Hunt Design Associates, Inc.

What Hunt Design Associates, Inc. does

Hunt Design Associates, Inc. is a Pasadena, California-based professional services firm founded in 1977 by Wayne Hunt, specializing in environmental graphics, wayfinding design, signage systems, and exhibit design. The firm serves public-sector and institutional end-clients — cities, counties, universities, museums, parks, airports, zoos, and entertainment/hospitality venues — as well as private developers of mixed-use and residential projects. Its work spans signage master planning, site evaluation, wayfinding strategy, stakeholder engagement, schematic and design development, documentation, and implementation supervision, typically delivered through RFQ/RFP processes or as a subconsultant to lead architecture firms.

The underlying technology stack is craft-based rather than platform-based: data-driven sign programming and documentation software that tracks sign locations, categories, and message content with unique numbering; 3D visualization and physical prototyping through trusted third-party vendors; and, in a minority of engagements, integration with third-party digital content management systems such as WebDT Content Manager for dynamic digital kiosks (e.g., Oregon Zoo). The firm has no public API, no mobile applications, and no disclosed AI/ML capability. Brand and reputation — anchored by projects such as the National Mall, Statue of Liberty, Las Vegas Convention Center, One World Observatory, and The Parisian Macao (10,000+ wayfinding elements) — are the principal commercial assets.

The business model is project-based professional services with fees determined by scope, complexity, and scale; pricing is not publicly disclosed. Distribution is a mix of direct enterprise field sales to institutional clients and a referral channel through elite architecture firms (SOM, HOK, Gensler, HNTB, TVS Design, Michael Maltzan Architecture, Nelson Byrd Woltz), with which Hunt is repeatedly engaged as the environmental graphics specialist. The firm is privately held by three partners (Wayne Hunt, John Temple, Jennifer Bressler), with 11-50 employees, no external investment, no subsidiaries, and no disclosed acquisitions or M&A activity. Marketing is portfolio-led, augmented by an active social presence (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest), industry/SEGD leadership, and academic engagement at Art Center, USC, and Harvard.

Name

Hunt Design Associates, Inc.

Legal name

Hunt Design Associates, Inc.

Website

https://huntdesign.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1977

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Hunt Design Associates is a Pasadena-based graphic design consulting firm founded in 1977, specializing in environmental graphics, wayfinding design, signage systems, and exhibit design for cities, universities, museums, parks, airports, zoos, and entertainment venues across 25+ US states and 11+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Pasadena

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Environmental Graphic Design Consulting: Professional services revenue generated through consulting engagements for wayfinding design, environmental signage systems, interpretive graphics, and exhibit design. Projects span public spaces, parks, museums, attractions, retail entertainment centers, hospitality venues, and multi-use developments. Services include consulting, identity development, signage master planning, site evaluation, concept consultation, programming, schematic design, design development, documentation, and implementation supervision.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Hunt Design is a graphic design consulting firm that plans, designs, and oversees environmental graphics, wayfinding systems, signage programs, interpretive graphics, and exhibit installations for cities, universities, museums, parks, airports, convention centers, zoos, casinos, and mixed-use developments. Engagements span consulting, identity development, signage master planning, site evaluation, programming, schematic and design development, documentation, and implementation supervision, with projects delivered across the United States and internationally.

Product overview

Hunt Design Associates, Inc. is a graphic design consulting firm offering a unified portfolio of environmental graphics, wayfinding design, signage systems, and exhibit design services. The company provides specialized services across multiple verticals including citywide wayfinding programs, parks and outdoor interpretation, airport signage, zoo and aquarium wayfinding, museum exhibits, education campus signage, casino and hospitality signage, and residential signage. Services encompass consulting, identity development, signage master planning, site evaluation, concept consultation, programming, schematic design, design development, documentation, and implementation supervision. Projects span public spaces, parks, museums, attractions, retail entertainment centers, hospitality venues, and multi-use developments across the United States and internationally.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Wayfinding Design Services Strategic planning and design of navigation systems for complex environments, including site analysis, traffic flow studies, stakeholder engagement, and implementation of signage master plans for cities, campuses, parks, airports, and attractions.
• Environmental Graphics Design of visual elements that communicate within physical environments, including supergraphics, interpretive panels, donor recognition displays, and themed murals that enhance architectural spaces.
• Signage Systems Comprehensive signage programs covering vehicular directional signs, pedestrian wayfinding, identification signage, regulatory signs, and changeable message displays for diverse project types, supported by proprietary data-driven sign programming software.
• Exhibit Design Design of immersive museum exhibits, visitor center displays, and interpretive installations featuring graphics, artifacts, interactive elements, and multimedia content for educational experiences.
• Citywide Wayfinding Programs Comprehensive wayfinding systems for cities, counties, and districts including monument signs, gateway portals, pedestrian maps, and vehicular directional panels.
• Parks & Outdoor Interpretation Wayfinding and interpretive signage for parks and outdoor recreation areas including trail markers, interpretive kiosks, visitor center exhibits, and conservation education displays.
• Airport Signage Wayfinding and identification signage for airports, including terminal directories, directional signage, parking guidance, and digital display integration.
• Zoo & Aquarium Wayfinding Navigation systems for zoological facilities featuring color-coded zones, trail maps, directional signs, and digital kiosks.
• Museum Exhibits Design of museum exhibitions including interpretive graphics, artifact displays, timeline installations, and interactive exhibits.
• Education Campus Signage Signage master plans for higher education environments including parking signage, building identification, pedestrian wayfinding, and donor recognition.
• Casino & Hospitality Signage Wayfinding and identification systems for casinos and hospitality venues including floor navigation, amenity directions, and brand-aligned signage.
• Residential Signage Signage and graphics for residential developments including monument signs, directional signage, and branded environmental graphics.

