Hammond School provides a unique pre-K through 12th-grade educational experience in Columbia, SC. The program focuses on character development, leadership, and experiential learning. The Innovation Center, completed in 2018, demonstrates the atmosphere where students at Hammond have the opportunity to learn and share experiences that go beyond what is available at many colleges. Education in facilities of this caliber is made possible through the support of philanthropists who support the school’s mission, vision and values.

Heurista was engaged early in the design of the building to provide direction for donor recognition. We operated under the assumption that the donor recognition would support the ideas of excellence and innovation represented by this new, state-of-the-art facility.

We used materials that enhanced the forward-looking and innovative nature of the space. These included soft reflective metals, transparent lettering and a set of contemporary fonts that aligned with the Hammond School brand. We were afforded the opportunity to design the wayfinding program with donor recognition, providing balance and coordination. Fabrication and installation of these signs was provided by a new sign company in the area, Swatch Graphics.

The campaign recognition display is a subtle span of graphics integrated with the feature wall opposite the primary entrance. The graphics are scaled to be read at distances that align with viewpoints throughout the building. Notably, these panels can be replaced individually allowing for the addition of donor names for those who give now that the building is open and in use.

This project sets a new standard for donor recognition at the Hammond School that will contribute to future plans to further grow the opportunities available to students through projects supported by philanthropy.

Written By Anne Manner-McLarty

Anne Manner-McLarty is the managing editor of the Journal of Donor Relations and Stewardship. She founded Heurista in 2011, a leading resource for consulting specific to donor relations and stewardship, with particular expertise in the donor recognition program design and implementation.