Experiential Brand Designer

📌 Core Information - Job Title: Experiential Brand Designer - Company: Gensler - Location: Chicago, IL, US - Job Type: On-site, Full-time - Category: Architecture & Planning - Date Posted: April 8, 2025 - Experience Level: 2-5 years 🚀 Job Overview Key aspects of this role include: - Collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to create branded experiences and environments. - Designing graphics, brand identities, and signage solutions. - Conducting research and developing design concepts. - Working on diverse client projects across various industries. ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong portfolio showcasing environmental graphic design, print/digital design, or similar studio experience. 📋 Key Responsibilities - Work with a multi-disciplinary team to design graphics (2D/3D, print, or digital), brand identities, branded environments, signage, and wayfinding solutions that connect people to place for diverse client projects. - Conduct research for organizational, cultural, and physical context surrounding a project to develop project program, goals, and vision. - Generate multiple initial concepts and develop viable, documented design solutions. - Integrate messaging, color, imagery, type, and composition into two and three-dimensional built environments. - Develop presentation materials, present at client meetings, and assist with synthesizing client feedback. - Prepare final documentation and production-ready artwork for 2D/3D, print, or digital applications. - During implementation, collaborate closely with the Design Manager to review vendor shop drawings, samples, mockups, provide clarifications as needed, and conduct on-site visits to review project progress. - Collaborate on project close-out process for file archiving and marketing purposes. ASSUMPTION: Strong communication and organizational skills are crucial for success in this role. 🎯 Required Qualifications - Education: Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, industrial design, environmental design, architecture, visual communication, or a related field. - Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in environmental graphic design, print/digital design, or similar studio experience. - Required Skills: - Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop), CAD Tools, and MS Office. - Familiarity with architectural construction documents, scales, sections, plans, and elevations; proficiency in drawing in scale. - Use of SketchUp, Revit, or other 3D modeling programs a plus. - Working knowledge of motion graphics software, digital video editing, or other skills related to designing for and creating dynamic content a plus. - Preferred Skills: - Familiarity with architectural construction documents, scales, sections, plans, and elevations; proficiency in drawing in scale. - Use of SketchUp, Revit, or other 3D modeling programs. - Working knowledge of motion graphics software, digital video editing, or other skills related to designing for and creating dynamic content. ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and relevant design software is essential for this role. 💰 Compensation & Benefits - Salary Range: Estimated between $63,000 - $80,000 plus bonuses and benefits, contingent on relevant experience. - Benefits: - Medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. - 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. - Tuition reimbursement for certain eligible programs or classes. - Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week. ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a mid-level designer in the architecture and planning field in Chicago, IL. 📌 Applicant Insights 🔍 Company Context - Industry: Architecture & Planning - Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees - Founded: 1965 - Company Description: Gensler is a global architecture, design, and planning firm with 57 locations across the Americas, Europe, Greater China, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. Founded in 1965, Gensler has built a team of 6,000 professionals who partner with clients in over 100 countries each year. Everything we do is guided by our mission: To create a better world through the power of design. - Company Specialties: Architecture, Brand Design, Consulting, Interior Design, Planning + Urban Design, Product Design, Sustainability Consulting, Digital Experience Design, Hospitality, and Workplace Design. 📊 Role Analysis - Career Level: Mid-level Designer - Reporting Structure: This role reports to the Design Manager and works collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams. - Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangements in the future. - Growth Opportunities: - Opportunities to work on diverse projects across various industries. - Potential to advance to a Senior Designer or Senior Associate role with experience. - Exposure to international projects and global teams. ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse projects and teams. 🌍 Location & Work Environment - Office Type: On-site, with potential for hybrid work arrangements in the future. - Office Location(s): 11 E Madison St, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60602, US - Geographic Context: Chicago, IL, US - A vibrant city with a rich cultural scene, diverse neighborhoods, and a robust architecture and design community. - Known for its iconic architecture, including the Willis Tower and the Art Institute of Chicago. - Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangements in the future. ASSUMPTION: Chicago offers a dynamic work environment with a strong focus on architecture and design. 💼 Interview & Application Insights - Typical Process: - Online application submission. - Phone or video screen with the HR team. - In-person or virtual interview with the Design Manager and potential team members. - Final interview with the hiring manager or a panel of interviewers. - Key Assessment Areas: - Design skills and portfolio. - Communication and presentation skills. - Cultural fit and alignment with Gensler's values. - Problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively. - Application Tips: - Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role. - Showcase your design process and problem-solving skills in your portfolio. - Prepare questions to ask during the interview to demonstrate your interest in the role and company. ASSUMPTION: A strong portfolio and clear communication of your design process are crucial for success in the application process. 🛠️ Tools & Technologies - Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) - CAD Tools - MS Office - SketchUp, Revit, or other 3D modeling programs (a plus) - Motion graphics software, digital video editing, or other skills related to designing for and creating dynamic content (a plus) ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and relevant design software is essential for this role. 👔 Cultural Fit Considerations - Company Values: - We measure success by the way we touch the lives of people. - We embrace a culture of design thinking. - We shape the future of cities by enhancing the human experience. - We commit to sustainability and social responsibility. - We foster collaboration and innovation. - Work Style: - Gensler values a work environment that promotes collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. - The company encourages work-life balance and offers flexible work arrangements where possible. - Gensler fosters a culture of inclusion and diversity, with employee resource groups and initiatives to support employees from various backgrounds. Self-Assessment Questions: - How do you align with Gensler's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility? - How do you approach collaboration and innovation in your design process? - How do you balance work and personal life, and what does work-life balance mean to you? ASSUMPTION: Gensler values candidates who align with their commitment to sustainability, collaboration, and innovation. ⚠️ Potential Challenges - The role may require working on multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong time management and organizational skills. - The design process can be iterative and may involve revisions based on client feedback, which can be challenging at times. - The role may require working with diverse teams and stakeholders, which can present communication and collaboration challenges. ASSUMPTION: Strong communication, organizational, and time management skills are essential for success in this role. 📈 Similar Roles Comparison - How this role differs from related positions: - This role focuses specifically on experiential brand design, while related roles may be more generalist in nature. - This role requires a strong portfolio showcasing environmental graphic design, print/digital design, or similar studio experience. - Industry-specific context: - The architecture and planning industry is competitive and fast-paced, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. - Gensler is a global leader in the industry, offering opportunities to work on diverse projects and gain international experience. - Career path comparison: - This role offers opportunities for career growth and advancement within Gensler's design team. - With experience, designers can progress to Senior Designer, Senior Associate, or other leadership roles within the firm. ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse projects and teams within the architecture and planning industry. 📝 Sample Projects - Designing a branded environment for a corporate headquarters, including graphics, signage, and wayfinding solutions. - Creating a cohesive brand identity for a hospitality project, including graphics, print materials, and digital applications. - Developing a wayfinding system for a healthcare facility, ensuring accessibility and intuitive navigation for patients and visitors. ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of work that an Experiential Brand Designer at Gensler may encounter. ❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview - What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of this role? - How does Gensler support the professional development and growth of its designers? - What opportunities are there for collaboration and innovation within the design team? - How does Gensler approach sustainability and social responsibility in its projects and operations? - What is the typical timeline for project completion, and how are project milestones managed? ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and company, and provides valuable insights into the work environment and culture. 📌 Next Steps for Applicants - To apply for this position: - Submit your application through this link: - Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role. - Prepare questions to ask during the interview to demonstrate your interest in the role and company. - Follow up with the hiring manager or HR team after your interview to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the position. - If invited for a second interview, be prepared to present your design process and portfolio in more detail. ⚠️ Disclaimer This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.