to drive project consensus and approvals.

• Oversee the procurement process for fabrication and installation, including vendor selection, RFP management, budget negotiation, and quality control for materials and craftsmanship.

• Ensure seamless integration of experiential graphics with architectural and interior design elements, collaborating closely with transdisciplinary teams to achieve cohesive and impactful environments.

• Mentor and guide junior designers, providing constructive feedback, technical direction, and support to foster their professional growth and ensure project quality.

• Proactively manage project timelines, resource allocation, and budgets, identifying potential risks and proactively implementing mitigation strategies to maintain project performance goals.

• Stay abreast of emerging trends in experiential design, digital integration, sustainable materials, and fabrication technologies to inform innovative design solutions.

• Contribute to firm-wide initiatives, cross-disciplinary learning, and team-building activities to foster a vibrant and collaborative studio culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative leadership and project management. The emphasis on "leading the design process for small to medium scale projects," "managing project scope and execute work within budgeted timeframes," and "coordinating directly with vendors, contractors, and trade partners" suggests a need for strong operational planning, vendor relationship management, and budget oversight, which are critical in GTM and operational roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Environmental Design, Visual Communications, or a related design discipline.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in experiential graphic design, environmental graphics, or a closely related field, with a demonstrated track record of leading projects from concept to completion.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in leading the full design lifecycle of experiential graphics and wayfinding projects.

• Strong conceptualization abilities and a talent for translating brand strategy and user needs into impactful physical experiences.

• Advanced proficiency in typography, composition, layout, and information design principles.

• Excellent client presentation and communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex design ideas clearly and persuasively.

• Demonstrated experience in managing project scope, timelines, and budgets effectively.

• Strong understanding of sign and environmental graphics production materials, methods, and fabrication processes.

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop, for design execution.

• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience mentoring or guiding junior designers.

• Additional experience in print design, logo development, packaging, or product design.

• Illustration and/or calligraphy skills.

• Familiarity with web or interactive design principles.

• Knowledge of 3D modeling software such as SketchUp, CAD Tools, Revit, or other relevant visualization tools.

• Experience with specialized software like SignAgent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a minimum of 5 years of experience, coupled with the expectation to "lead projects from ideation through completion" and "present design concepts to clients with minimal oversight," suggests this role is at a senior level, likely requiring strong operational acumen in project delivery and client management, akin to a GTM specialist or operations lead.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing at least 3-5 significant experiential graphic design projects, detailing the project's scope, your role, design process, and final outcomes.

• Case studies demonstrating successful project leadership, from initial client brief and conceptualization through to fabrication and installation oversight.

• Visual evidence of strong typographic, compositional, and information design skills applied within environmental contexts.

• Examples of wayfinding systems, branded environments, or integrated signage solutions that illustrate problem-solving and strategic thinking.

Process Documentation:

• Detailed descriptions of your design process, highlighting how you translate client objectives into tangible design solutions.

• Examples of workflow management, including how you prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

• Documentation of your approach to client communication and presentation, including how you gather feedback and manage expectations throughout the project lifecycle.

• Evidence of your understanding of fabrication and installation processes, including material considerations and quality control measures.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Experiential Graphic Designer, a portfolio is not just a collection of images but a demonstration of process, problem-solving, and operational execution. This section emphasizes the need to showcase the ability to manage projects from concept to reality, which is a core function in operations and GTM roles. The focus on "project leadership," "vendor coordination," and "execution oversight" directly aligns with operational responsibilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Experiential Graphic Designers in Charlotte, NC, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated salary range is $85,000 - $110,000 per year. This estimate accounts for the cost of living in Charlotte, the seniority of the role, and the specialized nature of experiential design within a leading architectural firm.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

• Professional development opportunities, including continuing education, workshops, and conference attendance.

• Wellness programs and access to a LEED and WELL Certified workspace.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work of approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for extended hours based on project demands and deadlines. The role is primarily on-site in the Charlotte office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry data for similar roles in Charlotte, NC, considering the specified experience level and the nature of architectural consulting firms. Benefits are typical for a full-time position at a company of this size and industry. The mention of "40 hours per week" is a standard assumption for full-time employment, with the acknowledgment of project-driven overtime.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architectural Consulting, Design Services, Environmental Design. Little Diversified Architectural Consulting operates within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, with a specialized focus on creating environments that enhance user experience and well-being.

Company Size: Little is a large organization, likely employing over 500 individuals, with a national presence. This size suggests structured departments, established processes, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and career advancement.

Founded: Founded in 1953, Little has a long-standing history and deep expertise in providing innovative design solutions across various sectors, including healthcare, justice, education, and commercial. This longevity indicates stability, a strong client base, and a commitment to evolving design practices.

Team Structure:

• The Brand Experience Studio (BXP) is a specialized internal team focused on experiential graphics, wayfinding, and brand integration within the firm's broader architectural projects.

