We design brand and wayfinding systems to build meaningful connections between people and places.
Our people-first approach is collaborative, holistic and iterative. We integrate research, strategy and design in order to define unique opportunities and to connect meaningfully with audiences.
Insight
Human-centered Research
Visitor, Customer and User Research
Insights and Synthesis
Experience Mapping
Design Thinking Workshops
Prototyping and Testing
Strategy
Brand Positioning and Strategy
Holistic Visitor Experience Plans
Experience Frameworks and Journeys
Marketing and Communication Plans
Launch/Go-to-Market Plans
Strategic Plans
Design
Brand Identity
Environments
Wayfinding
Activations and Campaigns
Cartography and Map Design
Data Visualization and Infographics
Governments, institutions, consumer brands—we genuinely see our clients as creative partners and collaborators.
Blue Bottle Coffee
Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce
Columbia River Maritime Museum
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Darn Tough Vermont
Kaiser Permanente
Gateway Green Bike Park
John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum
Leach Botanical Garden
Lloyd District
NBA (National Basketball Association)
Nike
Nutribullet
Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission
Oregon Metro
Oregon Zoo
Oxbow Park
Portland Bureau of Transportation
Portland Community College
Portland International Airport
Portland Japanese Garden
Portland Parks and Recreation
See Kai Run
Seneca Park Zoo
Teton County, Wyoming
Travel Portland
University of Maryland
Washington Park
Wayfair
Wide Open
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Partners
Gwen Sparks Sullivan
Strategy and Design
IDSA
Gwen Sparks Sullivan is a strategist and designer building brands, services and experiences that meaningfully connect people to places and products.
Gwen has 20 years of experience leading human-centered design and strategy for global companies like IDEO and Nike, and as a startup founder and mentor. At IDEO she co-built the Boston office’s environments practice and worked with clients ranging from Novartis to the National Park Service. At Nike, she integrated consumer insight research methods and brand strategy to build innovative experience programs including Nike+ Run Club and founded the startup Joyn, centered on building community through movement and joy.
At sparks+sullivan, Gwen builds strategies grounded in user insights and develops innovative designs that consistently succeed because of their thoughtful connection to genuine human needs. Since co-founding the firm in 2019, her work has been recognized for design excellence and innovation by IDSA, AIGA and SEGD.
Ryan Sullivan
Design and Strategy
AIGA, SEGD, LEED AP
Ryan Sullivan is a multi-disciplinary designer experienced in brand identity, data visualization, cartography, wayfinding and placemaking.
Trained as an architect, Ryan practiced architecture and urban design and worked with Jan Gehl in Copenhagen, Denmark as a Fulbright Fellow. From 2010-19, Ryan led Paste in Place, a graphic design studio focused on data visualization and information design for “place.” He’s lectured and taught courses focused on placemaking, data visualization and wayfinding.
At sparks+sullivan, Ryan translates data, insights and strategy into compelling visual stories, and creates intuitive graphics and experiences that connect people with places and products. Since co-founding the firm in 2019, his work has been recognized for design excellence and innovation by AIGA, SEGD and IDSA.
