This month, Via Collective celebrates 16 years! Over the past year, we’ve grown, learned, and evolved—welcoming new clients and team members, tackling inspiring projects, and strengthening how we collaborate as a team. It’s been a year full of milestones, challenges, achievements, and plenty of moments worth celebrating.
I’m incredibly proud of the work we create, the people who make up our team, and the incredible clients and partners who trust us to design systems that truly support the visitors who use them. In honor of 16 years—and in the spirit of gratitude—here are 16 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 deepening our connections as a team. We’ve welcomed new team members, expanded our collective skills, and continued to grow in ways that challenge and inspire us. Every person at Via Collective brings a unique perspective, and together we learn from one another every day. I’m incredibly grateful for the dedication, curiosity, and collaboration that make our team so impactful—and so exciting to grow with.
2. New and Ongoing Relationships. Our collaborative design process—and the relationships we forge along the way—is a cornerstone of our practice. In fact, more than 80% of our work over the past five years has come from returning clients or referrals. This year, we continued our work with NYU, deepened our partnerships with Mott MacDonald and Dattner, and welcomed new firms into our growing network of collaborators.
3. Projects that Challenge and Inspire. This year brought a wave of ambitious, dynamic projects that energized our team and pushed us to stretch our creative thinking—including our work with the Obama Presidential Center, a truly meaningful and culturally significant opportunity. We also broadened the range of sectors we collaborate with, opening the door to new perspectives and partnerships. Being part of such an impactful project, alongside great clients and collaborators, was a reminder of why we’re so passionate about what we do.
4. Growing The Collective and Our Expertise. This year, we were also thrilled to welcome five new colleagues—a Marketing Coordinator, a Design Director, two Project Managers, and an Operations Director—who bring fresh energy, talent, and expertise to everything we do. Their arrival strengthens our ability to take on exciting projects while making our everyday work more collaborative, creative, and fun. We’re grateful for the opportunity to continue learning from each other and growing together.
5. Design Recognition and Celebrated Projects. We were honored this year to be recognized for our work on two incredible projects. The NYU Martin Scorsese Virtual Production Center earned Bronze at the Transform Awards North America, and our work on the NYPD 116th Precinct was recognized by Professional Women in Construction (PWC) New York with a Salute to Women of Achievement. These accolades celebrate the creativity, collaboration, and dedication of our team, and we’re proud to see the impact of our work acknowledged on such meaningful stages.
6. Guiding People With Purpose. Having the opportunity to do what we love—helping people move through the world with confidence and ease—is something we never take for granted. Each project allows us to listen closely to real user needs and shape experiences that make navigating everyday spaces a little simpler and more welcoming. It’s meaningful work, and we appreciate the trust our clients place in us as we continue improving how people connect with the places around them.
7. Entrepreneurial Drive. Running a small business means living through the ebb and flow of growth, and embracing an entrepreneurial mindset has shaped how Via Collective moves through it all. Working with clients, consultants, and colleagues who are equally driven has encouraged us to stretch, experiment, and keep going even when the path wasn’t universally understood. Trusting our vision has been the steady force behind every step forward.
8. Improving Design Processes. We’ve dedicated this year to enhancing how we work—from sharpening our design workflows to implementing tools that make collaboration smoother and delivery more efficient. These updates have helped us move from concept to solution with greater clarity and speed, without ever compromising quality. By continually evolving our processes, we’re better equipped to meet shifting client needs, anticipate industry trends, and create work that’s both innovative and impactful.
9. Connecting & Learning in 2025. This year, we were energized by the opportunity to attend a range of conferences across the sectors we serve. From aviation at AAAE, Passenger Terminal Experience, and ACI, to museum and cultural engagement at AAM, to urban planning conversations with APA NYM, and campus design insights with SCUP. Each event offered new ideas, fresh perspectives, and meaningful connections that continue to shape and inspire our work.
10. The Customer Journey. As DBE and WBE-certified wayfinding consultants, we approach every project through the lens of the user journey. Our vision statement—Enhancing the User Experience Through Wayfinding—captures the heart of that commitment. Wayfinding is far more than signage; it’s the process of shaping experiences. By understanding key touchpoints and user interactions, we create clear, intuitive systems that help people move through spaces with confidence.
11. Mentorship & Design Connections. Sharing our wayfinding expertise with the next generation of designers is incredibly rewarding, as is exchanging ideas and learning from peers in the industry. This year, we were thrilled to connect with peers, students, and emerging professionals through speaking and mentorship opportunities—at Women Busting Barriers, the Parsons School of Design Creative Consulting Club, and the Hunter College Graduate Urban Planning Studio—sparking conversations about the impact of thoughtful design in real-world spaces.
12. Sharing Insight and Expertise. Sharing our expertise and providing insight into how we approach complex design challenges is at the heart of what we do. Each project gives us the chance to explore creative solutions, collaborate closely, and shape experiences that make everyday environments more intuitive. From understanding how people move through a space to considering every touchpoint along their journey, we create wayfinding systems that are not only functional but also thoughtful, engaging, and tailored to the unique needs of each community. Recently, in a conversation with Jack Cousins of Transform, I shared insights from the NYU Martin Scorsese Virtual Production Center, discussing the challenges, inspirations, and creative decisions that guided the design of the space.
13. Community. The creativity, advocacy, and forward-thinking energy within the SEGD community never cease to inspire us. The Brick & Wonder community connects us with other small business leaders and expands our insights into managing and growing a business. Throughout these communities, we’re fortunate to connect with other professionals who openly share resources, insights, and ideas that elevate the work we do every day.
14. Supporters. To the family and friends who have always been there, offering guidance, honest feedback, and connections that opened doors for me to pursue what I love—thank you!
15. Another Year Ahead. As we reflect on everything we’ve accomplished, we’re equally energized by the chance to do it all again—and push even further—in the year ahead. Each new chapter brings fresh challenges, new collaborations, and opportunities to deepen our impact through thoughtful design. We’re grateful for the momentum we’ve built and excited for what’s next as we continue growing, learning, and creating together.
16. You. Thanks for following along, sharing in our journey, and celebrating these moments with us!
We can help you consider unique wayfinding solutions for you and your visitors. See our portfolio for examples of projects or drop us a line at hello@viacollective.com to connect with us and discuss your project.
Image Credit: Via Collective