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Projects

Sharing Moments by Design

by Dickson A. Keyser
Public, Storytelling
July 6, 2026

It’s one thing to navigate a campus, retail center, sports venue, or building—it’s another thing entirely to experience it. In the world of Environmental Graphic Design (EGD), we often talk about wayfinding—the science of getting people from Point A to Point B. While that journey is essential, what happens between those points can be just as meaningful. When given the opportunity, people will pause, observe, and engage. And when they do, those interactions can turn into something memorable—something worth capturing and...

Experiential Graphics for Human-Centered Healthcare

by Beth Taylor
Healthcare, Public
May 26, 2026

Healthcare environments are more than places where care is delivered. They are spaces where people arrive with vulnerability, urgency, and emotion. A patient may be preparing for life-changing news. A family member may be navigating a hospital for the first time. A caregiver may be moving through long shifts in high-pressure conditions. In these moments, the built environment becomes part of the experience of care. The way a space feels can be welcoming or cold, intuitive or overwhelming, calm or chaotic. These...

How User-Friendly Is Your Higher Education Campus?

by Dickson A. Keyser
Education, Public
April 27, 2026

Does your campus put its best foot forward — delivering the kind of intuitive, welcoming, and on-brand experience that students, staff, and visitors deserve? Whether you realize it or not, every campus (large or small) is communicating. From the very first moment of arrival, people begin forming impressions about quality, care, clarity, and culture. And while many institutions focus primarily on buildings and amenities, the experience between the buildings — the transitions, the information, the navigation, the consistency — often has...

On the Boards: Utopai Studios / Branded Workplace

by Derick Lazaro
News, On the Boards, Projects
April 9, 2026

Location: Mountain View, CA Client: Utopai Studios GNU Group is partnering with UTOPAI Studios to develop a branded workplace graphics program for their new headquarters in Mountain View, CA.  As the studio settles into its new space, the project focuses on shaping an environment that reflects their creative culture, their work, and their exciting role within the film and entertainment industry. UTOPAI’s work as a groundbreaking cinematic storytelling engine creates an opportunity to translate that same energy into the built environment. The goal...

On the Boards: Merced Community College District / Campus Wayfinding Strategy

by Derick Lazaro
News, On the Boards, Projects
March 24, 2026

Location: Merced & Los Baños, CA Client: Merced Community College District GNU Group is very pleased to have been selected by the Merced Community College District (MCCD) to develop a comprehensive pedestrian wayfinding signage program across both the Merced and Los Baños campuses. The initiative focuses on enhancing campus navigation, improving walkability, and creating a more intuitive and welcoming experience for students, staff, and visitors. The project includes detailed site assessments of each campus, identification of key pedestrian decision points, and the development...

On the Boards: Bryte Park / Branded Entry Gateways & Pedestrian Wayfinding

by Derick Lazaro
News, On the Boards, Projects
February 12, 2026

Location: West Sacramento, CA Client: City of West Sacramento As part of the Bryte Park Master Plan, GNU Group is partnering with the Verde design team and the City of West Sacramento to develop a comprehensive signage and wayfinding strategy that supports the park’s future growth. The reimagined park will introduce major new amenities, including aquatic and sports facilities, fitness trails, courts, and expanded parking, creating a more dynamic and accessible destination for the community. GNU Group’s work includes branded entry gateways inspired...

Clarity in Care: How Wayfinding Builds Confidence in Healthcare Environments

by Beth Taylor
Healthcare, Projects
November 19, 2025

Navigating a healthcare facility can be one of the most stressful parts of a patient’s journey. At GNU Group, we see this every day: patients and families who arrive late or anxious simply because they couldn’t find the right entrance or parking area. For staff, the impact is just as real — time spent redirecting visitors takes them away from what matters most: delivering care. Our team knows wayfinding is more than signs on walls. It’s about fostering confidence, easing stress, and...

Effective Interpretive Displays: A Designer’s View

by Dickson A. Keyser
Projects, Public, Storytelling
November 4, 2025

GNU Group’s Design Process for Meaningful Storytelling. Interpretive displays are far more than signs on walls or panels with facts. At their best, they are immersive storytelling tools that connect people to place, history, and mission. At GNU Group, our creative talent lies in shaping these experiences so they inform, inspire, and leave a lasting impression. Behind every successful interpretive display is a deliberate design process that blends strategy, creativity, and craft. In this post we hear directly from the designer...

Community by Design: Expressing Civic Identity

by Dickson A. Keyser
Projects, Public
September 2, 2025

Civic spaces are more than functional landscapes; they are living reflections of a community’s identity, values, and pride. From parks and plazas to recreation centers and waterfronts, these shared environments tell stories about who we are and what we stand for. Signage plays a critical role in this narrative — not just guiding people from point A to point B, but embodying the culture, history, and spirit of a place through thoughtful design. When signage is approached as a tool for expressing...

Spaces That Remember

by Derick Lazaro
Projects
August 19, 2025

While much of environmental design is focused on what comes next, some of its most meaningful contributions happen in moments of recognition. When organizations choose to celebrate legacy, milestones, or shared achievements, design has a unique and powerful role to play. Why Commemoration Matters [caption id="attachment_10021" align="alignright" width="300"] The Kevin Restani display at Archbishop Riordan High School follows his humble beginnings at ARHS through his well documented NBA career.[/caption] Organizations are made up of people. And people bring with them history, emotion, and...

Getting Some Press!

by Derick Lazaro
Brand Identity, Environmental Branding, News, Projects
May 5, 2025

Our Martinez banner program is getting noticed. We were thrilled to spot our newly installed banner program in the latest City of Martinez newsletter! Nothing beats seeing our work out in the world, and knowing our clients are just as happy as we are. See an excerpt from the newsletter below! Martinez is adding a vibrant new touch with the installation of streetlight banners along major thoroughfares! Showcasing the City's rich history, local landmarks, and community traditions, the banners feature eye-catching artwork that reflects the spirit...

Making a difference on campus for more than 50 years!

by Dickson A. Keyser
Education, Masterplanning, Sign Standards, Wayfinding
December 16, 2024

Schools and school districts are increasingly dedicating time and resources to improving their campus environments, and it’s easy to see why. Effective placemaking, coupled with clear, engaging, and consistent branding and wayfinding, offers numerous advantages. These range from fostering campus pride and enhancing safety to reducing navigation frustrations and promoting inclusivity. Ultimately, a well-designed campus environment significantly impacts the experience of students, staff, and visitors, shaping morale and influencing retention rates. Below are four projects where GNU Group is contributing...