Environmental Graphic Designer

Kahler Slater is hiring an Environmental Graphic Designer with over 6 years of experience to join their Environmental Branding Team in Chicago, IL. The role involves creating immersive brand experiences, developing environmental graphics, and mentoring junior designers. Candidates should have a degree in a related field and strong skills in Adobe Creative Suite. The position includes both virtual and in-person collaboration, reflecting a flexible work environment.
Environmental Graphic Designer – Environmental Branding Team

Kahler Slater is seeking an Environmental Graphic Designer with 6+ years of experience to join our Environmental Branding Team.

We create immersive brand experiences that shape how people connect with their surroundings. Our multidisciplinary group works with architects and interior designers across hospitality, corporate, healthcare, and education to craft environments reflecting each client’s unique story and culture

If you see brand not as mere decoration but as a lived, immersive experience, you might be exactly who we’re looking for. You’ll develop environmental graphics from concept through installation, ensuring each touchpoint aligns with user needs and brand strategy. Along the way, you’ll mentor junior designers and foster a collaborative culture where curiosity, experimentation, and design thinking thrive.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities of an Environmental Graphic Designer

Project Development
• Conduct user and stakeholder research to integrate brand stories into environments
• Develop concepts, refine them, and oversee fabrication and installation including murals, story-driven exhibits, and integrated 3D elements
• Partner with architects, interior designers, and strategists to create cohesive brand experiences that mesh with overall design intent
• Manage specialty vendors and production teams, ensuring color fidelity, accurate material selection, and proper installation. Experience with large-scale or multi-site brand rollouts is a plus

Leadership
• Provide environmental and experiential brand design expertise across multiple project types, from concept through completion
• Inspire junior designers and foster a culture of design thinking and continuous learning
• Advise clients, present ideas, and align business objectives with creative solutions
• Balance timelines, budgets, and creative quality with project managers delivering experiences that leave memorable, human-centered impressions

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities of an Environmental Graphic Designer
• Degree in Graphic Design, Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field
• 6+ years of prior experience in environmental graphic design, experiential design, signage & wayfinding programs
• Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop)
• Familiarity with 3D or CAD tools like SketchUp, Hot Door CADtools, Rhino and Revit is a plus
• Possesses the ability to create meaningful and engaging designs that go beyond mere decoration
• Evidence of successful collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, balancing creativity with user needs and strategic goals
• Demonstrated experience managing external fabrication vendors, documenting designs, and overseeing architectural processes
• Effective time management skills for multiple deadlines
• Strong written, spoken, and graphic communication skills
• Maintains a positive, professional attitude, thriving in collaborative environments
• Proven leadership skills, including experience guiding junior designers and directing projects

Working Relationships of an Environmental Graphic Designer
• Reports to Creative Director, Environmental Branding
• Work in a collaborative mix of virtual and in-person settings
• Represents the firm in alignment with Kahler Slater’s core values
• Interact directly with clients, presenting design solutions and ensuring alignment with brand and project objectives

Working Conditions of an Environmental Graphic Designer

Work is performed in a professional, collaborative, creative, open office environment. This is a hybrid role, requiring an average of 2–3 days per week in our Chicago, Richmond, or Milwaukee offices, with flexibility in choosing which days work best for you. Occasional travel is expected as it relates to servicing clients and professional development.

Include a cover letter, resume, and portfolio when you apply.

Salary range for this role in Illinois $67.000-$104,000.

Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, 401(k) discretionary match, 401(k) financial advisor, Paid Time Off (PTO), Holiday Time Off, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life and Voluntary Life Insurance. In addition, Kahler Slater offers many other benefits including access to an Employee Assistance Program, Wellness initiatives, Choose Your Own Benefit Employee Stipend, Flexible Spending Accounts for medical, dependent care, parking, and transportation. Health Saving Account with employer contribution for those choosing a HDHP Medical plan.

Kahler Slater is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Kahler Slater is an e-verify employer.