Sarah Roadman
Sarah Roadman is a Senior Graphic Designer at HDR, where she leads projects for the Creative Studio group and continuously elevates the quality and scope of design work across the organization. With over a decade of experience in graphic design and marketing, Sarah specializes in branding and identity, creative team leadership, and 3D visualization. Her work spans internal and external marketing campaigns, corporate events, newsletters, and magazine ads, supporting HDR nationwide across multiple sectors and services. Known for her attention to detail and innovative approach, she consistently delivers visuals that communicate HDR’s values and vision with impact and clarity.
Beyond her corporate work, Sarah is a versatile fine artist, photographer, and tattoo apprentice, combining traditional and digital media to create unique, highly customized projects. Her expertise in tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Procreate, SketchUp, and Lumion allows her to develop technical and visually compelling graphics, including conceptual 3D visualizations that enhance marketing and communication materials. Colleagues and clients alike recognize her as a solutions-oriented designer who excels at translating complex ideas into clear, engaging visuals.
Throughout her career, Sarah has earned multiple awards for creativity, collaboration, and innovation, including HDR’s Pathfinder Award of Excellence. She is an active mentor and team leader, passionate about fostering strong networks and inspiring creative growth among peers. Committed to lifelong learning, she continuously hones her skills and seeks projects that challenge her creatively, reflecting her dedication to both personal and professional development.
• SketchUp Foundations: Certified Basics
• Western Washington University - BA, Fine Art, Design
• Pathfinder Award of Excellence in Creativity & Innovation - Issued by HDR
• GOLD Pathfinder Award of Excellence - Collaboration (Team) - Issued by HDR
• Pathfinder - Washington Young Professionals Group - Issued by HDR
• Young Professionals Group - Missoula
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to adaptability, curiosity, and a dedication to lifelong learning. I thrive on exploring new tools and techniques—particularly in the fast-paced world of design technology—and staying curious has allowed me to remain both relevant and inspired. My strong work ethic and genuine passion for design have helped me maintain longevity in a competitive industry while continuously growing as a creative professional.
Specializing in graphic design, branding, and 3D visualization, I bring over 20 years of experience in the creative field, including 12 years at HDR’s Creative Studio. My work spans layout, infographic design, map creation, and technical illustration, integrating traditional design principles with emerging technologies to deliver precise, innovative solutions. My journey began with a Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design from Western Washington University, and over the years, I’ve cultivated a career rooted in creativity, problem-solving, and mentorship.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my mentors and colleagues at HDR: “Don’t wait for permission to create something great—just start.” Embracing this mindset has encouraged me to innovate, take initiative, and take ownership of my professional growth throughout my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the design industry is to embrace change and commit to lifelong learning. The tools will always evolve, but what matters most is your ability to think creatively, communicate clearly, and tell compelling stories through design. I encourage aspiring designers to find confidence in their unique artistic voices and to grow through experimentation, collaboration, and constructive feedback.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in the design field right now is the rapid pace of technology, particularly advancements in AI. Staying current requires continuous adaptation, but these innovations also create exciting new creative possibilities. I see the future of design as a space where human creativity and artificial intelligence work together, amplifying one another rather than replacing the human touch.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are creativity, integrity, and continuous growth. I strive to produce high-quality, meaningful work while supporting others in their creative journeys. Outside of work, I enjoy expressing myself through art, tattoo design, and photography, and I maintain balance through hobbies like baking sourdough and spending time in nature.
One of my most notable achievements has been developing 3D visualization capabilities within HDR’s Creative Studio, where I am the sole designer specializing in this emerging discipline. I have completed SketchUp certification and continue to advance HDR’s creative output through 3D rendering and digital modeling. Beyond my professional work, my artistic pursuits—including tattoo design, photography, and visual art projects—reflect my ongoing passion for creative expression in all forms.