Handwriting in Environmental Display

Architectural design firm HOK commissioned me to create handwritten environmental graphics for the new headquarters of the California Teachers’ Retirement System. In wall-sized displays throughout the building portraits of employees were paired with quotes reflecting the organization’s key values. The display handwriting was based as much as possible on the speakers’ actual handwriting, although I had freedom to interpret it to add graphic strength and consistency where needed.

This kind of design can personalize the workplace and create a sense of connection and ownership among employees. Scaling handwriting up to mural size gives the words more power, authority and life.