Experience Design Workplace Qualifications

Page 1


Workplace Experience

Cargill Protein Group

LOCATION

Wichita, KS

SERVICES

Brand Experience

Signage & Wayfinding

Cargill Protein’s new headquarters is designed around the theme of “families feeding families,” creating a connection between visitors and employees at every stage of the protein process. HOK’s Experience Design group (EXD) crafted a comprehensive tour path that thoughtfully narrates Cargill’s story through intentional design elements. Hand-drawn sketches, aligned with corporate branding, reflect a regional authenticity that is both simple and powerful.

Working closely with the interiors, architecture, and landscape teams, EXD integrated branded graphics and signage seamlessly into the overall design. This cohesive approach creates a unique narrative for Cargill Protein. Every component, from custom art installations to signage and window films, collectively connects employees and visitors to the broader protein ecosystem, providing an engaging and immersive experience that emphasizes the company’s mission to feed families around the world.

CARGILL PROTEIN GROUP PLATE WALL

EXD designed a striking 28-foot-wide art display featuring ceramic plates crafted by a local artist. This stunning backdrop for the open central stairway symbolizes the connection between Cargill Protein’s work and the consumer—right on the plate. Collaborating with local artisans and materials reinforces a strong sense of place, deepening the brand’s connection to the community.

Norfolk Southern Headquarters

LOCATION

Atlanta, GA

SERVICES

Brand Design

Experiential Graphics

Signage & Wayfinding

Digital Integration

HOK’s Experience Design group’s (EXD) design centers on the theme of “thoughtful movement,” reflecting core design principles of stability, timelessness, energy and seamlessness. Graphic elements convey a sense of speed and agility, illustrating Norfolk Southern’s transformation from a traditional railway company into a modern technology-driven enterprise. By employing repetition and rhythm, the design subtly evokes the essence of trains and railways, creating a nuanced connection to the brand’s heritage without being overly literal.

With the creation of The Commons, a food hall that offers many diverse options, on-site childcare center, fitness center, coffee shop and on-the-go marketplace came the need for 14 unique naming and brand identities that all live under one roof.

Each new brand name was filtered through the same design lens as the rest of the HOK designed campus–technology and energy–and all have their own brand guidelines to be expanded across various collateral. Our team also created a series of custom icons that correspond with NS’s rich history that are talking points to tell the NS story.

Boston Consulting Group Toronto

LOCATION

Toronto, Ontario

SERVICES

Naming & Identity Design

Brand Guidelines

Experiential Graphics

Signage & Wayfinding

Guided by a strong company culture, the EXD design team developed a visual language that embodies the abstract concepts of Transformation, Fusion, and Invention, showcasing Canadian identity while nodding to BCG’s global presence. This visual language informed the brand experience through a blend of static and digital graphic installations that are both content-rich and artistic. In the reception area, technology was seamlessly integrated to celebrate the BCG legacy in a flexible and elegant manner. Thoughtful choices in color and materiality throughout the space unify the HOK designed interiors and EXD’s graphic design, creating a cohesive brand narrative that promotes aspiration and sophistication.

THE LEGACY WALL

A key highlight was the Legacy Wall, a modular system of digital screens and static panels that allows the content to evolve with the company over time, ensuring the space stays relevant.

Despite the challenges of a late project start and evolving scope, EXD’s adaptability ensured the seamless integration of their designs. Each element not only enhances the immediate office environment but also provides flexibility for future updates, creating a dynamic workspace that celebrates BCG’s values and mission.

Graphic Packaging International Headquarters

LOCATION

Atlanta, GA

SERVICES

Workplace Brand Experience

Customer Experience Center

Signage & Wayfinding

Graphic Packaging International’s (GPI) headquarters strikes the balance between fostering a positive employee experience, showcasing innovative technology for clients and celebrating a rich history of invention. HOK’s Experience Design group (EXD) purposefully selected environmentally sustainable materials for the space that reflect GPI’s deep commitment to responsible ecological choices, utilizing recycled materials to enhance both brand impact and employee inspiration.

EXD also developed an interactive exhibit featuring a selection of 60 patents, complete with product descriptions and designer recognition. This engaging display allows visitors to physically rotate a three-sided wooden module, enabling them to explore all sides of GPI’s innovative products and showcases their commitment to excellence.

Suspended overhead the connecting stairway of the first two floors, is a striking display of over 2,700 green leaves representing unique patents held by GPI. EXD designed the leaves, which are made from transparent green acrylic and printed with a unique patent number, to expand as new patents are developed, which allows light to filter through and reflect onto the stairway.

