Tara Stephens
A wayfinder in every sense — Tara Stephens 18+ years of building signs into building relationships, now steering AD/S's San Diego pursuits with the instincts of someone who's stood on both sides of the spec sheet.
Member Since
August 2026
I’m a Sales Executive at Architectural Design & Signs, Inc. (AD/S), a signage design-build firm based in Corona, CA, where I lead business development and client relationships across the San Diego commercial construction market. My path into experiential graphic design wasn’t a straight line — I spent over 18 years on the design and production side of the industry, starting at Fastsigns as General Manager and Production Manager, then moving into design leadership at Gropen, before transitioning into sales and business development.
That hands-on background shapes how I work today: I understand signage from spec to fabrication to install, which means I can speak fluently with architects, general contractors, and estimators alike. My current focus is on public works and institutional signage — school districts, healthcare campuses, and civic projects — navigating everything from DSA specifications to prevailing wage requirements to complex GC bid processes.
I’m active in San Diego’s construction industry community through NAWIC, Future Construction Leaders, WCC, and ABC San Diego, and I’m always glad to connect with fellow EGD professionals who care about the details as much as I do.
Ask me about
Signage & Wayfinding
My super power is
Translating between design intent, fabrication reality, and contract language.
I'm looking for
Architect and developer connections on San Diego public projects — the earlier signage gets a seat at the table, the better the outcome for everyone.
What I love about experience design
Watching a project go from spec sheet to something people actually navigate their day by.
Best piece of advice I've ever heard
Say yes to the room you’re not sure you belong in yet. That’s usually where the real growth happens.
Where I find Inspiration
The moments when good wayfinding disappears into the experience — when people never have to think twice about where they’re going. That invisible craft is what keeps me hooked on this industry.
Practice Area
Branded Environments, Digital Experiences, Exhibition, Placemaking, Public Installation, Strategy/Research/Planning, Wayfinding
Focus Area
Digital, Graphic, Signage
Industry
Corporate, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Healthcare, Museums, Recreation, Retail, Sports, Transportation, Urban + Civic, Visitor Centers, Workplace