Spaces across campus that were once visually uninteresting are being transformed into vibrantly branded, engaging places with a little help from the University Marketing and Communications (UMC) design team.
The College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST) dean’s office suite in Turner Hall, a once nondescript space with drab carpet and mostly bare walls, has become a blueprint for campus units seeking an aesthetic refresh.
“The feedback has been wonderful,” said Kara Pool Snyder ’09, M.S. ’12, who is CAST’s assistant dean for marketing, communications, and constituent relations. “We have had visitors from all across campus come by to see the installation.”
The project started with an initial meeting between Snyder and UMC graphic designer Evan Walles ’06. Snyder shared her desire for a clean and fresh design unique to CAST. Walles developed a set of recommendations, which included branded wall and window coverings incorporating unique elements such as the CAST mission, vision, values, and a list of its schools and affiliates. Facilities Planning, Design, and Construction’s Christine Tsui developed plans for the paint and carpet.
“These types of branded spaces can take an ordinary, bland office space and turn it into an exciting space that can be both visually stimulating and informative, and can extend the reach of the University brand,” Walles said.
Environmentally branded spaces have been created by UMC all over campus, using a variety of materials and techniques, and accomplishing a wide range of goals.
Dave Jorgensen, M.S. ’03, assistant director in UMC, led a University Housing Services project in 2021 that brought life to the Watterson Towers lobby. In a high-traffic area devoid of color with mostly exposed, concrete walls, Jorgensen delivered matching banners measuring 30 feet wide by 2 1/2 feet tall, emblazoned with the Illinois State fight song.
“These jobs are a great opportunity to promote Redbird pride, community, and camaraderie to the campus,” Jorgensen said. “This is especially valuable in high-traffic areas and showcases our pride to campus visitors.”
Graphic design manager Mike Mahle took on a project from Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality (EMDH) to provide signage for the Birds’ Nest, a dining commons area, as part of the Bone Student Center renovation.
“They needed a graphic that not only identified the Birds’ Nest space, but also something that was spirited,” Mahle said. “I developed a printed mural based on an abstract version of my illustration style, anchored by a hand-lettered Birds’ Nest sign that was installed on a raised piece of acrylic.”
Client feedback to Mahle’s work was overwhelmingly positive.
“Mike really took it and ran with it, and the end result is something that we think is fabulous,” said EMDH Associate Director of Marketing, Training, and Analytics Joe Hendrix. “There’s kind of a three-dimensional quality to it when you look at the installation, and we’re just really excited with how it turned out.”
Illinois State employees interested in partnering with UMC on an environmentally branded space are encouraged to first consult with their supervisor(s) before contacting Facilities Planning, Design, and Construction Director of Design Services Becky Franz, at rfranz@IllinoisState.edu. The final step is contacting UMC at UniversityMarketing@IllinoisState.edu to initiate a client meeting to view the space, take measurements, and discuss project vision.