On the workplace floors, a series of graphic “story walls” effectively showcase the company’s commitment to using recycled and reclaimed materials in consumer packaging. Each wall features packaging source materials and includes concise statements highlighting the company’s dedication to renewable solutions, reinforcing its brand narrative and environmental responsibility.

WPP Chicago Colocation

LOCATION

Chicago, IL

SERVICES

Experiential Graphics

Master Planning

Flexible Displays

Custom-printed Corkboard

Signage & Wayfinding

WPP’s new vertical campus in Chicago’s historic Fulton Market district unites employees from 31 marketing, advertising, and creative agencies in a cohesive environment. EXD’s graphics harmonize the space with dynamic lines, pixels, and vibrant colors tailored to program needs. Using the concept of “convergence and progression,” the design creates a unique sense of place that transcends individual brands, highlighted by an iridescent mural on the shared 19th floor symbolizing unity. Custom signage in elevator lobbies adapts to evolving space needs, while display rails, corkboards, digital screens, and pin-up spaces provide flexible work options, fostering collaboration and innovation.

WPP Campus at 3 World Trade Center

LOCATION SERVICES

New York, NY

Experential Graphics

Glass Film

Digital Integration

Dimensional Installations

Code Signage

WPP consolidated multiple companies into a single location at 3 World Trade Center, presenting EXD with the challenge of honoring individual brand identities while maintaining WPP’s overarching identity. Adding to the complexity, several brands evolved or merged during the design process, requiring a flexible, forwardthinking solution.

EXD’s agile approach delivered storytelling environments that reflected each brand’s ethos while allowing the design to adapt to future changes. This adaptability aligned stakeholders and supported GroupM’s long-term vision. Now home to 4,000 employees across 15 floors, the dynamic workspace offers freedom of choice in how and where employees work. Features like the Town Hall, with dichroic film and color-shifting lights, provide engaging, versatile experiences for both individuals and teams.

Kiewit Power Regional Headquaters

LOCATION

Lenexa, KS

SERVICES

Brand Experiential Graphics

Signage & Wayfinding Storytelling Displays

As Kiewit embraced its shift toward sustainable power delivery, the company sought to reflect this transformation in its workplace environment. EXD played a key role in translating this vision into a cohesive design strategy, developing custom graphics, signage, and wayfinding that communicate Kiewit’s evolving story. The Kiewit logo was thoughtfully integrated with diagrammatic wallcoverings to highlight the company’s vision and capabilities, establishing new design standards that are now implemented across all Kiewit locations.

To enhance the collaborative, open office layout, EXD designed custom window films that maintain privacy while allowing natural light to permeate the space, striking a perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality. Additionally, custom room signage was developed to ensure seamless navigation throughout the workplace. These design solutions collectively create a dynamic, engaging environment that not only tells Kiewit’s story but also reinforces its commitment to a sustainable future.

Shiseido Americas Headquarters

LOCATION

New York, NY

SERVICES

Experiential Graphics

Signage & Wayfinding

Art Curation

Custom Displays

The new headquarters for Shiseido Americas is designed to support the company’s value of “One Shiseido.” Each of the nine brands are part of the family but have their independence. The new space offers a place for the exchange of ideas, organic connection and to come together for a common goal. At the heart of the Shiseido brand and culture are the principles of Omotenashi, which is a Japanese phrase loosely meaning hospitality, treatment, reception and service.

The design brings a luxury retail experience to the workplace. The graphics support this with the clean lines of magnetic artwork, which offers quick changeability for new campaigns and products. Large-scale wallcoverings invoke the layered effect of the brushstroke—a nod to Japanese calligraphy and brushpainting— and reference the connection of human hand in make-up.

Polsinelli Offices

LOCATION

Multiple

SERVICES

Experiential Graphics

Signage & Wayfinding

HOK has crafted over 20 offices for Polsinelli Law Firm, each strategically balancing the firm’s brand identity with the distinct character of its location. These spaces feature signature staircases, curated collections of original artwork, expansive glass walls, and vibrant furnishings—delivering a blend of sophistication and local relevance. Rich textures and high-quality materials create environments that leave a lasting impression, reinforcing the firm’s premium positioning.

The standardized yet adaptable reception desks, with interchangeable logos and feature materials, ensure brand consistency while allowing for easy updates. By seamlessly integrating Polsinelli’s culture into the design, these offices have become key assets for talent acquisition, marketing, and community engagement, turning every client and candidate interaction into an extension of the firm’s brand narrative.