Quantifiable outcome

• Successfully delivered 78-sign Hollywood wayfinding project with approvals from 6+ government agencies and stakeholder groups
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHunt Design collaborated with SOM on the 100 West Walnut mixed-use development in Pasadena, featuring 400 residences, 210,000 sq. ft. of offices, and 17,500 sq. ft. of retail space.
• HOK ArchitectscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHunt Design worked with HOK on the $136 million renovation of Long Beach Airport's historic streamline moderne terminal building and new concourses.
• Michael Maltzan ArchitecturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing collaboration on multiple projects including Segerstrom Center for the Arts renovation and The Emerson residential tower in Los Angeles.
• Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape ArchitectscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Houston Memorial Park master plan for the 1,500 acre multi-amenity park, working on signage and graphics design that bridges over Memorial Drive.
• PentagramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered on San Diego Zoo wayfinding project where Pentagram handled branding while Hunt Design provided comprehensive signage and wayfinding systems.
• HNTB ArchitectscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorked with HNTB on LAX United Terminals 7 and 8 renovation (300,000 sq. ft.) and San Diego International Airport Green Build renovation project.
• ArquitectonicaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on The Emerson, a 271-unit apartment tower in Downtown LA designed by Arquitectonica, where Hunt provided signage and graphics.
• GenslerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a collaborator in the extensive network of architect and design firms Hunt Design has partnered with on various projects.
• Gonzalez Goodale ArchitectsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Villa Esperanza School campus-wide signage and donor recognition program in Pasadena serving students with special needs.
• AC MartinminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered on Keck Center for Science and Engineering at Chapman University where Hunt designed the Arnold Beckman exhibit.
• EPT DesignminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with EPT Design on LA Arboretum Visitor Plaza transformation and 100 West Walnut mixed-use development.
• Cuningham GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with Cuningham Group on Emerald Queen Casino sign program for The Puyallup Tribe of Indians.
• The Hettema GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorked alongside The Hettema Group on One World Observatory wayfinding signage at One World Trade Center in New York.
• Harley Ellis DevereauxminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on 100 West Walnut project alongside SOM for this ambitious 6.4-acre Pasadena mixed-use development.
• Harvest Moon StudiosminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered on Kenneth Hahn Visitor Center, Greater Zion Visitor Center, and Hidden Pasadena historical interpretation projects.
• Gruen AssociatesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated as architect on Vasquez Rocks Visitor Center, a LEED-certified nature center featuring interpretive graphics.
• TVS DesigncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorked with TVS Design as architect of record on Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall expansion, developing wayfinding for 1.4 million sq. ft. building.
• TSK ArchitectsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of the multi-firm team coordinating Las Vegas Convention Center expansion signage requiring collaboration with TSK and other local architectural firms.
• Thinc DesignminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with Thinc Design on 'You! The Experience' exhibit at Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.
• Air Conditioned (Branding Agency)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnered with Air Conditioned branding agency on DTLA WREN residential project signage and graphics in Los Angeles.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Mijksenaar Buiting: Dutch-headquartered global wayfinding consultancy serving airports, cities, and cultural institutions worldwide. International competitor to Hunt Design's environmental graphics practice with comparable project scale and methodology.
• Selbert Perkins Design: California-based wayfinding and signage design consultancy specializing in citywide, campus, and transportation projects. Closest direct comparable to Hunt Design in scope, clientele type, and project scale within environmental graphic design.
• Poulin + Morris: NYC-based environmental graphic design firm specializing in wayfinding, identity, and exhibit design for cultural, civic, and transportation clients. Closely comparable to Hunt Design in services, deliverables, and project types.
• Two Twelve (Arcadis Wayfinding): Former independent wayfinding studio now part of Arcadis, serving airports, cities, and large institutions. Direct competitor in environmental graphic design with a similar client roster of public sector and infrastructure operators.
• Calori & Vaynerman: Established wayfinding and branded environments firm serving airports, healthcare, education, and civic clients. Directly competes with Hunt Design on large institutional signage programs and shares a comparable client roster.
• Entro Communications: Toronto-based wayfinding and signage design firm serving transit, civic, and cultural clients across North America. Direct peer offering overlapping environmental graphics and master signage planning services to institutional clients.

Others

• Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD): Industry association for the environmental graphic design profession in which Wayne Hunt served as national president and authored key references. Not a competitor, but the defining ecosystem for Hunt Design's category and talent pipeline.
• Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM): Global architecture firm that routinely retains Hunt Design as the environmental graphics specialist (e.g., 100 West Walnut, Pasadena). Strategic channel partner rather than a competitor, but a leading indicator of megaproject demand Hunt captures.

Broad incumbents

• Pentagram: Large multidisciplinary design firm with a dedicated environmental graphics practice. Has partnered with Hunt Design (e.g., San Diego Zoo branding) and competes for high-profile identity and wayfinding engagements; offers broader brand strategy as part of its portfolio.
• Gensler: Global architecture and design firm with environmental graphics capabilities. Functions both as a channel partner to Hunt Design and a competitor for integrated branding and signage mandates on large commercial and civic projects.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/HuntDesignLA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hunt-design-associates
• Instagraminstagram.com/huntdesignla
• Pinterestpinterest.com/huntdesignmedia

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hunt Design Associates, Inc.