The Western North Carolina Nature Center
exhibit design, historical research, layout design, mural design, custom sign design, wayfinding design
Nestled in the mountains of North Carolina, this one-of-a-kind zoo has been inspiring curiosity and conservation for more than a century.
As part of the Gateway to the Southern Appalachians project, I led the design of multiple integrated elements from the schematic phase through construction administration, ensuring a cohesive visual language across the campus.
The scope included a layered History Wall, Donor Recognition Wall, interactive Butterfly Mural, custom exhibit signage, information kiosks, a signature Gateway Arch, campus-wide wayfinding signage, and a unified campus map—each designed to enhance visitor orientation, storytelling, and engagement with the region’s ecology and cultural heritage.
Phase 1: Wayfinding Design for entry roads and parking areas.
Installed wayfinding signage
Front gate "softener" artwork
Installed artwork makes front entry more welcoming
Waypoint kiosk with Guest Map and directionals
Updated guest map design
Installed kiosk
History Wall design with interpretive panels (including historical research)
Interpretive panels– historical research, layout design
Installed history wall– murals, dimensional lettering and interpretive panels (ACM with digital vinyl graphics mounted with stand-off hardware).
Donor Recognition Wall design
Installed Donor Recognition wall– painted dimensional mural with removable/ changeable plaques and interpretive panel.
Donor plaques– CNC routed, changeable
Interactive Butterfly Mural design
Installed hand-painted Butterfly Mural with applied interpretive plaques
Exhibit ID signage design.
Installed interactive Exhibit ID sign- fabricated steel, painted aluminum, Trex deck boards, ACM interpretives with applied vinyl graphics.
Installed Exhibit ID and Gateway Sign– painted wood, fabricated aluminum, hand-painted elements.