• This role reports to a BXP Design Principal or Art Director, working closely with a team of designers and collaborating with project managers and other design disciplines (architecture, interior design, landscape architecture).

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizing client data, user research, and performance metrics to inform design decisions and measure impact.

• Integrated Design Process: Close collaboration across all design disciplines from project inception to ensure seamless integration and a unified vision.

• Sustainable & Regenerative Practices: Commitment to implementing environmentally responsible design strategies and forward-thinking solutions.

• Client-Centric Approach: Deeply understanding client needs and goals to deliver tailored and effective design outcomes.

Company Website: www.littleonline.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and focus on "sustainable and regenerative design practices" indicate a culture that values innovation and long-term impact. The Brand Experience Studio (BXP) structure suggests a specialized operational unit within a larger firm, requiring strong internal coordination and GTM alignment for client projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position, indicating a need for individuals who can operate with a high degree of autonomy, lead complex projects, and mentor junior staff. It signifies a critical role in the Brand Experience Studio's operational capacity, requiring not just design skill but also project management and client-facing expertise.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Experiential Graphic Designer will report directly to a BXP Design Principal or Art Director. This structure provides clear leadership and guidance while offering significant responsibility for project execution and client interaction. The role also involves influencing junior designers, contributing to team development.

Operations Impact: The role's impact extends beyond aesthetic design; it's about shaping user experiences, enhancing brand recognition, and improving the functionality of built environments. By successfully delivering experiential graphics and wayfinding solutions, the role directly contributes to client satisfaction, project success, and the firm's reputation for delivering comprehensive, high-quality design services. This operational success underpins the firm's Go-To-Market strategy by reinforcing its capabilities and client value proposition.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to advance into a Design Principal or leadership role within the Brand Experience Studio, taking on larger projects and greater strategic responsibility.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of experiential design, such as healthcare wayfinding, retail branding, or museum exhibition design.

• Cross-Disciplinary Expertise: Exposure to and collaboration with a wide range of design disciplines within Little, broadening understanding of integrated design and project delivery.

• Mentorship & Training: Formal and informal opportunities to mentor junior designers, further honing leadership and communication skills.

• Industry Engagement: Participation in industry conferences, workshops, and internal firm initiatives to stay at the forefront of design trends and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Impact" section highlights how this design role contributes to the firm's broader success, akin to how GTM operations enable sales and marketing. The growth opportunities emphasize career progression within a specialized operational unit.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Charlotte, NC, within one of Charlotte's first LEED and WELL Certified workspaces. This indicates a modern, health-conscious, and environmentally sustainable office environment designed to promote well-being and productivity.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is the Charlotte, NC office. This location offers a central hub for collaboration with the Brand Experience Studio and other design disciplines within the firm.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, with open areas, meeting rooms, and shared studios that encourage interaction among diverse teams.

• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design software, visualization tools, and potentially advanced fabrication or rendering technologies that support the experiential graphic design process.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues from various disciplines, including architects, interior designers, project managers, and other BXP team members, facilitating a rich exchange of ideas and knowledge.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, typically around 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. While the role is primarily on-site, the design and project management nature may occasionally require flexibility to meet critical project deadlines or client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the LEED and WELL Certified workspace underscores the company's commitment to employee well-being and sustainable practices, creating a positive and productive on-site environment crucial for collaborative design and operational execution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio to the hiring team, discussing your design process, project rationale, and leadership experience. Be prepared to articulate how you managed projects, collaborated with teams, and interacted with vendors and clients.

• Technical & Behavioral Interviews: Questions will focus on your design skills, knowledge of materials and fabrication, project management capabilities, and your ability to collaborate and mentor. Expect scenario-based questions related to client interactions, project challenges, and team dynamics.

• Team & Cultural Fit: An opportunity to meet with potential colleagues and understand the team's working style and company culture.

• Final Interview: May involve a discussion with senior leadership to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your senior-level experience, leadership in experiential graphics, and operational project management.

• Detail Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, responsibilities, and decision-making processes for each project.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your design methodology, problem-solving approach, and how you translated strategy into tangible outcomes. Include sketches, concept development, and technical details.

• Showcase Collaboration: Demonstrate how you worked with interdisciplinary teams, clients, and vendors.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback on the success of your projects (e.g., improved user navigation, client satisfaction, successful fabrication).

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio includes examples that highlight your mastery of Adobe Creative Suite and your understanding of fabrication and installation processes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to project scope management, client negotiation, and resolving design/fabrication conflicts.

• Prepare examples of how you have mentored junior designers or led project teams.

• Familiarize yourself with Little's portfolio and recent projects to understand their design ethos and client base.

• Think about how you would approach a new experiential graphics project from A to Z, including operational considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "project management capabilities," "client interactions," and "vendor interactions" in the interview process points to the operational demands of this senior design role. Portfolio review tips are tailored to demonstrate these operational competencies alongside design expertise.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency required in Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop for all design and production-related tasks.