Breakthrough Collaboration Hub

Green Bay, WI

Experiential Graphics

Branding

Client Recognition

As part of a new 41,500 sq ft headquarters for Breakthrough, a transportation management and technology provider, EXD created branding and environmental graphics reflecting the company values, history, and culture. A custom wall made up of shipping containers reflects company culture in employees’ own words, while a green wall creates a healthy, inspring environment. Finally, a custom logo wall made up of glass bricks spotlights clients, and will be updated as Breakthrough adds clients to their pool. The new headquarters, termed the Breakthrough Collaboration Hub, will provide a flexible work environment for Breakthrough’s highly innovative and collaborative team, numbering more than 100.

Invesco HQ

LOCATION

Atlanta, GA

SERVICES

Experiential Graphics

Signage & Wayfinding

Digital Integration

Eye-catching light installations and a striking custom blue glass wall greet clients and visitors, embodying Invesco’s brand values of innovation, adaptability, and agility. These bold design elements immediately reinforce the company’s dynamic identity, leaving a memorable first impression.

To further reflect Invesco’s commitment to community engagement, the design team introduced a biophilic wall installation in the main reception area. This feature highlights Invesco’s local partnerships, including its sponsorship of the Atlanta Botanical Garden. A stunning moss wall, adorned with dimensional orchids, serves as both a visual centerpiece and a tribute to the Botanical Garden’s iconic orchid collection, seamlessly blending brand storytelling with community investment.

Intuit Canada Toronto

LOCATION

Toronto, ON

SERVICES

Brand Experience Graphics

Window Film Design

Custom Room Signage

EXD was engaged for the Intuit Canada Headquarters project to create a comprehensive suite of custom graphics, wayfinding, and space names that seamlessly integrate Intuit’s brand with the rich cultural history of Ontario and the company’s diverse customer base. A standout feature of the design is the “brand gallery,” which uses a mix of static and digital panels to tell Intuit’s story and showcase customer profiles, forging a deeper connection to the company’s mission for both employees and visitors.

The design also incorporates custom glass films inspired by Toronto’s iconic landmarks and parks, while Indigenous stories are beautifully woven into custom walls and graphics in team gathering spaces, honoring the region’s heritage. Biophilic elements, such as stylized Canadian trees, plants, and leaf motifs, bring nature into the workplace, enhancing wellness areas, café spaces, and quiet zones. Through these thoughtful design choices, EXD created a cohesive and immersive brand experience that not only reflects Intuit’s values but also strengthens the connection between the workplace and its cultural environment.

Honeywell Global Headquarters

LOCATION

Charlotte, NC

SERVICES

Brand Design

Experiential Graphics

Signage & Wayfinding

Digital Integration

For its new Global Workplace HQ, Honeywell set out to elevate brand engagement with cutting-edge digital integration and immersive design. The goal was to create a user-centric experience that encapsulates the breadth and impact of the Honeywell brand on the modern world, transforming the space into a powerful storytelling tool.

EXD strategically applied Honeywell’s brand standards to ensure consistency across every touchpoint. From lobby graphics and wayfinding to curated objects, custom illustrations, and glass films, each element was crafted to reinforce the brand’s narrative. The result is a seamless, client-facing environment where every detail—artwork, wall coverings, and digital displays—works in harmony to deliver an authentic, immersive experience that resonates with both employees and visitors.

Confidential Technology Client

LOCATION

Seattle, WA

SERVICES

Experiential Design

Experiential

Graphics

Signage & Wayfinding

Digital Experience

HOK partnered with a leading technology company to design a cutting-edge development and testing facility in Seattle, Washington, where the interior graphics and wayfinding seamlessly align with the company’s core work while maintaining strict confidentiality in public-facing areas.

To reinforce the brand’s connection to its field operations, the design integrates local sky and landscape photography, bringing the beauty of the surrounding environment into the workspace. A dynamic, digitally animated story wall further amplifies the brand narrative by showcasing topographic and GPS data from testing sites, creating an immersive experience that connects employees and visitors to the company’s innovative work in real time. This thoughtful integration of visual storytelling not only enhances the workspace but also deepens brand engagement.

Break Room - Wood Feature Wall Elevations (ALL)

Shearman

As part of Allen & Overy’s San Francisco office renovation, the experience design team is crafting a captivating arrival moment that seamlessly connects the office to the essence of the surrounding region. The centerpiece of the reception area is a dimensional installation featuring an aerial map of San Francisco, meticulously composed of paint, steel, and laser-cut acrylic. Developed in close collaboration with the client, this installation offers more than just aesthetics—it subtly honors the office’s Northern California roots while creating a memorable experience for visitors. This thoughtfully designed feature transforms the reception space into a unique brand touchpoint, delivering an element of surprise and delight that reinforces the firm’s presence in the local market.

