Business Signs and Birdhouses: Design Reviews Showcase Unique EPICS Projects

Earlier this week, the two groups participated in design reviews with an advisory panel of faculty, staff, and community partners. They covered the entire scope from conceptualization to problem-solving obstacles along the way and forecasting next steps. 

Combining creativity with technology, Amelia and Winley conceptualized designs for a business sign to hang on the exterior of the newly opened shop, Graffiti & Silk. Our students volunteer regularly at the Mobile Hope nonprofit, which serves homeless and at-risk youth. “We wanted to mention Mobile Hope in the design,” shared Amelia, “and to incorporate bright coloring and some sort of sustainability factor into all of it just to bring it together.” Presenting their strategy and several final prototypes, the girls were receptive to feedback. Their review team included two representatives from Graffiti & Silk — Amy Burns, Creative Director, and Allyson Ruscitella, Director of Development — along with Patty Callahan, a consultant for the group who founded and operated Quail Run Signs, a local business, for 20 years before selling to current owner John Ralph in 2004.

The creative process involved learning new software, pivoting, and eagerly awaiting their clients’ feedback. To capture the freeform style of graffiti, Winley drew one design element — a number of colorful hearts spanning across the sign — using her computer mouse, experimenting with both Adobe Illustrator and Canva. “Not only was it a learning experience but it's been fun,” she said. “I love creating stuff. It took longer than maybe I anticipated, but it was worth it. I had fun doing it.”

The end result? Amy and Allyson loved it. “It feels so much like what we're trying to accomplish,” said Amy. “I'm looking at this and going ‘Yeah, this is us.’ We feel very fortunate that you guys did this; we know it takes a lot of time and effort.”

“Our projects and initiatives include creating several birdhouses that can be prominently displayed on the [Levis Hill House] property,” shared Gabby G. ’23. “We want to provide an informational display about local birds and design a community-oriented painting project. We also want to install a lasting structure for the residents and people running the Levis Hill House to enjoy over time. And lastly, we want to provide a direct connection with both art and nature.”

Students researched birds native to the Middleburg area for their informational displays, as well as birdhouse materials and design. Ultimately, they proposed a design of three birdhouses on a reclaimed wood pole, with one plexiglass wall on each birdhouse to face the windows of the Levis Hill House so residents can see inside. They chose the Eastern Bluebird and the Field Sparrow for their informational displays. A workshop will be held for the Levis Hill residents to paint each of the wooden panels, and the design team would then assemble the birdhouses and mount them on site.

During the design review, STEM teacher Jade Do, STEM Department Chair Katie Hergenreder, Experiential Learning & Student Life Coordinator Beth O’Quinn, and Levis Hill House client representative Lisa Caparo with Windy Hill Foundation encouraged the group to focus on the maintenance requirements, including materials choices and weather proofing, as well as important safety precautions such as keeping out potential predators like snakes. They also discussed the possibility of using a QR code to expand on the information they provide about the species of birds and offering an audio component for the vision impaired. Also, the idea to use painting aids such as stencils or paint-by-numbers would greatly benefit the residents.

The reviewers also expressed their deep appreciation for the art/nature connection, and interactive elements of the project. “I love this project,” offered Ms. O’Quinn. “I love the idea of it. I love everything about it. I just think it's a great thing to do for the residents there and just in general for the wildlife.” Ms. Caparo concurred, “[The residents] are going to be super excited about this.”