• 3D Modeling Software: Familiarity or proficiency with tools like SketchUp, Revit, or other 3D modeling software is highly desirable for visualizing concepts and communicating with architectural teams.

• CAD Tools: Basic understanding or proficiency in CAD software for technical drawings and specifications.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Experience with project management software (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, or similar) for tracking project progress, managing tasks, and coordinating with team members is expected.

Specialized Software:

• Knowledge of SignAgent or similar signage management and documentation tools is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are standard for graphic design but also include elements like CAD and 3D modeling, which bridge design with architectural and operational execution. Project management software is key for operational efficiency in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Design: A commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative, and impactful design solutions that meet client objectives.

• Collaboration & Integration: A strong belief in the power of teamwork, encouraging open communication and cross-disciplinary synergy to achieve holistic project outcomes.

• Client Focus: Dedicated to understanding and exceeding client expectations through responsive service and tailored design solutions.

• Innovation & Forward Thinking: Embracing new technologies, materials, and methodologies to push the boundaries of design and create future-ready environments.

• Sustainability & Well-being: A core value of creating spaces that are environmentally responsible and contribute positively to the health and well-being of occupants.

Collaboration Style:

• Transdisciplinary Partnership: Actively engaging with architects, interior designers, engineers, and other specialists to ensure experiential graphics are seamlessly integrated into the overall project vision.

• Open Communication: Fostering an environment where ideas can be freely shared, and constructive feedback is welcomed and given respectfully.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging senior staff to guide and develop junior talent, and promoting the sharing of best practices and lessons learned across the team.

• Problem-Solving Orientation: Approaching challenges collaboratively, working together to find effective and creative solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values, particularly "Excellence in Design," "Collaboration & Integration," and "Client Focus," directly mirror the operational principles of successful GTM and revenue operations teams, emphasizing efficiency, strategic alignment, and customer success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Operational Constraints: Effectively translating innovative design concepts into practical, budget-conscious, and constructible solutions that meet project timelines.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Navigating the expectations of clients, internal teams, contractors, and fabricators to ensure project success and satisfaction for all parties.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Technologies: Staying current with advancements in materials, fabrication techniques, digital integration, and design software to maintain a competitive edge.

• Mentoring Junior Staff Effectively: Developing and implementing strategies to guide and empower less experienced designers, fostering their growth while ensuring project quality.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Workshops: Opportunities to attend specialized workshops on topics such as interactive installations, sustainable materials, or advanced rendering techniques.

• Industry Certifications: Potential to pursue certifications relevant to design, sustainability (e.g., LEED), or project management.

• Cross-Disciplinary Projects: Gaining exposure to a wide range of project types and design disciplines, expanding your professional portfolio and understanding of integrated design.

• Leadership Training: Formal and informal opportunities to develop leadership skills through project management, team mentorship, and strategic decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges listed, such as "Balancing Creative Vision with Operational Constraints" and "Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs," are directly relevant to operational roles in any industry, requiring strategic thinking and execution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex experiential graphics project you led from concept to installation. What were the key operational challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your project management, vendor coordination, and problem-solving skills.)

• "How do you ensure your design solutions align with a client's brand strategy and user experience goals while adhering to budget and timeline constraints?" (Highlight your ability to balance creativity with operational realities.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Little's approach to design, particularly its focus on sustainable and regenerative practices?" (Show your research and alignment with company values.)

• "How would you contribute to a collaborative, transdisciplinary design environment like the one at Little?" (Emphasize your teamwork and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your presentation logically, starting with an overview of the project and your role, followed by conceptual development, design execution, and finally, the operational aspects of fabrication and installation.

• Tell a Story: Frame each project as a narrative – the challenge, your solution, and the successful outcome, including how you managed operational hurdles.

• Highlight Operational Execution: Clearly articulate your involvement in vendor selection, budget management, timeline adherence, and quality control. Use specific examples.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your visuals are high-quality and effectively communicate the design intent and final result.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical details, project management decisions, and how you handle feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview questions are designed to probe the candidate's operational capabilities and strategic thinking, not just their design aesthetic. The portfolio presentation strategy emphasizes demonstrating practical execution and problem-solving skills, aligning with operational roles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Experiential Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a comprehensive portfolio through the provided application link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating leadership in experiential graphics, wayfinding systems, and branded environments. Specifically, emphasize case studies that showcase your project management skills, vendor coordination, and successful execution from concept to installation. Include examples of how you managed scope, budget, and timelines.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience, specific responsibilities in leading design projects, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant software, and any experience in mentoring junior staff or client presentations. Use keywords from the job description to align with ATS scanning.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and operational execution. Prepare detailed examples of how you managed projects, collaborated with stakeholders, and ensured successful fabrication and installation.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Little's projects, design philosophy, and commitment to sustainability. Understand their culture and values to articulate your fit during interviews. Research their Brand Experience Studio's work to identify any specific areas you can contribute to.

⚠️ 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.

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