ENVIRONMENTAL

I design environmental graphics and interpretive experiences that transform spaces into stories. From museum signage to multi-story building identities to donor recognition installations, my work integrates exhibition design principles with architectural collaboration and strategic storytelling.

Health Education Outreach Center, Colorado State University main campus

2019

Case Study

Challenge

Create unified first-floor environmental branding for a new 40,000 sq. ft. multi-use academic building housing three distinct entities (College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, National Western Center, and STEM Center) while construction was ongoing and the project scope evolved.

Role

Lead graphic designer working with a project manager, interior design intern, writer, architects, fabricators, and installers to develop the environmental storytelling system from concept through installation.

Approach

Developed a design system integrating typography, layered Colorado mountain imagery, custom scientific photography in circular lightboxes, and connectivity graphics. Worked with a writer for stakeholder interviews to define the narrative, then managed design decisions on materials, ADA compliance, and installation through a 6-8 month, $44K budget and timeline.

Impact

Delivered a cohesive identity celebrating interdisciplinary connections in science and medicine. Generated inquiries from other campus units and inspired additional environmental graphics within the building.

Wall graphic, wrapping.
Wall graphic with narrative.
Custom circular light boxes.
Custom circular light boxes.
Biomedical wall.
Welcome wall to the HEOC building.
Wall graphic wraps the corner.
Custom circular light boxes.
Entryway first floor graphics.
Installing custom light boxes.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Interpretive Signage & Graphics, Tucson, Arizona

2002-2004

Challenge

Support a 98-acre living museum integrating zoo, botanical garden, aquarium, and natural history museum – creating interpretive signage that educated visitors about desert ecology, wildlife conservation, and regional natural history.

Role

Graphic Technician: Designed, edited, produced, and installed on-grounds interpretive signage for exhibits and outdoor environments. Collaborated with curators, educators, and exhibit designers to translate complex scientific content into accessible visual narratives. Supervised volunteer activities and supported marketing materials for festivals and fundraising events.

Approach

Created interpretive graphics that balanced educational rigor with visitor accessibility. Worked within museum exhibition standards while accommodating outdoor conditions requiring weather-resistant materials and fabrication techniques. Coordinated production timelines and installation logistics across diverse exhibit environments and ADA compliance.

Impact

Contributed to visitor experiences for one of the nation’s top regional natural history museums (consistently ranked among America’s best zoos and aquariums). Gained foundational experience in museum interpretive design, educational storytelling, and exhibition graphics that has informed my environmental design work ever since.

Raptor Free Flight signage, using scientific illustrations.
As seen at the Desert Museum, illustrated the “Be Alert” rattlesnake, still used on the welcome sign, nearly 20 years later.
Worked with scientific illustrators on the Yuma Dunes interpretive signage.
The “Be Alert” sign still in use over 20 years later.

Heritage Garden, Colorado State University main campus

2017

Challenge

Translate CSU’s agricultural story into a physical, educational garden experience

Approach

Collaborated with Facilities, a writer, and landscape architects to distill a long narrative into approachable, museum-style panels featuring maps, infographics, and archival photography. Recommended materials and signage systems for long-term outdoor durability.

Impact

Reintroduced a beloved campus space as a living classroom honoring CSU’s land-grant heritage and agricultural diversity.

Heritage Garden three-panel signage.
Heritage Garden three-panel system.
Legacy of Agriculture panel.
Landscape architecture concept.
Heritage Garden next to Canvas Stadium.
Heritage Garden panels.

Nutrien Agricultural Sciences Building, 4-H/FFA Youth Legacy Wall, Colorado State University main campus

2025

Challenge

Design a youth recognition wall celebrating 4-H and FFA participants – the next generation of CSU students – within the new Nutrien Agricultural Sciences Building.

Approach

Referenced CannonDesign’s look book and architectural standards to integrate the wall seamlessly with the existing interior. Developed a dynamic, museum-style display that honors youth voices and connects the building’s heritage to its future learners.

Impact

The installation was so well received it led to a followup commission: a donor recognition wall, modeled on this project’s success.

Nutrien Agricultural Building 4-H/FFA Youth Legacy wall.
4-H panel.
FFA panel detail.

Other work

Around the Horn bus wrap. Role: lead designer

LandCare donor recognition. Role: Lead designer

Rams Against Hunger van wrap. Role: lead designer

CSU Spur Eidsness Arena donor recognition. Role: lead designer

Ram Walk: 150th brandscaping. Role: designer