New Courthouse Design + Discovery

Client: KMD Architects

Overview

KMD Architects, a renowned firm with a history of innovative and sustainable architectural solutions, engaged me to design the visual identity for their proposal, "The Courthouse: Design + Discovery." This document aimed to showcase their expertise in courthouse design while reflecting their deep understanding of the legal and civic environment.

My role as the graphic designer was to create a compelling, visually cohesive proposal that balanced professionalism with an engaging, modern aesthetic.

Design Approach

Concept & Visual Strategy

The graphic design approach was driven by the themes of justice, structure, and discovery—core ideas behind the proposal. To achieve this, I focused on:

  • Minimalist Typography – Clean, modern sans-serif typefaces reinforced clarity and professionalism. The hierarchy of text guided the reader naturally through the document.
  • Architectural Imagery – The courthouse imagery was treated with a duotone effect, creating a balance between technical precision and artistic storytelling. This effect also provided a strong contrast to the neutral background, emphasizing the central structure.
  • Color Palette – A refined, muted palette was selected to evoke stability and sophistication, with a subtle yet striking contrast to highlight key elements like the “+” in “Design + Discovery.”
  • Layout & Composition – The document’s grid-based layout ensured a structured and logical flow, reflecting the order and precision associated with both architecture and the judicial system.

Execution & Deliverables

  • Cover Design:
    The cover (shown above) set the tone with a powerful visual of the courthouse, an elegant use of negative space, and precise typographic placement. The contrast between warm architectural hues and the soft background created a timeless yet contemporary aesthetic.
  • Interior Layout:
    The internal pages carried a consistent typographic and grid system, incorporating high-quality renderings, diagrams, and textual content in a seamless, readable format.
  • Print & Digital Adaptation:
    The proposal was designed for both print and digital presentation, ensuring flexibility in distribution and readability across formats.

Impact & Reflection

The final proposal effectively communicated KMD Architects’ expertise, vision, and commitment to thoughtful courthouse design. The combination of strong visual identity, well-structured layout, and strategic use of color reinforced the firm’s reputation for excellence.

This project was a great example of how graphic design enhances storytelling—transforming technical and architectural proposals into visually compelling, persuasive documents.