King County Public Defender's Office
Contemporary Graphics in a Seattle Landmark
Seattle, WA
When we were invited to design graphics and signage for the new King County Public Defenders Offices in Seattle’s historic Dexter Horton Building, we were intrigued.
Dexter Horton was a Seattle pioneer who established the first local bank around 1870. Horton’s daughter and cousin developed the current building from 1922-1923, similar in style to Albert Kahn’s well-known General Motors Building (now Cadillac Place). Obviously, this was before today’s minimalist bank interiors.
The project had unique challenges and spaces. The department has five divisions, previously located in multiple offices around the city. The client was bringing them into one location.
Spread onto five floors, each lobby and division needed individual identification and since they were on different floors, continuity. Our portion of the project solution relied on repeating the graphic design, layout, materials, and color as shown on these lobby signs. We also responded to the clients' comment to project a professional appearance with the materials, color and look and feel of the new signs.
Spread onto five floors, each lobby and division needed individual identification and since they were on different floors, continuity. Our portion of the project solution relied on repeating the graphic design, layout, materials, and color as shown on these lobby signs. We also responded to the clients' comment to project a professional appearance with the materials, color and look and feel of the new signs.
For a directional sign, we designed a movable ‘pyramid’, cleverly anchored by hidden sandbags in the base. To confirm the size, shape, and layout, we mocked the pyramid up for a studio review.
Our team proposed design solutions compatible with the historic features and the contemporary tenant improvements designed by Mithun, the architect. Concept 1 was the client team’s top choice.
Concept 1
Concept 2
Concept 3
With dozens of cubicles and offices for each department, we created solutions for the tenant improvement needs, conference rooms, and training areas.
According to Code, each accessible room needs an identification sign - including these bank vaults repurposed into break rooms and workspaces. Yes, these doors are really massive, really cool and really look like they were designed to keep out Butch and Sundance.
Client: King County Public Defender's Office
Architect: Mithun
Fabricator: Tube Art Group, ImageMill
MCD design team: Mike Courtney, Fran Terry, Anthony Keo
Photos: Tony King, Michael Courtney Design
Architect: Mithun
Fabricator: Tube Art Group, ImageMill
MCD design team: Mike Courtney, Fran Terry, Anthony Keo
Photos: Tony King, Michael Courtney Design
