Associate

Cygnus Design Group - Calgary, AB

Full Time
Intermediate/Senior
Hybrid

About the job

Cygnus Design Group is a wayfinding and experiential graphic design firm dedicated to improving how people interact with the built environment. With offices across Canada, we create engaging, intuitive spaces for municipalities, hospitals, universities, cultural spaces and mixed-use developments. Explore our work and mission at www.cygnus.group.

The Associate role is responsible for leading projects for hospitals, higher education campuses, corporate environments, cultural groups and public organizations. The role supports new business development, establishes and maintains positive and effective client relationships, helps to define project strategy, undertakes design activity and provides collaborative input and oversight of Cygnus’ project teams.

This role requires strong planning, design, project management and production experience to develop and oversee implementation of large wayfinding and signage programs. Awareness of production techniques, materials and finishes is expected. Project specific roles will be clarified at project commencement and may vary.

Open to candidates in Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver and Victoria. To apply, please submit a cover letter detailing your salary expectations and a resume.

Project responsibilities

Overall project leadership during the design and construction phases for mid-large scale projects.
Manage project budgets, timelines and deliverables.
Coordinate with Cygnus’ leadership team to balance client and project needs.
Coordinate with client teams and stakeholders groups.
Coordinate with internal team members to provide high-level collaborative input during the development of project outcomes.
Lead site assessments, visitor needs assessments and engagement activities.
Lead location planning, message schedule, budgeting and mapping exercises.
Design concepts for wayfinding and environmental graphics programs in coordination with the project team and Principal in Charge.
Develop sign elevation drawings and specify materials and finishes for signage.
Manage and oversee vendors during fabrication and installation to ensure adherence to design intent, quality control, schedule and budget.
Responsibility to project outcomes, ensuring strategy and client goals are upheld through the project’s development and implementation.

Other responsibilities:

Identify and develop new client and account opportunities through networking and marketing efforts.
Coordinate with Cygnus’ business development team to define proposal strategy, consult on project scope and fees and develop opportunities for differentiation.
Create opportunities for additional work, including environmental graphic design, brand expression and interdisciplinary outcomes (including public art).
Meet internal revenue targets.
Help define and develop Cygnus corporate and brand culture, participate in team building activities and lead knowledge building opportunities.
Identify potential for improvement of work methods, procedures and guidelines.

Ideal candidates should have:

10+ years of experience with projects from concepts through to implementation.
Degree/diploma from a recognized university or college in a design related field, such as graphic design, industrial design, or architecture.
Excellent sense of visual and industrial design, creative thinking and problem solving.
Proven experience in a design & project management role on mid to large scale initiatives.
Proven experience fostering client relationships in a collaborative manner, including assembling and leading, discussions and presentations and directing client decisions.
Excellent organization skills, attention to detail and ability to work independently.
Ability to set and maintain project schedules and proactively make changes.

Software Experience:

Proficiency in Mac OS & G Suite tools.
Expert with Adobe Creative Suite.
Competency in 3D rendering software, CAD or Revit is an asset.

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary: $75,000-$90,000 CAD (commensurate with experience)
Benefits: Supplementary health and dental benefits after a 3-month probationary period.