Position Overview:
Knot Studio is seeking a talented and motivated Mid-Level Environmental Graphic Designer with 5-10 years of professional experience to join our team of Environmental Graphic Designers, Landscape Architects, and Environmental Justice Practitioners. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in signage and wayfinding systems and a degree in Graphic Design, Interior Design, or a related field. This role requires a collaborative mindset, a passion for creating meaningful and visually compelling designs, and the ability to translate complex ideas into clear and engaging visual communications.
About Knot Studio:
At Knot Studio, we promote social connection, equity and ecological resiliency through design. Our work prioritizes environmentally sensitive approaches and strong visual aesthetics to deliver places that inspire and endure. As part of our Environmental Graphic Design practice, you will contribute to projects ranging from civic spaces and cultural institutions to healthcare facilities, workplaces and diplomatic campuses.
Key Responsibilities under the direction of Lead Environmental Graphic Designers:
- Design and develop environmental graphic design projects, including signage, wayfinding systems, interpretive graphics, and branded environments.
- Research client culture, values, business and competitive environment to support the development of design strategies.
- Collaborate with project teams, including architects, interior designers, and landscape architects, to integrate graphic design seamlessly into the built environment.
- Prepare detailed graphic presentations, mock-ups, and visual concepts for client presentations and project approvals.
- Create construction-ready artwork and specifications for fabrication and installation of signage and other graphic components.
- Develop (in collaboration with other team members) multiple design concepts that integrate messaging, color, imagery, type, and composition to express client stories through various touchpoints, including but not limited to placemaking, signage and wayfinding.
- Conduct site reviews, inventory assessments, and research to inform design solutions.
- Manage project tasks and deadlines efficiently while supporting senior designers and project managers.
- Stay current with industry trends, material technologies, and fabrication techniques to bring innovative solutions to projects.
- Review shop drawings, materials/color samples, mockup and punch list reviews, and all matters related to the construction administration phase.
As a member of our studio…
- You have an irrepressible willingness to attempt the unexpected, not only driven by creative curiosity, but also by your relentless dedication to helping our clients and communities solve their most challenging problems.
- You bring a positive, open mind to the studio and your work.
- You’re a maker at your core and you thrive at both digital and physical creation. You believe that creativity flourishes when it involves drawing, modeling, audio/visual, and other experimental hands-on work.
- You have a curious and empathetic lens and you use it to listen to and observe the needs of our clients, partners, and communities. You believe that this builds critical insight that drives more meaningful design research, process, engagement, and solutions.
- You’re approachable, reliable, and trustworthy. You understand that our work isn’t siloed, it’s entangled, and our connection and support for one another and our partners allows us to collectively thrive.
- You’re adaptable and able to integrate with teams in various capacities, ranging from design collaboration and support, to project management, and/or technical execution.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Graphic Design, Interior Design, or a related field.
- 5-10 years of professional experience in environmental graphic design or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience with signage and wayfinding systems, including familiarity with fabrication, materials, and installation processes.
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) and CAD Tools. Experience with SketchUp, Revit, or 3D visualization software is preferred.
- Proficiency in typography, with an understanding of font selection, kerning, and graphic hierarchy.
- Strong design portfolio showcasing relevant experience in environmental graphic design, signage, or branded environments.
- Knowledge of building code required signage and overall ADA and accessibility standards for signage design.
- Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting while also managing independent tasks.
- Enthusiasm for contributing to thoughtful, sustainable, and inclusive design solutions.
Location
This role will be located in our Portland, Oregon office where we offer a unique approach to flexible work ways.
To apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio of work (PDF format, 10MB max) to https://www.knotstudio.com/careers/. In your portfolio, please include examples of environmental graphic design, signage, and wayfinding projects.
Why Join Knot Studio?
- Contribute to meaningful projects that combine design excellence with positive ecological and social impact.
- Work in a collaborative studio environment with a passionate and talented team.
- Enjoy professional growth and development opportunities within a dynamic, interdisciplinary practice.
- Competitive salary and benefits, including flexible work options and continuing education support.
Knot Studio is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
