Signage and Wayfinding Designer at Gensler in Washington, DC

Gensler’s Brand Design + Strategy studio is a collaborative team of designers, strategists, and storytellers that engages with a wide variety of clients on projects of all sizes—from product development and websites to campus signage systems and international brand positioning. As Gensler brand designers, we help our clients tell their unique stories effectively via every channel available in today’s diverse media landscape. Our approach combines design and architectural expertise with a unique point of view and strong communication skills. We believe that this approach results in brands that build trust, inspire confidence, and forge lasting relationships.

Your Role

This junior to mid-level role is a hands-on designer, thinker, and collaborator. You must love to push new ideas, be passionate about design and get excited about juggling diverse projects and working with extremely talented creative leaders. As a Signage + Wayfinding Designer, you will be responsible for delivering design and collaborating with fast-paced interdisciplinary teams of architects, interior designers, graphic designers, illustrators, digital designers and more to deliver projects ranging from complex signage & wayfinding programs to small bespoke signage solutions. You will also demonstrate exceptional vision, work on projects from conception to completion, and ensure successful project outcomes. Your work will span a diverse range of markets including aviation, education, entertainment, hospitality, retail, sports, and workplace.

In this position you will deliver signage and wayfinding systems for all types of spaces. You’ll have excellent mentorship and guidance, and you’ll be very much involved in the delivery of projects, working closely with multiple project teams to tackle various aspects of our signage projects. As a Gensler Signage and Wayfinding Designer, you will leverage your attention to detail to deliver exceptional signage systems on time and on budget.

What You Will Do

• Design and concept sign types and wayfinding solutions, building a cohesive sign family
• Develop traffic flow diagrams and understand how people move through spaces
• Create Signage Location Plans, Message Schedules and Design Intent Documentation for various size projects
• Work closely with clients, designers, architects, general contractors and fabricators
• Coordinate the development of documentation for construction and installation for signage systems
• Travel occasionally to client sites to perform signage surveys, oversee installs, conduct punch lists
• Think independently about solutions to complex projects and problems with minimal direction given
• Be proactive in the day-to-day workflow and be able to anticipate what is next
• Be extremely organized around workflow processes
• Generate multiple concepts and develop viable, documented design solutions that help solve a variety of problems for our clients
• Develop user analysis and hierarchal systems of sign types, messaging, and communication strategies
• Integrate color, symbology, and typography into two and three-dimensional built environments
• Apply thoughtful approaches to fundamental design elements such as form, proportion and contrast that are appropriate for the various sizes, scales, and materials within built environments
• Apply real world knowledge and experience within all phases of signage and wayfinding projects from concept to completion
• Conduct research for the organizational, cultural, and physical context surrounding a project
• Synthesize research and insights to develop strategies that address a project’s specific needs
• Collaborate with clients, design teams and fabrication partners across multiple industries
• Prepare final documentation including message schedules, sign location plans and sign type drawings

Your Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, industrial design, environmental design, architecture, visual communication, or related field – as exemplified in submitted portfolio
• Minimum 3-6 years professional experience in signage and wayfinding design, environmental graphic design, or similar studio experience
• Strong graphic sensibilities including typography, color, and hierarchy, and an ability to integrate brand identity standards
• Understanding of ADA, fire, and life‑safety signage codes, with the ability to research, analyze, and design compliant exterior and interior signage systems within complex regulatory constraints
• Excellent analytical, problem solving, and communication skills that work well in an interdisciplinary, fast-paced, collaborative environment
• Strong organization, communication and presentation abilities
• Thorough, thoughtful, and ability to work independently
• Strong work ethic, with demonstrated efficiency, flexibility, and a positive spirit
• Attention to detail and maintaining a high level of accuracy
• Knowledge of signage materials, finishes and fabrication methods
• Strong time management and organization skills are imperative to juggle multiple tasks, clients, and resources
• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) with CAD Tools plugin and MS Office
• Proficiency in drawing new designs within multiple scales
• Reviewing, understanding and working with architectural construction documents, scales, sections, plans and elevations
• Proficiency in SketchUp, Revit, or other 3D modeling programs a strong plus

For consideration, please submit a personal portfolio that contains examples of project work that highlights your creative process from concept to final deliverables.

Please include a cover letter with your application that summarizes how your experience is relevant to this role at Gensler, and what you can bring to our team.

*This role is not remote, we look forward to working with our new Signage and Wayfinding Designer in our dynamic Washington, D.C. office.

**The estimated base salary range for this position is $70,000 - $80,000, plus eligibility for bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package, with final compensation contingent on relevant experience. To learn more about our compensation philosophy and full benefits offerings, please visit Great People, Great Rewards | Gensler.  

Life at Gensler 

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests. 

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets. 

As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future. 

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