Director of Design at Gable
Dallas Public Art Tour
Jack Hulme and I went on a walking tour of the Dallas Arts District, a performing and visual arts district that houses a collection of museums, performance spaces and restaurants to celebrate the arts and gather with friends before or after the event. We explored architecturally significant buildings, sculptures, public parks, and museums, all within a walkable radius of the downtown Dallas core.
We toured an eclectic mix of design-oriented installations and spaces that sparked new ways of thinking about design details. Exposure to diverse design solutions is a great way to expand one’s mental design toolbox and incorporate new ideas into future projects.
Emerging Technologies Shaping the Future of Environmental Design
At NEXPO, the conference’s innovation showcase, our team identified several breakthrough technologies that are reshaping the industry:
- Sustainable Materials Evolution: Direct Embed Coating’s advanced powder-coat finishes demonstrated how durability and environmental responsibility can coexist in modern design solutions. Their faux wood-grain coatings are a great solution for low-maintenance surfaces, and their ultra-durable graphics are perfect for both indoor and outdoor environments where a need for colorful impact and longevity is required. The Gable team had the opportunity to present a “snack and learn” about our own experiences in powder-coating.
- Lighting Innovation: Bitro/Resno’s new LED technology opens up possibilities for exact brand color matching in illuminated signage—a game-changer for maintaining brand integrity. Inciseon, known for their faux-neon LED solutions, offers both classic neon-style lighting and modern LED variants, giving designers the freedom to create legacy looks with the benefits of LED technology.
- Nostalgic Tech Revival: Oat Foundry’s modern take on split-flap displays showed how combining vintage charm with contemporary engineering can create uniquely engaging experiences.
- Manufacturing & Engineering Processes: Excellart manufactures signage extrusions, a process that shapes materials through precision dies. Their craftsmanship ensures durable, custom signage components. Sullaway Engineering develops and adopts standardized sign engineering in partnership with state sign associations. They continue to be a valued partner in many of our projects.
Sustainability: The New Design Imperative
The SEGD Conference gave us the opportunity to sit in on several engaging lectures that provided fresh insights, leaving us inspired and ready to put them into practice. While many presentations stood out, one of my favorites was Premnath Sundharam’s (DLR Group) session on carbon literacy. As the industry evolves, Gable remains committed to incorporating environmentally conscious solutions into our projects, ensuring that our work contributes positively to both client success and environmental stewardship.
Community and Collaboration in Action
Last but not least was The President’s Reception & Auction for Excellence, where our very own Paul Gable and Ross Hancock served as emcees. This is an event they eagerly anticipate hosting each year. I always get a kick out of Paul taking on the role of auctioneer, speaking at lightning speed, while Ross transforms into a lively bid caller, enthusiastically shouting “yep” at the top of his lungs.
Their energetic leadership helped raise substantial funds for SEGD education initiatives. Together, we can nurture the next generation of design professionals.
Looking Ahead: Design Trends for 2025
The conference revealed several emerging trends that will shape experiential design in the coming year:
- Integrated Digital-Physical Experiences: The growing convergence of traditional design elements with digital technology
- Sustainable Design Solutions: Increased focus on environmentally conscious materials and processes
- Neuroscience-Informed Design: Greater emphasis on how spaces affect human behavior and emotion
- Community-Centric Approaches: Designing spaces that foster connection and engagement
Partner with Gable on Your Next Project
One of the many reasons we look forward to the SEGD Conference each year is the chance to explore what’s next in materials and technology. These discoveries help us bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions back to our clients—it’s how we stay ahead of the curve while delivering the quality and sustainability our partners expect from Gable.
Ready to create an impactful environmental design solution? Contact us to discover how our forward-thinking approach can transform your space into an engaging experience that enhances audience engagement.
About SEGD
Each year, SEGD hosts a conference dedicated to exploring experiential design’s impact on local and global communities. SEGD is comprised of designers of experiences connecting people to place. The organization is a multidisciplinary community collectively shaping the future of experience design and is a thought leader and an amplifier of the ED in practice.
