Sr. Graphic Designer - Editorial Design

Sr. Graphic Designer - Editorial Design
Location: San Francisco
Who We Are:
We design places where people love to be together.
Populous is a global design firm that began with a singular focus: to draw people together around the things they love, through experiences that capture all the senses, amplifying the atmosphere of excitement and pure joy shared in human moments.
We’ve designed and delivered some of the world's most memorable civic, sports and entertainment buildings, from iconic stadia to ground-breaking live music venues. Populous is where architects and designers of all kinds create moments bigger than ourselves. We offer the best of both worlds: the resources and impact of the design giants and the tightly knit atmosphere and growth opportunities of smaller firms.
What We Offer:
Professional & Personal Development Programs + Summer Hours + Hybrid Schedule + Paid Architect Licensure & Certifications Exams + Wedding Pay + Charitable Match Program + Market Leading Wellness Health and Welfare Benefits.
Who We Are Looking For:
As a Senior Graphic Designer, you will collaborate in the creation of refined and compelling editorial content that reflects the creativity and energy of the Populous brand. This role is for someone who lives and breathes typography, composition, and editorial pacing—someone who understands how to translate Populous stories of people, place and practice into beautifully designed pieces that resonate with diverse target audiences.
Our preferred candidate will have prior experience in the AEC industry, and an interest in working in a dynamic global design environment.
What Your Day Could Consist Of:
Design Conceptualization and Development
Design and art direct a range of architecture and design editorial deliverables including Populous’ branded publications, guidebooks, monographs, design-centric tabloids, digital content, and more.
Curate imagery for publication design in compelling visual layouts that communicate concept, context, and design intent.
Develop and maintain cohesive visual systems across multi-page documents, ensuring clarity, narrative flow, and strong design.
Design Review and Critique
Collaborate with writers, directors, and other designers to bring content to life through striking layouts, typographic hierarchy, and image direction.
Manage and mentor junior designers, guiding the creation of design materials and ensuring content deliverables meet high-quality standards.
Requirements For Success:
Excellent visual and conceptual storytelling skills—an ability to think critically about cohesive narrative themes and bring them to life through great graphic layouts.
Comprehensive editorial design expertise and a broad visual design perspective to translate stories within the AEC context.
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator) and Microsoft Office Suite; working knowledge of Figma, Miro, motion, or web design tools is a plus.
Ability to balance strategy with design execution to guide creative projects from ideation to final delivery.
Passion for design excellence with a commitment to clear, narrative-driven work outcomes.
Comfort and skill in copyrighting and editing is a plus.
Ability to work effectively both independently and within a collaborative team.
Highly self-motivated with the ability to excel in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
Essential Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in Graphic Design, Visual Communication or related field.
10+ years of editorial design experience with a portfolio demonstrating sophisticated layout, typography, and brand storytelling.
Additional details:
Travel will be required (less than 10%).
Overtime may be necessary.
Compensation:
The projected salary range for this opportunity is $140,000 - $160,000 annually, and may be more or less depending on skills, experience and education.
Populous offers a competitive salary and bonus packages. We strive to offer our staff the best benefits package in the industry, at the lowest cost to employees, including medical, dental and vision coverage, 401k, FSA/HSA, paid time off and continuing education benefits. Populous is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, ****** orientation, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
No. 1 Most Innovative Company in Architecture by Fast Company
No. 1 Firm in Cultural on Interior Design magazine’s Top 100 Giants
No. 1 Architecture Firm in Cultural Facilities by BD+C
No. 1 Architecture Firm in Convention Centers by BD+C
No. 1 Architecture Firm in Performing Arts and Concert Venues by BD+C
Find us here - https://populous.com/careers
Instagram: @WeArePopulous
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