Memorials and donor recognition systems celebrate the contributions of people who have
given so much to our country and institutions. Donor programs honor the benefactors
who make possible advances in education, medicine and the arts. Memorials provide for
poignant reflection, understanding and, sometimes, reconciliation with the event itself.
Commemorating and celebrating these people and events, with a spirit that is appropriate
to purpose and context, is one of the most rewarding things we do.

Creating a sense of arrival is a fundamental expression of identity and welcome. The most
successful gateways have architectural or cultural significance, create anticipation and
enhance the experience of place. They can mark an entrance, reinforce a perimeter or identify
the heart of a community. They assist with wayfinding, acting both as landmarks and illuminated beacons at night. To create these gateways, CGA collaborates with architects, landscape architects, lighting designers, fountain designers, artists, sculptors, transportation planners and engineers.

Creating identity involves both discovery and invention. The process requires looking
backward and forward and inward and outward. Identity should inspire as well as
represent. Branding is an expression of character, actions and purpose; it evolves over
time as a company or institution progresses. Identity and branding are both powerful
tools that influence every form of communication we create.

Our Interactive projects bring together technology and design to render complex information
engaging and understandable. CGA is a pioneer in interactive signage, developing the first
exterior wayfinding kiosk that combined sophisticated touch screens, total weatherproofing
and voice communications. As digital signage options have increased CGA has employed
them to augment traditional wayfinding. CGA’s development of a major skyline LED display
and involvement with smart phone app’s further reflect the increasing influence of
digital graphics.

With interpretation we discover and develop the messages that connect people to
important stories, initiatives and traditions. Whether to inform or inspire, CGA’s
interpretive projects celebrate people, places, subjects and events that are significant
to the community. Our storytelling is layered, allowing viewers to read and reflect at
their own pace and level of interest. For large interpretive projects, or when a long-
range vision is required, CGA also develops interpretive plans that assess, guide and
prioritize a client’s interpretive communications.

Places should be inspiring, memorable and real. A vision for the future, built on shared
ideas and values coupled with a clear communications strategy, are the foundation
of a successful placebrand. Places can exhibit a playful spirit or a more serious mission;
both can be welcoming and engaging. The environmental enhancements we develop
allow us to reinforce these messages while creating a cohesive experience for visitors.

Exterior sign systems identify, inform, direct and entertain. They express a client’s
identity, have wide viewership, and work both day and night. Sign design must balance
clarity and form; it must facilitate visitor access while contributing to a strong sense
of place. Our experience working in many environments, for a diverse client base, has
allowed us to observe what works. Signage must look and perform well for many years,
through inclement weather, heavy public use, multiple updates and institutional changes. 
CGA works diligently to develop programs that are effective, durable and maintainable.

Interior signage can lend a high level of finish and sophistication to an environment.
It coordinates – or contrasts with –interior finishes and becomes another reflection of the
client’s brand. However it poses a special challenge because of constant organizational
changes and departmental moves. CGA develops systems that allow for ongoing updates
through sign design, fabricator coordination and client policies. Nomenclature is given
special attention because consistency of message is crucial for visitor understanding.
CGA also develops wayfinding maps that are specifically designed to clarify circulation
and amenities.

Wayfinding assists people in finding their way through complex environments. People’s
perception of their surroundings, their problem solving skills, cognitive abilities or physical 
infirmities all determine how they experience a place. CGA’s wayfinding specialist, an
environmental psychologist, examines the entire visitor experience from start to finish,
analyzes relevant policies and studies user needs to ensure proper messaging and the
long-term viability of the system. Testing with mockups and prototypes ensures that the
resulting design concepts work properly.