Graphic Designer

Overview
This role supports WCIT’s graphic design studio, contributing to branding, environmental graphics, signage, storytelling, and architectural-adjacent design—translating cultural research into clear, compelling visual solutions. This position demands a balance of technical capability, creative discipline, consistency, and respect for Hawaiʻi’s culture as a whole.

The ideal candidate is a thoughtful designer who approaches visual communication with craft, rigor, and respect for place. They don’t need to be an expert in Hawaiian culture or ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi yet—mostly willing to learn, listen, and grow within WCIT’s cultural framework. This position bridges graphic design and architecture, working within project teams to create cohesive experiences across the built environment.

Responsibilities

• Support branding, signage, and environmental graphic design projects from concept through final production.
• Develop culturally-rooted visual narratives and integrate research into storytelling, graphics, and presentations.
• Produce high-quality design deliverables across print, digital, and spatial applications.
• Prepare fabrication-ready files and coordinate with signage vendors, printers, and contractors.
• Responsible for architectural-adjacent drawings, signage design and documentation plans, and environmental graphic layouts.
• Collaborate with architects, planners, cultural practitioners, and project managers.
• Maintain organized project files, version control, asset libraries, and documentation.
• Participate in internal critiques, design reviews, and team meetings.
• Uphold cultural accuracy, naming conventions, and visual consistency across all work.

Qualifications

Core Design Skills

• Strong foundation in graphic design principles: typography, layout, color, hierarchy, composition
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop required; AutoCAD, SketchUp or 3D modeling skills is a plus).
• Ability to develop, refine, and systematize brand identities across print, digital, and environmental mediums.
• Experience preparing production-ready files for print, signage fabrication, and vendor coordination.

Cultural + Place-Based Awareness

• Interest in learning Hawaiian culture, history, and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi pronunciation.
• Ability to integrate cultural research into design without clichés or misuse.
• Willingness to work within WCIT’s culturally grounded storytelling framework.

Environmental Graphics + Architecture (Preferred but Not Required)

• Base knowledge of architectural drawings, scale, dimensions, and materials.
• Familiarity with environmental graphics, signage systems, wayfinding strategy, and fabrication processes.
• Ability to collaborate with architects, planners, fabricators, and contractors.

Professional Traits

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and documentation habits.
• Ability to handle multiple deadlines and manage shifting priorities.
• Open to critique, iteration, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Comfortable supporting large-scale projects from concept through CA.
• Strong communication skills—verbal, visual, and written.
• Self-directed but able to work within a larger interdisciplinary team.

Mindset + Character

• Genuine respect for Hawaiʻi, its communities, and the responsibility of cultural design work.
• Curiosity, humility, and a desire to grow craft and cultural understanding.
• Willingness to adapt and learn new tools, design methodologies, and cultural frameworks.
• Reliability, professionalism, and a steady approach to complex, high-impact projects.

Along wit your application, please submit a copy of your Portfolio to HR@exechawaii.com

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance

Location:

• Honolulu, HI (Required)

Work Location: In person