Signage & Wayfinding Graphic Designer

Signage & Wayfinding Designer

Location: Cleveland, OH
Company: Richards | Wayfinding & Brand Engagement

About Richards

Founded in 1981, Richards is a wayfinding and brand engagement firm with deep roots in Cleveland, Ohio—and a nationwide reach. For over four decades, we’ve helped people find their way through complex environments by designing intuitive, beautiful, and highly functional graphic information systems.

We believe great wayfinding is more than signage—it’s storytelling. It shapes how people feel in a space: confident, at ease, and inspired to engage. Whether it’s a hospital, museum, transit hub, university campus, or corporate headquarters, our “people-first” approach blends strategic insight with design innovation to transform how people navigate and connect with their surroundings.

Our work enhances both interior and exterior environments with solutions that are as operationally effective as they are visually compelling. We collaborate with architectural firms, construction teams, digital innovators, and award-winning designers to create spaces where form meets function and every detail serves a purpose.

From hospitals to hotels, cultural institutions to civic centers, our clients span industries—but the mission remains the same: to streamline experiences, save time, and elevate the journey for everyone who moves through a space.

At Richards, we’re guided by a simple truth: Minutes Matter. In fast-paced and high-stakes environments, every moment counts. That’s why we craft solutions that help people get where they need to go—faster, easier, and with more confidence.

About the Role

We’re looking for a creative and detail-driven Signage & Wayfinding Designer to join our passionate team. This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of design and function—where visual storytelling meets real-world navigation.

You’ll be responsible for developing signage and graphic systems that are integrated, user-friendly, and aligned with client goals. Projects span healthcare, higher ed, cultural institutions, and corporate environments. This role will collaborate closely with our Creative Director and project managers to deliver smart, strategy-driven design solutions from concept through implementation.

Key Responsibilities

Design + Strategy

• Design custom signage systems, experiential graphics, donor displays, and branded environments
• Translate wayfinding strategy into effective two- and three-dimensional design solutions
• Create visual storytelling systems that enhance spatial experience, user flow, and accessibility
• Conduct site audits and translate findings into actionable design documentation
• Develop clear, compelling client presentations showcasing design intent and strategy

Technical Execution

• Produce message schedules, location plans, design intent documents, and fabrication specs
• Ensure ADA compliance and incorporate best practices for universal design
• Collaborate with fabricators and vendors to determine optimal materials and production methods
• Review shop drawings, prototypes, and installations for quality assurance
• Maintain consistency and accuracy across final design files and documentation

Collaboration + Workflow

• Partner with project managers, architects, and client teams throughout the project lifecycle
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure designs align with brand goals, budgets, and timelines
• Contribute to the ongoing evolution of our internal design systems and tools
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while staying organized, focused, and solution-oriented

What We’re Looking For

• 3+ years of experience in signage & wayfinding, experiential design, or branded environments
• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Environmental Design, Architecture, Interior Design, or UX Design (or equivalent experience)
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop), SignAgent, and Microsoft Office
• Strong design sensibility with a deep understanding of hierarchy, typography, composition, and scale in the built environment
• Experience designing ADA-compliant signage systems and applying universal design principles
• Strong rendering and visualization skills (sketches, elevations, 3D renderings, etc.)
• Familiarity with signage materials, fabrication methods, and vendor collaboration
• Effective communicator with the ability to translate strategy into visual design solutions
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, especially in documentation and file management
• Proactive interest in emerging trends—including digital wayfinding, app-based navigation systems, and interactive signage integration

Bonus Points For

• Experience working in healthcare, university, civic, or cultural environments
• Curiosity around storytelling, user experience, or environmental psychology

Benefits

• Full-time position based remotely
• Unlimited paid time off
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with company matching
• Opportunity to contribute to award-winning, people-centered work in the built environment

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Remote