Wayfinding Design & Planning Manager

Description GAI Consultants, Inc. seeks an experienced Wayfinding Planner or Architect with interior / exterior signage experience to support and lead projects within our Experiential Graphics + Wayfinding Practice. This position is part of our Community Solutions Group, a multidisciplinary practice that integrates Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning, Redevelopment Economics, and Experiential Graphic Design to create memorable and functional places. Our portfolio includes Academic and Healthcare Campuses, Downtowns and Urban Districts, Parks, Mixed-Use Developments, and other public realm environments. We are seeking a motivated professional with 5-8 years of experience who can contribute as a designer and experience in project manager, leading client engagements, managing project budgets, preparing fee proposals, and overseeing project delivery from concept through implementation. This position is eligible for our flexible hybrid work schedule and a sign-on bonus. Description/Responsibilities: Lead the planning, design, and implementation of wayfinding systems, environmental graphics, interpretive signage, placemaking, and branded experiences. Develop creative and innovative design solutions that align with project goals, user needs, and client branding standards. Create visually compelling wayfinding maps, signage programs, environmental graphics, and presentation materials. Produce design concepts, mockups, technical documentation, specifications, and design guidelines. Conduct site assessments and analyze existing wayfinding conditions to identify challenges and opportunities. Collaborate with architects, landscape architects, planners, and other disciplines to integrate wayfinding and experiential graphics into broader projects. Maintain proficiency with industry tools and emerging technologies related to experiential graphic design and wayfinding. Manage the design, documentation, and implementation of comprehensive interior and exterior wayfinding and signage programs, ensuring all signage systems meet ADA, tactile and braille, accessibility, life-safety, and applicable municipal sign code requirements while maintaining project branding and user experience objectives. Project Management & Client Leadership Serve as a project manager or task manager for wayfinding and experiential graphic design assignments. Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverables to ensure successful project execution and profitability. Lead client meetings, workshops, stakeholder engagement sessions, and design presentations. Build and maintain strong client relationships while serving as a trusted advisor throughout project development. Coordinate internal project teams and external consultants to ensure seamless execution of project objectives. Monitor project financial performance and proactively manage budgets, staffing, and resources. Business Development & Proposal Support Prepare scopes of work, fee proposals, and project budgets for new and existing clients. Support business development efforts through client relationship management, networking, and participation in industry events. Assist in identifying new project opportunities and expanding existing client relationships. Contribute to marketing materials, project pursuits, and interview presentations. Support the development and refinement of practice standards, design guidelines, and best practices. Team Collaboration Mentor junior designers and support their professional development. Participate in design critiques, brainstorming sessions, and interdisciplinary project reviews. Foster a collaborative, creative, and client-focused project environment. Stay current with industry trends, best practices, accessibility requirements, and emerging technologies in experiential graphic design and wayfinding. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Industrial Design, Graphic Design or a related field. 5-8 years of professional experience in wayfinding design, experiential graphic design, environmental graphic design, branding, placemaking, or related discipline. Demonstrated experience managing projects, client relationships, project budgets, schedules, and multidisciplinary teams. Experience developing fee proposals, scopes of work, project work plans, and project budgets. Proven ability to lead client presentations, stakeholder meetings, and project workshops. Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and other relevant design software. Strong understanding of typography, color theory, visual hierarchy, environmental graphics, and design principles. Knowledge of ADA guidelines, accessibility requirements, and universal design principles. Experience with ArcGIS software is highly desirable, particularly for location-based design, mapping, and wayfinding applications. Experience with Revit and 3D visualization, rendering software, motion graphics, web design, or digital interactive media is a plus. Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously. Experience coordinating vendors, fabricators, installers, and consultants is preferred. A portfolio demonstrating successful experiential graphic, wayfinding, environmental branding, and signage projects is required. Why GAI? GAI offers an exceptional place to do meaningful work, grow your career, and make a real impact in communities nationwide. You’ll join a collaborative, multidisciplinary firm bringing together engineering, planning, and environmental expertise to deliver projects across transportation, infrastructure, power, and energy markets. Working alongside accomplished colleagues, you’ll help move projects from vision through construction, creating solutions that keep people moving, power essential systems, and support responsible development. At GAI, you’ll work in a team-driven environment grounded in integrity, respect, and shared success, with the flexibility, resources, and career support that reflect a real and lasting commitment to our people. That commitment includes comprehensive benefits, wellness programs, and employee discounts. With opportunities across the U.S., GAI offers the collaboration and client focus of regional teams, supported by the stability, resources, and career-development opportunities of an established and growing firm. Benefits To Working at GAI Include: Competitive Pay & Recognition Market based, competitive compensation Performance driven recognition and development bonuses Comprehensive Health & Wellness Medical, dental, and vision plans Company-paid short-term and long-term disability Company-paid life insurance Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources Meaningful Work–Life Balance Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays An additional floating holiday—use it for what matters to you Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave Growth, Learning & Financial Security 401(k) with company match Tuition reimbursement Support and rewards for professional development and certifications #GAI Qualifications Skills Behaviors : Motivations : Education Required Bachelors or better in Architecture or related field. Experience Required Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign; Strong knowledge of typography, color theory, visual hierarchy, environmental graphics, and design principles. 5-8 years: Wayfinding design; Experiential or environmental graphic design; Interior and exterior signage; Branding or placemaking; A related design discipline Preferred ArcGIS experience is highly desirable. Revit, 3D visualization/rendering, motion graphics, web design, or digital interactive media experience is a plus. Licenses & Certifications Required Driver's License