Role Overview

Works in a collaborative manner within a growing design team, in all aspects of the experiential branding design process. Processes will include conceptualizing and preparation of strategies, presentations and layouts for brand positioning, environmental graphic elements, brand identity and naming, logo development, signage and wayfinding, typography, and brand collateral materials. Ideation and design of custom brand artwork and fabrication coordination with vendors within a creative, fast-paced interior design and architecture firm. Uses a team-based approach with other Designers, Lead Designers, Creative Brand Director and Leadership on a variety of projects and assignments. Assignments and design direction primarily come from the Creative Brand Director, Senior Leadership, or the client. The ideal candidate is a proactive and enthusiastic individual, with established critical thinking skills who can process, react to, and solve problems in a timely manner as they arise.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ability to strategically lead, direct and inspire designers in the brand conceptualization, design, and development of projects from preliminary concept and critical thinking through fabrication and delivery
• Rapidly think through design solutions to generate dynamic and engaging design ideas
• Manage multiple projects and tasks within a faced paced deadline-driven environment
• Independently performs assignments with minimal instructions to achieve client goals
• Prepares strong design concepts and necessary alternatives for review
• Ability to create design packages and final artwork throughout all design phases for concept, bidding and fabrication purposes
• Provides oversight and mentors a small graphic design team to ensure required project tasks are accurately executed
• Maintains existing client contacts and fosters new relationships
• Represents studio in a positive and complimentary fashion for client presentations and meetings
• Maintains industry standards of the creative branding process and understands the firm’s competitive market
• Ability to educate and inspire designers with branding and identity design trends and executions
• Supports Creative Director in maintaining profitability, proposals, deliverable timelines, and budgets for branding projects
• Works cross-functionally with project teams in the production of all branding deliverables
• Supports the Creative Director with the development of new and existing branding team members
• Supports the growth of the department as needed
• Ability to direct project photo shoots of brand project elements to ensure visual materials reflect the brand voice of the firm

Design:

• Ability to research and cultivate critical information to create brand strategies and positioning that manifest into one-of-a-kind experiences
• Ability to organize critical ideas to convey the brand narrative through the design process
• Expert use of 2D graphic design principles to clarify and elevate design concepts, narratives, and presentations
• Demonstrate a strong understanding for branding strategy and implementation as it pertains to the built environment, guest experience and brand product development
• Possess strong creative design skills including concept development and hand sketching
• Expert and skillful thought regarding color theory, typography and composition
• Exercises creative judgment and design application skills in preparing client presentation materials including but not limited to; Graphic sketches, logos and typography, 3D renderings, design details and executions, and graphic production

Technical:

• Communicate effectively with vendors and fabricators to ensure design intent is executed properly
• Highly knowledgeable of print and digital production processes as well as best practices
• Work with vendors and fabricators to maintain budgets, schedules and necessary specifications
• Understanding and ability to read architectural drawings
• Possess expert knowledge of technical graphic design production methods
• Expert knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator (file creation, maintenance, and efficiency)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel and Outlook
• Knowledge of SketchUp, AutoCAD, and Revit is desirable but not required

Project Management:

• Manages project schedule provided by project lead and structures supporting hours appropriately
• Meets regularly with senior management to discuss design direction, general tasks, project challenges, schedules, upcoming client meetings and deadlines
• Understands and maintains accurate time records of all project related assignments
• Attends client meetings as requested by senior management
• Understands project fee structures and aids in project proposal writing

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor/ Master’s Degree from an accredited Design program
• Minimum 10 years of experience in a proven graphic design/ industrial design field or agency, preferably with hospitality, food and beverage or retail branding experience
• Experience collaborating with interior design or architecture firms is preferred
• Experience in print and fabrication coordination is required
• Experience in signage design or other 3-dimensional execution is required
• Client-facing experience is required

As part of the Team, You’ll Enjoy:

• Company paid medical, dental and vision coverage with buy-up options, basic life and AD&D upon enrollment day one
• 401k match with full vesting upon enrollment
• Professional Development Programs including continued education reimbursement and bonus’ on certain licenses
• Hybrid work schedule option flexibility
• PTO, and an Alternative Work Week option
• Wellness benefits and gym membership discounts
• Access to mental health and coaching resources
• Being part of a team that is passionate about supporting the success of our employees

To learn more about our work, visit our website www.ktgy.com and follow us on Instagram @ktgygroup.