Perkins Student Center
Experiential Design · Wayfinding · Environmental Storytelling
Perkins Student Center is the heart of student life at UD. This ongoing body of work blends environmental branding, wayfinding, and curated exhibitions to reflect the history, energy, and everyday experiences of the students and organizations who call the building home.
Role
Communications Manager, Creative & Operations
Experiential branding, environmental storytelling, wayfinding strategy, long-range visioning
Partners
University Student Centers
Division of Student Life Leadership
Office of Communications & Marketing
University Facilities & University Printing
University Dining Services
Objective
Create a strong sense of place that inspires campus pride, supports orientation and navigation, and amplifies student voices—while remaining seamlessly integrated within the University of Delaware brand and the architectural character of the space.
Context
As Student Life evolved, Perkins presented an opportunity to move beyond functional signage toward a more intentional, experience-driven environment. The goal was to help the building communicate on its own: welcoming students, supporting tours and events, and visually reinforcing UD spirit through moments students encounter while studying, gathering, or passing through.
Approach
Phase by phase, environmental elements were introduced to unify branding, improve visual wayfinding, and create flexible frameworks for student-centered storytelling. These interventions prioritize subtlety and longevity—design choices that feel inherent to the space rather than added on.
Student narratives, art, and programming are intentionally woven into high-traffic areas, allowing visitors to passively discover the vibrancy of Student Life through exhibitions and visual cues. Together, these details strengthen brand recognition, foster belonging, and build lasting emotional connection to place.
Quick, Space Case Studies
Center for Intercultural Engagement
Environmental Storytelling & Belonging
Problem
The Center for Intercultural Engagement needed a physical presence that reflected its role as a hub for identity, dialogue, and belonging—while remaining welcoming, visible, and legible to students navigating a busy student center.
Solution
Environmental graphics and storytelling elements were designed to anchor the CIE as a place of connection and affirmation. Through inclusive messaging, color, and layered narratives, the space signals safety, representation, and community—inviting students to see themselves reflected and supported within Student Life.
Delaware Esports Arena
Experiential Branding & Identity
Problem
As esports emerged as a growing student interest and competitive platform, the arena needed to feel legitimate, high-energy, and distinctly UD—without overwhelming its multipurpose context within Perkins.
Solution
Bold environmental branding, lighting, and graphic treatments establish the arena as a destination space. The design balances competitive intensity with institutional identity, elevating esports as both community and culture within Student Life.
The Hen Zone
Spirit, Play & Student Henergy
Problem
The Hen Zone was envisioned as a high-traffic student gathering space, but lacked a cohesive visual identity that communicated fun, school spirit, and informal connection.
Solution
Playful environmental graphics and spirited branding cues were introduced to create an instantly recognizable, energetic zone. The space reinforces Blue Hen pride while encouraging casual interaction, celebration, and student-driven activity.
West Lounge Stage
Performance Identity & Nighttime Visibility
Problem
The West Lounge Stage functioned well as a performance venue, but lacked visual identity—particularly in photography and video. Performers appeared disconnected from the University context, and the space did not fully communicate UD pride after dark.
Solution
A branded stage backdrop was designed using vertically stacked 10″ brushed nickel lettering paired with a 6-foot acrylic Blue Hen mascot mounted on a circular brushed-metal façade. The installation provides immediate University identification in media coverage and activates the lounge visually at night, creating a recognizable campus landmark visible from Academy Street.
East Lounge Fireplace
Quiet Branding & Architectural Belonging
Problem
The East Lounge featured a beautiful stone-and-wood fireplace but had no focal point or visual connection to the University of Delaware.
Solution
The fireplace was reframed as a quiet brand moment by introducing custom wooden lettering aligned with the University Legacy Mark and stained to precisely match the existing cherry wood. The design subtly incorporates UD’s founding year, allowing the space to communicate identity without calling attention to the intervention—intentionally blending in as if it had always been there.
Perkins East Lounge Becomes
Graduate Student Lounge
Sense of Place & Academic Transition
Problem
The Perkins East Lounge featured beautiful architectural elements but lacked a clear identity or connection to its evolving purpose. As the space transitioned into a Graduate Lounge, it needed to signal belonging for graduate students while remaining cohesive within the broader Student Life and Student Centers environment.
Solution
Subtle, architectural branding was integrated to establish a sense of place without disrupting the lounge’s warmth or materiality. Legacy-inspired typography, carefully matched finishes, and a refined storefront treatment quietly mark the space as a Graduate Lounge—communicating academic transition, maturity, and belonging. The result is an environment that feels intentional and enduring, offering graduate students a space that reflects their role within the UD community while remaining seamlessly integrated into Perkins Student Center.
Perkins Concourse & Exhibition Framework
Modular Storytelling Across Student Life
Across the Perkins Concourse and lounge areas, interchangeable exhibition zones were conceptualized to support rotating student art, photography, and program storytelling. These modular moments allow Student Life to highlight creativity, heritage, leadership, and community throughout the year—while maintaining flexibility for future campaigns, exhibitions, and evolving student narratives.
Creative Leadership, Innovation & Service
Leadership Pathways & Purpose-Driven Design
Problem
The entrance to the Creative Leadership, Innovation & Service suite lacked visibility and context. Students passing through had little indication of the programs housed inside, the impact of the work, or how leadership and service connected to their own campus experience.
Solution
Branded environmental graphics and vertical storytelling elements were introduced at the point of entry to clearly signal purpose and place. Bold banners, data-driven messaging, and UD-aligned visuals transform the threshold into an informative, welcoming experience—guiding students into the space while framing leadership and service as accessible, outcome-driven pathways within Student Life.
YoUDee Statue Photo-Op
Iconic Moments & Campus Memory
Problem
Students and visitors naturally sought moments to capture their UD experience, but lacked a designated, high-impact photo-op that felt intentional and branded.
Solution
The YoUDee statue installation was designed as a joyful, recognizable landmark—anchoring memory-making, tours, and social sharing. It transforms everyday circulation into a moment of pride, play, and connection to UD identity.
