Architecture Student . Graphic Designer . LEED Green Associate
Elizabeth McGrail
An architect-in-training, multidisciplinary designer, and LEED Green Associate interested in how spatial form, visual systems, and material detail shape the way people feel, move and connect.
My work bridges architecture, graphic design, and experiential design with a love of bold color and visual storytelling.
WORK EXPERIENCE
2014 - Present
Freelance Creative Director
Arnold, MD
- Spearhead the design and execution of holistic branding and experiential marketing campaigns for top clients, leading to successful events and increased sponsorships.
- Develop brand identity, marketing materials, websites, and digital assets for large-scale events, ensuring brand consistency and creative excellence.
- Lead and mentor a team of designers, art directors, and copywriters to deliver high-quality creative assets.
- Work closely with clients to define creative strategies and oversee the production of event signage, promotional materials, and digital content.
- Ensure timely delivery of all creative materials, managing budgets and client relationships.
2011 - 2014
Brand Strategy Creative Services Manager
AARP, Washington, DC
- Led the creative strategy and design execution for AARP’s marketing and brand campaigns, ensuring consistency across digital and print channels.
- Managed the creation of digital assets, promotional materials, and websites for events and brand initiatives.
- Collaborated with internal teams and external agencies to align creative strategies with business objectives.
2006 - 2011
Art Director
AARP, Washington, DC
- Directed and executed creative design for AARP’s print, digital, and experiential marketing materials.
- Worked closely with the marketing team to develop and implement visual branding strategies that aligned with AARP’s mission.
- Led design teams in producing high-quality, visually appealing content under tight deadlines.
Education
Fall 2026 - Present
Master of Architecture Student (M.Arch)
University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Graduate Fellow: Roger K. Lewis Endowed Graduate Fellowship for Architecture (2026)
2024 - 2026
Associate of Applied Science - Architecture (AAS)
Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold, MD
Summa Cum Laude
1999 - 2003
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Graphic Design (BFA)
The Corcoran College of Art + Design, Washington, DC
Summa Cum Laude
1993 - 1997
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Accounting (BSBA)
American University, Washington, DC
Core Competencies
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Large-Scale Event Branding & Environmental Design
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Concept Development & Visual Direction
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Experiential Graphics & Signage Systems
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Cross-Functional Collaboration: Producers, Vendors, Fabricators
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3D Rendering & Fabrication: Revit, Lumion, Sketchup, Illustrator, Photoshop
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Brand Identity & Integration
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PowerPoint & Presentation Design
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Vendor & Contractor Coordination
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Graphic Design: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop
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Digital Assets for Web, Email & Social
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Complex Printing & Production: Die Cutting, Laser Cutting, Print Management & Mailing
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Project & Timeline Management
Honors & awards
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Roger K. Lewis Endowed Graduate Fellowship for Architecture (2026)
- 2026 AIA Maryland Excellence in Design Award for Calm Cadence: Merit
Technical Skills
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Design: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, Lightroom)
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Presentation: PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote
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3D Rendering & Fabrication: Revit, Lumion, Sketchup, Illustrator, Photoshop
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Web & Video: WordPress, FlexClip
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Office & Collaboration: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive), Airtable
Leadership & Activities
- Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, 2026
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United States Field Hockey Association Level I Umpire, 2022–present
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Broadneck Area Youth Sports Volunteer Field Hockey Coach, 2014–2023
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Women’s Division I Field Hockey Team, American University, 1993–1997, ranked 13th in the NCAA