The Smithsonian

I created the 2017 National Design Awards identity during a period when the arts were under increased scrutiny. The goal was to design a system that affirmed creativity, inclusion, and community through subtle but purposeful gestures.

While the Cooper Hewitt identity is rooted in angular forms, I introduced the circle to create contrast and to symbolize unity. The materials unfolded from a large circle representing the broader design community to smaller circles highlighting individual disciplines and winners, visually illustrating how these parts connect and strengthen one another.

The color palette reinterpreted the American red, white, and blue in brighter, more optimistic tones that reflected the museum’s aesthetic while reclaiming those colors as a celebration of the arts and shared cultural values.