“SPRAYED” Blue Paint
“BRUSHED” Blue Paint
3D Acrylic Map on Painted Background
“BRUSHED” Blue Paint
3D Acrylic Map on Painted Background

McGraw Hill Education

LOCATION

Chicago, IL

SERVICES

Experiential Graphics

McGraw Hill Education (MHE) partnered with EXD to create impactful experiential graphics that effectively blend MHE’s rich educational legacy with its innovative vision for the future. A highlight of this design is the pixelated wallcovering located in the elevator lobby, which gracefully wraps onto the ceiling and prominently showcases the MHE logo. This striking visual not only serves as a powerful first impression but also symbolizes the company’s significant transition toward digital innovation.

Further enhancing the space, custom window graphics featuring inspirational quotes from influential figures such as Nelson Mandela and Henri Matisse reinforce MHE’s commitment to excellence in both education and technology. These quotes serve not just as decoration but as guiding principles that resonate with employees and visitors alike, inspiring a culture of creativity and ambition. Through these thoughtful design elements, EXD has successfully created an engaging environment that reflects MHE’s dedication to fostering educational advancement in the digital age.

Pharmavite Headquarters

West Hills, CA

Experiential Graphics

Storytellling Displays

Glass Film Design

Pharmavite, the company behind Nature Made and Food State, sought to align its workplace design with its core mission of promoting wellness and healthy living. The design strategy immerses employees in the company’s brand ethos, seamlessly connecting them to its line of vitamins and supplements through thoughtful, health-focused elements.

Inspired by the natural patterns of mineral deposits in the earth’s strata, the design motif unfolds across glass films and wallcoverings, reinforcing the brand’s connection to nature. In the atrium, this layered motif transforms into the iconic silhouette of a Pharmavite bottle, creating a striking visual centerpiece that celebrates the company’s purpose while fostering a workplace culture rooted in wellness and biophilia.

Pharmavite History Wall

LOCATION

Los Angeles, CA

Experiential Graphics

EXD worked with Pharmavite, a vitamin and supplement company, to create a history wall celebrating the company’s story and important milestones. Designers worked closely with Pharmavite to parse through a wealth of materials in the company’s archive, editing and workshopping content to create the right narrative. The history wall consolidates several layers of information that are important to the company’s story - larger panels represent important company milestones, dimensional bottles mark important changes in the company’s brand and packaging design, and important external events that have affected the company over the years are noted

“Run

Halas Hall

LOCATION

Lake Forest, IL

SERVICES

Experiential Graphics

Recognition Displays

Storytelling Displays

Digital Experiences

Content Curation

Signage & Wayfinding

Halas Hall, which serves as the Chicago Bears’ headquarters and training facility, is all about winning games. From the way the team trains, recovers and educates players, each step of the journey connects them to the Bears legacy and the goal of every season: the Lombardi trophy.

At the players’ entrance, retired jersey numbers are incorporated with motion sensors, light, sound and video to invigorate team members as they begin their workday. A large-scale installation commemorates 100 years of Bears football with a suspended sculpture makde of acrylic rods representing successful seasons –division championships and Super Bowl victories. We also worked with the team’s archivists to carefully curate, display and interpret historic memorabilia.

Equinix Headquarters

LOCATION

Redwood City, CA

SERVICES

Experiential Graphics

Signage & Wayfinding

For their headquarters, Equinix aspired to create a productive and engaging environment that embodies their vision of “For Everyone”, “With Everything” and “Everywhere”. The concept of Interconnecting Threads represent Equinix’s belief in providing seamless connections for their customers through their business model as well as their employees in the workplace. The team created custom connection patterns and 3D graphics repeateable for each floor and used color statements to evoke this concept in the user experience, which doubles as a wayfinding device. With the creation of a kit of parts, branding and signage for the HQ, HOK Experience Design added a valuable and missing piece to the client’s Corporate Real Estate Office Design Guidelines. The designs developed for the HQ offers solutions for shared elements such as wayfinding at the elevator lobbies, graphics for core walls and signage for their Tech Bars.

Client

LOCATION

Plano, TX

SERVICES

Experiential Graphics

Signage & Wayfinding

Placemaking

For this workplace epxerience, the focus was telling the brand story though moments encountered by local employees as well as those visiting, all in a tone of voice reflecting the greater Dallas area. The design expresses ideas of home and growth, speaking to the company’s mission to help people own a home. The design team created experiential elements as interpretations of the vocabulary of designing, building and maintaining homes.

We shared our story, now let’s share yours!

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.