15 Things We’re Grateful for in 2024

This month, Via Collective celebrates 15 years! This year was one of growth and reflection, marked by new clients, exciting projects, and a deep focus on how we work together as a team. While challenges arose, the year was also filled with accomplishments and moments of celebration.

I’m incredibly proud of the work we do, the team we are, and the clients and collaborators we partner with to create systems that serve the visitors we design. In honor of 15 years—and during this season of gratitude—here are 15 things I’m thankful for.

1. The Team. Over the past year, we’ve focused on strengthening how we work together, refining our processes, and building deeper connections as a team. Each member of Via Collective brings unique perspectives and skills, and our collaboration has only grown stronger. I’m incredibly grateful for the dedication and synergy that make our team so impactful. 

2. New and Ongoing Relationships. We take pride in our collaborative design process and the strong relationships we cultivate with our clients and partners. Over the past five years, more than 80% of our work has come from existing clients or referrals. This year, we’ve continued our longstanding partnership with Randall’s Island, continued our ongoing relationships with Dattner Architects and AECOM, and expanded our collaborations with new firms, including VHB and WSP. 

3. Projects that Challenge and Inspire. This year, we took on exciting, high-profile projects that fueled our passion for creative design and pushed the Via Collective team to new heights. Stay tuned on Instagram for updates and announcements about our latest work!

4. Documenting Process & Focused on Collaboration. This year we committed to diving deep into documenting our processes to allow for a deeper collaborative environment. This strengthened our internal relationships and team work by creating a scalable system, reducing redundancies, increased productivity and allowed us to focus on what matters: Collaboration. By prioritizing open communication and holding monthly in-person meetings, we’ve seen positive growth in how we collaborate across projects. This focus on internal cohesion ensures we continue delivering seamless, successful outcomes for our clients.

5. Long Awaited Project Launches. This year marked the successful launch of several exciting projects, including the NYU Martin Scorsese Center for Visual Production, Public Prep Girls Bronx II, and with New York Presbyterian. These initiatives reflect our continued commitment to impactful design and collaboration, bringing innovative spaces to life across diverse sectors.

6. UX for Built Environments. This year, we explored how UX design principles apply to wayfinding in built environments. In our article, we highlighted how both disciplines focus on improving user navigation—whether digital or physical. By creating cohesive, intuitive wayfinding systems, we help users move through spaces with ease, reducing frustration and enhancing their overall experience.

7. Entrepreneurial Drive. As a small business navigating the ups and downs of growth, an entrepreneurial mindset has been key to Via Collective’s success. Collaborating with clients, consultants, and colleagues who share that same drive has empowered us to take bold risks and keep pushing forward, even when others doubted us. We believed in our vision, and that belief has been the foundation of our achievements.

8. Improving Design Processes. We have been focused on refining our design processes to boost efficiency and maintain high quality. By adopting new systems and workflows, we’ve streamlined project delivery, allowing us to provide creative solutions faster while upholding excellence. This continuous improvement helps us meet evolving client needs and stay ahead of industry trends, ensuring innovative and impactful designs.

9. Conferences in 2025. We’re excited to attend upcoming conferences to connect with others in our industry. We’re especially looking forward to the Passenger Terminal Expo for the latest in airport design and innovation, the SCUP North Atlantic Regional Conference 2025 for insights on higher education campus planning, and the New York State Museum Association Annual Conference to explore new trends in museum design and culture.

10. The Customer Journey. As DBE and WBE-certified wayfinding consultants, we approach our work through the lens of the customer journey. Our recently updated vision statement, Enhancing the user experience through wayfinding, reflects our commitment to this purpose. Wayfinding isn’t just about signage—it’s about improving the user experience. By examining touchpoints and interactions, we design clear, intuitive systems that seamlessly connect people to the spaces they navigate.

11. Mentorship. Sharing our wayfinding expertise with the next generation of designers is deeply fulfilling. Katie’s participation in Parsons Strategic Design & Management Program gave her, and the students and opportunity share ideas—while guiding them in the foundations of wayfinding, they bring fresh perspectives on technology and global design trends, creating a dynamic learning experience for everyone involved.

12. Embracing Progressive Design-Build in New York. Katie recently presented on the DBIA NYC Metro Panel, where the discussion centered on New York’s growing embrace of Design-Build projects. With full legislative approval pending, owners are exploring pilot projects and Progressive-like approaches to enhance collaboration and streamline delivery. We’re excited to see this shift and its impact on the future of design and construction in the state. 

13. Community. The brilliance, advocacy, and sense of opportunity within the wayfinding community continually impress me. Industry leaders, including SEGD, collaborate to share valuable resources, educational insights, and inspiration that fuel the work we do.

14. Supporters. Family and friends who have consistently shown up, offered advice (both good and bad), and made introductions that led to opportunities for me to share my passion—thank you!

15. You. Thank you for reading, for sharing, and celebrating with us!